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Diarrhoea in adults

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.

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.

Self-help guide

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Immediate action required: 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

Urgent advice: 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.

How to avoid spreading infection

Stay at home until at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea to prevent spreading any infection to others.

Treatment for diarrhoea

A pharmacist can help with diarrhoea.

Speak to a pharmacist if you:

  • have signs of dehydration, like dark, smelly pee or peeing less than usual
  • are an older person
  • have a weakened immune system
  • have other health conditions that increase your risk of dehydration
  • need to stop diarrhoea for a few hours

They may recommend:

  • oral rehydration powder that you mix with water to make a drink
  • medicine to stop diarrhoea for a few hours, like loperamide (not suitable for children aged 11 years and under)

What causes diarrhoea?

There are many different causes of diarrhoea. A bowel infection (gastroenteritis) is a common cause in adults. 

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 parasite that causes giardiasis, which is spread in contaminated water 

These infections can sometimes be caught during travelling abroad, particularly to areas with poor standards of public hygiene. This is known as travellers’ diarrhoea. 

Diarrhoea can also be the result of:

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.

How to prevent diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is often caused by an infection. You can reduce your risk by keeping high standards of hygiene.

 

Do

  • wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food
  • clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles with disinfectant after each bout of diarrhoea
  • wash any clothing or bedding that has poo or vomit on it separately on a hot wash

Don't

  • do not prepare food for other people, if possible
  • do not share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils with other household members
  • do not use a swimming pool until at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop
  • do not drink any tap water that could be unsafe when travelling abroad