Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea (runny poo) and being sick are very common. They usually happen because of a stomach bug and get better on their own within a few days.

How to Feel Better at Home

The most important thing is to drink plenty of fluids so you don't get dehydrated (when your body doesn't have enough water).

What to do:

• Stay at home and rest
• Drink lots of water or squash - take small sips if you feel sick
• Keep feeding your baby as normal - if they're being sick, try smaller feeds more often
• Give babies small sips of water between feeds
• Eat when you feel able to - avoid fatty or spicy foods
• Take paracetamol if you're uncomfortable

What not to do:

• Don't drink fruit juice or fizzy drinks - they can make diarrhoea worse
• Don't make baby formula weaker than normal
• Don't give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea
• Don't give aspirin to children under 16

How Long It Lasts

• Diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days
• Being sick usually stops in 1 or 2 days

Stopping the Spread

Stay off school or work until you haven't been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days.

To avoid spreading germs:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often
• Wash any dirty clothes or bedding separately on a hot wash
• Clean toilets, door handles and surfaces daily
• Don't prepare food for others if possible
• Don't share towels or cutlery
• Don't go swimming until 48 hours after symptoms stop

When to Get Help

See a pharmacist if:

• You or your child (over 5) have signs of dehydration like dark, smelly wee or weeing less than usual
• You're older, have a weak immune system, or other health conditions
• You need to stop diarrhoea for a few hours

Call 111 if:

• You're worried about a baby under 12 months
• Your child stops feeding while ill
• A child under 5 has signs of dehydration
• You still have signs of dehydration after using rehydration sachets
• You can't keep fluids down
• You have blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom
• Diarrhoea lasts more than 7 days or vomiting more than 2 days

Emergency Signs - Call 999

Get emergency help if you or your child:

• Vomit blood or coffee-ground looking sick
• Have green sick (adults) or yellow-green sick (children)
• Might have swallowed poison
• Have a stiff neck and pain looking at bright lights
• Have sudden, severe headache or tummy pain
• Have blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue
• Are having severe trouble breathing
• Seem confused or not responding normally

What Causes It

Most cases are caused by:

• Stomach bugs
• Food poisoning

Other causes can include medicines, food allergies, anxiety, or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. If you're concerned about what's causing your symptoms, speak to your GP.

Remember, most cases of diarrhoea and vomiting get better on their own with rest and plenty of fluids. However, don't hesitate to seek help if you're worried or if symptoms get worse.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.