Diarrhoea in adults
Diarrhoea in adults
Overview
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Diarrhoea is passing looser, watery or more frequent poo (stools) than is normal for you.
It affects most people from time to time. It can be distressing and unpleasant but is usually nothing to worry about. It normally clears up in a few days to a week.
There is a separate page on diarrhoea in children and babies.
Self-help guide
Advice for people aged 5 years or more with diarrhoea or loose stools.
Complete our self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
You:
- may have swallowed something poisonous
- have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
- have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- are having severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
- are confused or not responding as usual
Contact your GP practice urgently if:
You:
- still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
- have diarrhoea for more than 7 days
- are vomiting for more than 2 days
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
What to do if you have diarrhoea
Most cases of diarrhoea clear up after a few days without treatment.
Try to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Drink small sips of water often.
Eat as soon as you feel able to. Choose foods that are easy to digest like:
- white fish
- mashed potatoes
- yoghurt
- jelly
Foods that are low in fibre are also helpful, including:
- white bread
- white pasta
- white rice
- plain biscuits
- plain cereals
Avoid foods that are fatty or spicy.
NHS Scotland North have further information about managing diarrhoea, including what to eat and drink.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
You:
- may have swallowed something poisonous
- have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
- have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- are having severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
- are confused or not responding as usual
Contact your GP practice urgently if:
You:
- still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
- have diarrhoea for more than 7 days
- are vomiting for more than 2 days
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
What to do if you have diarrhoea
Most cases of diarrhoea clear up after a few days without treatment.
Try to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Drink small sips of water often.
Eat as soon as you feel able to. Choose foods that are easy to digest like:
- white fish
- mashed potatoes
- yoghurt
- jelly
Foods that are low in fibre are also helpful, including:
- white bread
- white pasta
- white rice
- plain biscuits
- plain cereals
Avoid foods that are fatty or spicy.
NHS Scotland North have further information about managing diarrhoea, including what to eat and drink.
Causes
What causes diarrhoea?
There are many possible causes. In adults, a common one is a bowel infection, also called gastroenteritis.
Gastroenteritis can be caused by:
- a virus, such as norovirus or rotavirus
- bacteria, such as campylobacter and Escherichia coli (E. coli), which are often picked up from contaminated food
- a parasite, like the one that causes giardiasis, which spreads through contaminated water
These infections can sometimes be picked up while travelling abroad, especially in areas where public hygiene standards are poor. This is known as travellers' diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea can also result from:
- anxiety
- a food allergy
- medication
Treatment
A pharmacist can help if you have diarrhoea.
Speak to a pharmacist if you:
- have signs of dehydration, such as dark, smelly pee or peeing less than usual
- are an older person
- have a weakened immune system
- have other health conditions that raise your risk of dehydration
- need to stop diarrhoea for a few hours
They may suggest:
- an oral rehydration powder that you mix with water to make a drink
- medicine to stop diarrhoea for a few hours, such as loperamide (not suitable for children aged 11 and under)
Prevention
Stay home until at least 48 hours after your last bout of diarrhoea, so you don't pass the infection on to others.
How to prevent diarrhoea
Most diarrhoea comes from an infection, so good hygiene is your best defence.
Helpful habits
- Wash your hands well with soap and warm water after using the toilet, and before eating or preparing food.
- Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles with disinfectant after every episode of diarrhoea.
- Wash any clothing or bedding stained with stool or vomit separately, on a hot wash.
Things to avoid
- Avoid preparing food for other people if you can help it.
- Do not share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils with others in your household.
- Stay out of swimming pools until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.
- When travelling abroad, avoid drinking tap water that may not be safe.
Please don't include personal information such as your name, location or details of any health conditions.
Complications
Long-term conditions
Diarrhoea can be a symptom of long-term health conditions, some of which are rare.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term condition of the digestive system.
A main symptom of IBS is a change in bowel habits, like diarrhoea, constipation or sometimes both.
Symptoms can often become worse during times of stress or after eating certain foods.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe conditions that cause severe tummy pain and diarrhoea. The main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Symptoms of IBD include recurring diarrhoea, as well as blood or mucus (clear slime) in your poo.