Diarrhoea - symptoms, causes, self care and treatments

<!DOCTYPE html>  <html lang="en-AU"> <head> <title>Diarrhoea - symptoms, causes, self care and treatments | healthdirect</title> <script src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?render=6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" async defer></script> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=1021494621"> <meta name="description" content="Diarrhoea in adults may last a just few days, or it might be a symptom of something more serious. Learn about the causes and treatments for diarrhoea."> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <meta name="referrer" content="always" /> <meta name="DC.Format" schema="DCterms:IMT" content="text/html" /><meta name="DC.Type" content="text/html"> <meta name="DC.Title" xml:lang="EN" content="Diarrhoea" /> <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Subject" xml:lang="EN" content="Diarrhoea,Gastroenteritis"> <meta name="DC.Publisher" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Date" scheme="ISO8601" content="2024-10-03T01:55:04.211Z"> <meta name="DC.Description" xml:lang="EN" content="Diarrhoea in adults may last a just few days, or it might be a symptom of something more serious. Learn about the causes and treatments for diarrhoea."> <meta name="DC.Rights" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Language" content="en-AU"> <meta property="og:title" content="Diarrhoea" > <meta property="og:type" content="article" > <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea" > <meta property="og:image" content="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/healthdirect_logo.png"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea"> <link rel="amphtml" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/amp/article/diarrhoea"> <script type="application/ld+json">{"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is diarrhoea?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea#Question1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What is diarrhoea? Answer","text":"Diarrhoea is when you have 3 or more loose or liquid stools (poos) in one day, or more frequently than normal. If you have diarrhoea, you will notice an increase in the volume, wateriness or frequency of your bowel movements.\n\nDiarrhoea episodes are often caused by a stomach bug (gastroenteritis) and clear up on their own in a few days. However, there are many other causes of diarrhoea.\n\nMost diarrhoea is mild, but it can also be severe enough to need to go to hospital.\n\nThis article covers diarrhoea in adults and children over 12 years. See diarrhoea in children for information about diarrhoea in young children.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea#Answer1"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What causes diarrhoea?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea#Question3","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What causes diarrhoea? Answer","text":"Diarrhoea happens when not enough water is removed from your stool, or too much fluid is secreted into the stool, making it loose.\n\nThere are many different causes of diarrhoea. It can be caused by a short-term illness that clears up in a few days. If diarrhoea continues for weeks, it is likely to be a symptom of an ongoing problem or chronic condition.\n\nShort-term causes of diarrhoea\nShort-term diarrhoea is often due to infections, such as:\n\nfood poisoning\nviral gastroenteritis — for example, caused by rotavirus or norovirus infection\nCOVID-19 — nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting can all be symptoms of COVID-19\nwaterborne parasites, such as cryptosporidium and giardia\nOther causes of short-term diarrhoea can include:\n\na change in diet\ncertain food ingredients\ndrinking too much alcohol\nstress\nLong-term causes of diarrhoea\nDiarrhoea can be caused by some long-term conditions, such as:\n\ninflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)\nirritable bowel syndrome\nfood intolerances, such as lactose intolerance\ndiverticular disease\nmalabsorption syndromes — for example, after bowel surgery\nPeople who are immunosuppressed or have weakened immune systems are more likely to develop ongoing diarrhoea after a bout of gastroenteritis. This includes people who have:\n\ncancer\nHIV/AIDS\nhad an organ transplant\nMedical treatments that can cause diarrhoea\nMedical treatments that may cause diarrhoea as a side effect include:\n\nsome medicines — for example, antibiotics\nlaxatives, if too many are taken\nsome treatments for cancer","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea#Answer3"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How is diarrhoea treated?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea#Question6","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How is diarrhoea treated? Answer","text":"Simple diarrhoea usually clears up by itself in healthy people. In many cases you will be able to manage your symptoms at home.