Diarrhoea often goes away without treatment after a few days, because your immune system (the body’s natural defence system) automatically fights the infection.
In children, the symptoms of diarrhoea usually pass within five to seven days. Most children's diarrhoea symptoms do not last more than two weeks.
In adults, the symptoms of diarrhoea usually improve within two to four days. The time that diarrhoea usually lasts for in particular infections can be:
- rotavirus: three to eight days
- norovirus: around two days
- campylobacter and salmonella bacterial infections: two to seven days
- giardiasis (infection with the Giardia intestinalis parasite): several weeks
In the meantime, you can ease your symptoms by following the steps below.
Drink fluids
You can avoid dehydration by drinking lots of fluids. Take small, frequent sips of water. You are more likely to be dehydrated if you are also vomiting.
It is especially important that babies and small children do not become dehydrated. Even if your child vomits, still give them frequent sips of water. A small amount of fluid is better than none. Fruit juice and fizzy drinks should be avoided, as these can make diarrhoea worse in children.
If your child shows signs of dehydration, contact your GP immediately. Signs of dehydration include:
- appearing to get more unwell
- being irritable or drowsy
- passing urine infrequently
- pale or mottled skin
- cold hands and feet
Children at risk of dehydration
Your child may be at increased risk of dehydration if they:
- are younger than one, particularly if they are younger than six months
- are less than two years old and born with a low birth weight
- have had more than five episodes of diarrhoea in the last 24 hours
- have vomited more than twice in the last 24 hours
- have not been able to hold down fluids
- have suddenly stopped breastfeeding
Continue breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
If you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your child and they have diarrhoea, continue breastfeeding or bottle-feeding them as normal. Rehydration drinks should also be given if your child is at risk of dehydration.
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
Your GP or pharmacist may suggest drinking an oral rehydration solution (ORS) if you are more vulnerable to the effects of dehydration, for example because:
- you are 60 years old or older
- you are frail
- you have another pre-existing condition, such as cardiovascular disease
Rehydration drinks usually come in sachets that are available without a prescription from your local pharmacist. They are dissolved in water and they help to replace salt, glucose and other important minerals that you may be losing through dehydration.
Rehydration drinks do not cure diarrhoea, but can prevent or treat dehydration. Do not use homemade salt or sugar drinks.
Children and Oral rehydration solution (ORS)
Your GP or pharmacist may also recommend an oral rehydration solution for your child if they are dehydrated or at risk of dehydration (see above).
It is usually recommended that your child drinks an ORS each time they have an episode of diarrhoea. The exact amount of ORS they should drink will depend on their size and weight. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you. The manufacturer’s instructions that come with the ORS also give information about the recommended dose.
Advice about eating
Expert opinion is divided over when and what you should eat if you have diarrhoea, but most agree that you should eat solid food as soon as you feel able to. Eat small, light meals and avoid fatty, spicy or heavy foods.
If you feel you cannot eat, it should not do you any harm, but make sure that you continue drinking fluids, and eat as soon as you can.
Children and eating
If your child is dehydrated, do not give them any solid food until they have drunk enough fluids. Once they have stopped showing signs of dehydration, they can start eating their normal diet.
If your child is not dehydrated, offer them their normal diet. If your child refuses to eat, continue to offer drinks and wait until their appetite returns.
Medicines
Antidiarrhoeal medicines
Antidiarrhoeal medicines may reduce the diarrhoea and shorten how long it lasts by around 24 hours. However, they are not usually necessary unless shortening the duration of your diarrhoea helps you get back to your essential activities sooner.
Loperamide is the preferred antidiarrhoeal medicine because it causes fewer side effects and there is more evidence of its effectiveness. Loperamide slows down muscle movements in your gut, which leads to more water being absorbed from your faeces. Your faeces then become firmer and are passed less frequently.
Some antidiarrhoeal medicines can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription. Check the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine to find out if it is suitable for you and what dose you should take. Ask your pharmacist for advice if you are unsure.
You should not take antidiarrhoeal medicines if:
- there is blood or mucus in your stools
- you have a high temperature
Contact your GP instead.
Children should not be given antidiarrhoeal medicines.
Painkillers
Although painkillers will not help the diarrhoea, you can take the recommended dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have a fever or headache. Do not take ibuprofen if you have asthma, or if you have stomach, liver or kidney problems.
Liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen can also be given to your child if necessary. Check the patient information leaflet to find out if it is suitable for your child. Children under 16 years old should not take aspirin.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not recommended for diarrhoea if the cause is unknown. This is because:
- they do not work if the diarrhoea is caused by a virus
- they can cause unpleasant side effects
- every time you use antibiotics to treat a mild condition, it is more likely that their effectiveness for treating more serious conditions is reduced
However, if your diarrhoea is particularly severe and a specific bacterial cause has been identified, antibiotics may be recommended.
Antibiotics may also be recommended if you have a pre-existing risk factor that makes you more vulnerable to infection, such as having a weakened immune system.
Treatment in hospital
Hospital treatment may be necessary if you or your child has serious dehydration caused by diarrhoea.
Hospital treatment involves administering fluids and nutrients directly into the vein (intravenously).
