Traveller's diarrhoea
Diarrhoea usually occurs when fluid can't be absorbed from the contents ofyour bowel, or when extra fluid is secreted into your bowel, causing watery poo.
Diarrhoea is usually a symptom of a bowel infection (gastroenteritis) , whichcanbe caused by:
Other possible causes ofshort-term diarrhoea include:
Diarrhoea can also sometimes be a side effect of a medication, including:
The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine should state whether diarrhoea is a possible side effect.
Conditions that can cause persistent diarrhoea include:
Persistent diarrhoea can also sometimes occurafter surgery on the stomach, such as a gastrectomy .
Diarrhoea is where you frequently pass watery or loose poo. Some people may also have other symptoms, depending on the cause.
Read about causes of diarrhoes. Diarrhoea usually occurs when fluid can't be absorbed from the contents of your bowel, or when extra fluid is secreted into your bowel.
Read about diagnosing diarrhoea. Further investigation may be needed if you have persistent or severe diarrhoea.
Read about treating diarrhoea. Diarrhoea usually clears up without treatment after a few days, particularly if it's caused by an infection.
TV producer Clare Gilbert arrived in Mumbai for a two-week backpacking trip and promptly came down with a nasty bout of diarrhoea.