\n\nIf your diarrhoea doesn't clear up on its own there are medicines and other treatments available.\n\nSelf-care at home\nYou should try to do the following:\n\nRest at home.\nStay off work or school until you have not had a loose bowel motion for 24 hours.\nDrink clear fluids or oral rehydration solution to replace lost fluids — take small sips if you feel sick.\nAvoid foods and drinks with artificial sweeteners — they can prolong the diarrhoea.\nAvoid alcohol and caffeine.\nManage your diet until you get back to normal — eat bland foods, such as rice, pasta and crackers, and avoid fatty foods or those high in insoluble fibre.\nYou can buy oral rehydration solutions over the counter from your pharmacist or at the supermarket.\n\nFor older people and children, oral rehydration solutions are better than plain water. They contain the right concentration of salts to replace both fluids and electrolytes that your body needs.\n\nSports rehydration drinks are not recommended.\n\nMedicines for diarrhoea\nCheck with your pharmacist or doctor if you are thinking of taking over-the-counter anti-diarrhoeal medicines. These are not suitable for use in all cases of diarrhoea. Do not take them if you have a fever or have blood in your stool.\n\nRemember that diarrhoea can be your body's way of getting rid of an infection. Anti-diarrhoeal medicines should not be taken long term because they slow your gut and may prolong your illness.\n\nAnti-diarrhoeal medicines should not be used to treat diarrhoea in children.\n\nOther treatment options\nOther treatments for diarrhoea will depend on the cause. They may include:\n\nIntravenous fluids — if you are not able to take in enough fluids by mouth you may need intravenous fluids via a drip.\nAntibiotics — if your stool sample shows that your diarrhoea is due to a bacterial infection, you may need antibiotics.\nDietary changes — if you are experiencing diarrhoea for dietary reasons or due to irritable bowel syndrome, a dietitian should be able to help.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea#Answer6"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the complications of diarrhoea?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea#Question7","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What are the complications of diarrhoea? Answer","text":"Diarrhoea may cause dehydration because more fluids are lost than normal. It can also lead to an imbalance in electrolytes (salts and minerals your body needs to function properly.)\n\nOngoing diarrhoea can make it difficult for you to absorb nutrients from food and can lead to malnutrition.\n\nSome people may develop temporary lactose intolerance after an episode of diarrhoea or gastroenteritis. See your doctor if the symptoms continue for more than a couple of weeks.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea#Answer7"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can diarrhoea be prevented?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea#Question8","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"Can diarrhoea be prevented? Answer","text":"Gastroenteritis is the most common cause of diarrhoea. It is highly infectious, and mostly spread by contact with another person who has the illness. Gastroenteritis can also come from contaminated food.\n\nTo help to stop the spread of gastroenteritis:\n\nWash your hands frequently using a good handwashing technique.\nFollow proper food-safety practices.\nDo not prepare food for others if you are unwell.\nDo not visit hospitals, aged care facilities or swimming pools when you have diarrhoea.\nMake sure your children are vaccinated against rotavirus.\nIf you are planning overseas travel, see your doctor about recommended vaccines.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea#Answer8"}}],"@type":"FAQPage","about":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diarrhea","name":"Diarrhoea","description":"Diarrhoea in adults may last a just few days, or it might be a symptom of something more serious. Learn about the causes and treatments for diarrhoea.","dateModified":"2024-03-08T16:52:00Z","alternateName":"Diarrhea","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea","@context":"http://schema.org","url":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea"}</script> <script src="https://cdn-oc.readspeaker.com/script/8207/webReader/webReader.js?pids=wr" type="text/javascript" id="rs_req_Init"></script> <script> dataLayer = []; </script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MHFB33K');</script>  <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="512x512" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-512x512.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="192x192" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-192x192.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/assets/images/favicon-32x32.