Introduction

Diarrhoea usually goes away on its own within a few days. Make sure you or your child drink plenty of fluids.

How you can treat diarrhoea yourself

Diarrhoea should go away on its own within a few days. It's normal to also have stomach cramps.

It's important that you drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Your pee should be light yellow or clear.

As soon as you feel able to eat, go back to your normal diet.

If you have a high temperature of 38C or more, take painkillers like paracetamol.

How long diarrhoea lasts

Diarrhoea often lasts 2 to 4 days in adults and 5 to 7 days in babies or children.

Diarrhoea can be infectious.

To avoid giving it to other people, you should:

• stay off work for 2 days
• keep children at home for 2 days
• avoid swimming pools for 2 weeks

See a GP if:

• you feel very sick and keep vomiting
• you have no appetite and you're losing weight
• your poo is very dark and smelly (this may indicate there's blood in your poo)
• the diarrhoea doesn't go away
• you have recently taken antibiotics or been treated in hospital

Diarrhoea can be infectious. Check with the GP before you go in. They may suggest a phone consultation.