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/assets/images/favicon-16x16.png">  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/assets/711/styles/main.css"> <style type="text/css"> .grecaptcha-badge{ display:none; 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}; function onError(error) {}</script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-desktop-mode', "https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea"); </script> </span> </div> <div id="readspeaker_button1" class="rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve"> <a rel="nofollow" class="rsbtn_play" accesskey="L" title="Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker" href="//app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=8207&lang=en_au&readid=mainContentArticleText&url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea"> <span class="rsbtn_left rsimg rspart"><span class="rsbtn_text"><span>Listen</span></span></span> <span class="rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart"></span> </a> </div> </header> <div class="main_content-body-text"><div class="cont_layout-standout"> <h2>Key facts</h2> <ul> <li>Most diarrhoea is mild and clears up in a few days without treatment.</li> <li>Diarrhoea has many different causes, but gastroenteritis is a common one.</li> <li>Avoiding dehydration is very important, especially in children and older adults.</li> <li>Children and older adults should use oral rehydration solutions to replace fluids when they have diarrhoea.</li> <li>Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking anti-diarrhoeal medicines.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#what-is">What is diarrhoea?</a></li> <li><a href="#symptoms">What symptoms relate to diarrhoea?</a></li> <li><a href="#causes">What causes diarrhoea?</a></li> <li><a href="#diagnosed">How is the cause of diarrhoea diagnosed?</a></li> <li><a href="#doctor">When should I see my doctor?</a></li> <li><a href="#treated">How is diarrhoea treated?</a></li> <li><a href="#prevented">Can diarrhoea be prevented?</a></li> <li><a href="#complications">What are the complications of diarrhoea?</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Resources and support</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="what-is">What is diarrhoea?</h2> <p>Diarrhoea is when you have 3 or more loose or liquid stools (poos) in one day, or more frequently than normal. If you have diarrhoea, you will notice an increase in the volume, wateriness or frequency of your bowel movements.</p> <p>Diarrhoea episodes are often caused by a stomach bug (<a href="/gastroenteritis">gastroenteritis</a>) and clear up on their own in a few days. However, there are many other causes of diarrhoea.</p> <p>Most diarrhoea is mild, but it can also be severe enough to need to go to hospital.</p> <p>This article covers diarrhoea in adults and children over 12 years. See <a href="/diarrhoea-in-children">diarrhoea in children</a> for information about diarrhoea in young children.</p> <h2 id="symptoms">What symptoms relate to diarrhoea?</h2> <p>As well as the loose and watery stools of diarrhoea, you may sometimes have other symptoms, including:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/nausea">nausea</a> (feeling sick) and <a href="/vomiting">vomiting</a> (being sick)</li> <li><a href="/fever">fever</a></li> <li><a href="/headaches">headache</a></li> <li><a href="/bloating">bloating</a> </li> <li><a href="/flatulence">flatulence</a> (excess gas)</li> <li><a href="/abdominal-pain">abdominal pain</a> (tummy pain)</li> <li><a href="/changes-to-your-appetite">loss of appetite</a></li> </ul> <p>You may feel an urgent need to go to the toilet.</p> <p><a href="/dehydration">Dehydration</a> can develop when you have diarrhoea, especially in children and older adults.</p> <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_user-md"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS</strong> — Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Symptom Checker</strong> and find out if you need to seek medical help.</p> </a> <div class="cont_layout-standout_action2"> <h3>Should I keep my child or teen home from school?</h3> <p>Here's a list of common childhood illnesses, including diarrhoea, and their <a href="/school-exclusion-periods"><strong>recommended exclusion periods</strong></a>.</p> </div> <h2 id="causes">What causes diarrhoea?</h2> <p>Diarrhoea happens when not enough water is removed from your stool, or too much fluid is secreted into the stool, making it loose.</p> <p>There are many different causes of diarrhoea. It can be caused by a short-term illness that clears up in a few days. If diarrhoea continues for weeks, it is likely to be a symptom of an ongoing problem or chronic condition.</p> <h3>Short-term causes of diarrhoea</h3> <p>Short-term diarrhoea is often due to infections, such as:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/food-poisoning">food poisoning</a></li> <li>viral gastroenteritis — for example, caused by <a href="/rotavirus">rotavirus</a> or <a href="/norovirus-infection">norovirus infection</a></li> <li><a href="/covid-19">COVID-19</a> — nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting can all be symptoms of COVID-19</li> <li>waterborne parasites, such as <a href="/cryptosporidiosis">cryptosporidium</a> and <a href="/giardiasis">giardia</a></li> </ul> <p>Other causes of short-term diarrhoea can include:</p> <ul> <li>a change in diet</li> <li>certain food ingredients</li> <li>drinking too much <a href="/alcohol">alcohol</a></li> <li><a href="/stress">stress</a></li> </ul> <h3>Long-term causes of diarrhoea</h3> <p>Diarrhoea can be caused by some long-term conditions, such as:</p> <ul> <li>inflammatory bowel disease (<a href="/crohns-disease">Crohn's disease</a> and <a href="/ulcerative-colitis">ulcerative colitis</a>)</li> <li><a href="/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs">irritable bowel syndrome</a></li> <li>food intolerances, such as <a href="/lactose-intolerance">lactose intolerance</a></li> <li><a href="/diverticular-disease-and-diverticulitis">diverticular</a> disease</li> <li>malabsorption syndromes — for example, after bowel surgery</li> </ul> <p>People who are immunosuppressed or have weakened immune systems are more likely to develop ongoing diarrhoea after a bout of gastroenteritis. This includes people who have:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/cancer">cancer</a></li> <li><a href="/hiv-infection-and-aids">HIV/AIDS</a> </li> <li>had an <a href="/organ-transplants">organ transplant</a></li> </ul> <h3>Medical treatments that can cause diarrhoea</h3> <p>Medical treatments that may cause diarrhoea as a side effect include:</p> <ul> <li>some medicines — for example, <a href="/antibiotics">antibiotics</a></li> <li>laxatives, if too many are taken</li> <li>some treatments for cancer</li> </ul> <h2 id="diagnosed">How is the cause of diarrhoea diagnosed?</h2> <p>Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and take a medical history. They will also examine you.</p> <p>If your diarrhoea goes away after a few days you may not find out the cause.</p> <p>Sometimes, tests will be needed to diagnose the cause of your diarrhoea. These can include:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/blood-testing">blood tests</a></li> <li><a href="/stool-tests">stool tests</a></li> <li><a href="/endoscopy">endoscopy</a> or <a href="/colonoscopy">colonoscopy</a> (procedures where a thin tube with a camera on the end are used to view inside your stomach or bowel)</li> </ul> <p>If you have ongoing diarrhoea, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for tests and to work out the <a href="/what-causes-diarrhoea">underlying cause.</a><strong> </strong></p> <a href="/australian-health-services" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_hospital"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>FIND A HEALTH SERVICE</strong> — The <strong class="cont_underline">Service Finder</strong> can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.</p> </a> <h2 id="doctor">When should I see my doctor?</h2> <p>An isolated episode of diarrhoea will often clear up without any treatment and you won't need to see a doctor.</p> <p>Seek medical advice if you have any of the following:</p> <ul> <li>ongoing diarrhoea</li> <li><a href="/blood-in-stool">blood and/or mucus in your stool (poo)</a></li> <li>a fever</li> <li>unexplained weight loss</li> <li>diarrhoea at night</li> </ul> <h3>When to seek urgent care</h3> <p>See you doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you have:</p> <ul> <li>severe diarrhoea</li> <li>signs of <a href="/dehydration">dehydration</a> (feeling tired, decreased urination, thirst and dry mouth)</li> <li>heavy <a href="/rectal-bleeding">rectal bleeding</a></li> <li>diarrhoea and severe <a href="/abdominal-pain">abdominal pain</a></li> </ul> <p>Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and an electrolyte (salt) imbalance, making it dangerous — especially in very young or older people, who can get worse quickly.</p> <a href="/question-builder" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_question"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>ASK YOUR DOCTOR</strong> — Preparing for an appointment? Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Question Builder</strong> for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.</p> </a> <h2 id="treated">How is diarrhoea treated?</h2> <p>Simple diarrhoea usually clears up by itself in healthy people. In many cases you will be able to manage your symptoms at home.</p> <p>If your diarrhoea doesn't clear up on its own there are medicines and other treatments available.</p> <h3>Self-care at home</h3> <p>You should try to do the following:</p> <ul> <li>Rest at home.</li> <li>Stay off work or school until you have not had a loose bowel motion for 24 hours.</li> <li>Drink clear fluids or oral rehydration solution to replace lost fluids — take small sips if you feel sick.</li> <li>Avoid foods and drinks with artificial sweeteners — they can prolong the diarrhoea.</li> <li>Avoid alcohol and <a href="/caffeine">caffeine</a>.</li> <li>Manage your diet until you get back to normal — eat bland foods, such as rice, pasta and crackers, and avoid fatty foods or <a href="/high-fibre-foods-and-diet">those high in insoluble fibre</a>.</li> </ul> <p>You can buy <strong>oral rehydration solutions</strong> <a href="/over-the-counter-medicines">over the counter</a> from your pharmacist or at the supermarket.</p> <p>For older people and children, oral rehydration solutions are better than plain water. They contain the right concentration of salts to replace both fluids and electrolytes that your body needs.</p> <p>Sports rehydration drinks are not recommended.</p> <figure> <img src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/diarrhoea-recovery-527f9c.png" title="5 tips to help you recover from diarrhoea" alt="Illustration of 5 tips to help you recover from diarrhoea: Rest at home, stay off work and school, drink clear fluids, eat bland foods and avoid artificial sweeteners, coffee and alcohol." data-hda-inline-image> <figcaption>5 tips to help you recover from diarrhoea.</figcaption> </figure> <h3>Medicines for diarrhoea</h3> <p>Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are thinking of taking over-the-counter anti-diarrhoeal medicines. These are not suitable for use in all cases of diarrhoea. Do not take them if you have a fever or have blood in your stool.</p> <p>Remember that diarrhoea can be your body's way of getting rid of an infection. Anti-diarrhoeal medicines should not be taken long term because they slow your gut and may prolong your illness.</p> <div class="cont_layout-container"> <div class="cont_layout-media-object"> <div class="cont_layout-media-object-left"> <i id="preview_icon" class="hda-icon_circle-warning dor-icon_circle-warning" style="color:#1e4759; font-size: 16px;"></i> </div> <div class="cont_layout-media-object-right"> <p><strong>Anti-diarrhoeal medicines should not be used to treat diarrhoea in children.</strong></p> </div> </div> </div> <h3>Other treatment options</h3> <p>Other treatments for diarrhoea will depend on the cause. They may include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Intravenous fluids</strong> — if you are not able to take in enough fluids by mouth you may need intravenous fluids via a drip.</li> <li><strong>Antibiotics</strong> — if your stool sample shows that your diarrhoea is due to a bacterial infection, you may need antibiotics.</li> <li><strong>Dietary changes</strong> — if you are experiencing diarrhoea for dietary reasons or due to irritable bowel syndrome, a <a href="/dietitians">dietitian</a> should be able to help.</li> </ul> <h2 id="prevented">Can diarrhoea be prevented?</h2> <p>Gastroenteritis is the most common cause of diarrhoea. It is highly infectious, and mostly spread by contact with another person who has the illness. Gastroenteritis can also come from contaminated food.</p> <p>To help to stop the spread of gastroenteritis:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/hand-washing">Wash your hands</a> frequently using a good handwashing technique.</li> <li>Follow proper <a href="/food-safety">food-safety</a> practices.</li> <li>Do not prepare food for others if you are unwell.</li> <li>Do not visit hospitals, aged care facilities or swimming pools when you have diarrhoea.</li> <li>Make sure your children are <a href="/rotavirus#prevented">vaccinated against rotavirus</a>.</li> </ul> <p>If you are planning overseas <a href="/travel-health-advice">travel</a>, see your doctor about <a href="/travel-vaccinations">recommended vaccines</a>.</p> <h2 id="complications">What are the complications of diarrhoea?</h2> <p>Diarrhoea may cause dehydration because more fluids are lost than normal. It can also lead to an imbalance in electrolytes (salts and minerals your body needs to function properly.)</p> <p>Ongoing diarrhoea can make it difficult for you to absorb nutrients from food and can lead to <a href="/malnutrition">malnutrition</a>.</p> <p>Some people may develop temporary <a href="/lactose-intolerance">lactose intolerance</a> after an episode of diarrhoea or gastroenteritis. See your doctor if the symptoms continue for more than a couple of weeks.</p> <h2 id="resources">Resources and support</h2> <p>If you need advice on what to do if you have diarrhoea, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours, 7 days a week.</p> <p>Visit pregnancy birth and baby to learn about <a href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/diarrhoea-in-babies-and-children" target="_blank">diarrhoea in babies and children.</a></p> <p>For more information about chronic conditions associated with diarrhoea try these resources:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://gutfoundation.com.au/" target="_blank">The Gut Foundation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gesa.org.au/" target="_blank">GESA (Gastroenterological Society of Australia)</a></li> </ul></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://bestpractice.bmj.com/" target="_blank" title="BMJ Best Practice">BMJ Best Practice</a> <em>(Assessment of acute diarrhoea)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://bestpractice.bmj.com/" target="_blank" title="BMJ Best Practice">BMJ Best Practice</a> <em>(Food poisoning)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://tgldcdp.tg.org.au/" target="_blank" title="Therapeutic Guidelines">Therapeutic Guidelines</a> <em>(Functional diarrhoea in adults)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://tgldcdp.tg.org.au" target="_blank" title="Therapeutic Guidelines">Therapeutic Guidelines</a> <em>(Acute infectious diarrhoea)<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: February 2024</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To </span>Top</a></a></div> </main>  <section class="main_content-links print-hidden"> <section class="related-pages-section"> <h2>Related pages</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/what-causes-diarrhoea" title="Causes of diarrhoea">Causes of diarrhoea</a> </li> <li> <a href="/diarrhoea-in-children" title="Diarrhoea in children">Diarrhoea in children</a> </li> </ul> </section> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Gastroenteritis" title="Search results for:Gastroenteritis">Gastroenteritis</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Dehydration" title="Search results for:Dehydration">Dehydration</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Shigellosis" title="Search results for:Shigellosis">Shigellosis</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Cholera" title="Search results for:Cholera">Cholera</a> </li> </ul> </section> </section>  <section class="main_content-search"> <header> <h2>Need more information?</h2> <p>These trusted information partners have more on this topic.</p> </header> <div class="main_content-general-text"> <div> <div class="main_content-search-results-partners"> <nav class="dor-tabs__2 veyron-search-tabs" role="tablist"> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchGeneralResults" aria-selected="true"> <input type="radio" checked name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">General search results</div> </label> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchProfessionalResults" aria-selected="false"> <input type="radio" name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">Results for medical professionals</div> </label> </nav> <section id="searchGeneralResults" data-total-records="458"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/diarrhoea-in-babies-and-children" data-partner-url="PBB" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|be3cdf85-8b22-4440-828f-89ecdacdf1c9"> <h3>Diarrhoea in babies and children</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Diarrhoea in babies and children is common, but can be serious if your child becomes dehydrated. Learn about the symptoms of diarrhoea and how to treat it.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pregnancy, Birth & Baby" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/PBB_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/pharmacy-care/diarrhoea-self-care/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|0af21b7f-b0cc-4738-a993-221e8330a247"> <h3>Diarrhoea: self-care - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Diarrhoea is when your bowel movements become watery, foul-smelling and the need to go to the toilet is urgent and frequent. Find out what products are available for diarrhoea.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diarrhoea" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|de1a4298-5cca-4fee-a9b7-dd187a0ebb45"> <h3>Diarrhoea - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Acute diarrhoea in babies and young children can be life threatening.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Diarrhoea-and-vomiting" data-partner-url="partners/wa-health" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|83ddf499-ed56-44c1-ad0f-30bb536843e3"> <h3>Diarrhoea and vomiting</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>There are many causes of diarrhoea and vomiting, the most common being viral. Other symptoms such as headache, fever, generalised aches and pains and tiredness may also be present.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on WA Health website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="WA Health" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/WA_health_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/travellers-diarrhoea" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|c72d29f2-3d04-46c8-ab52-9d0b8eaef6c2"> <h3>Traveller's diarrhoea - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The risk of traveller's diarrhoea is higher where sanitation and hygiene standards are poor.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/diarrhoea" data-partner-url="partners/raisingchildren.net.au" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|7b789fc8-a01e-4e84-9619-7d26a97e9e84"> <h3>Diarrhoea in children and teenagers | Raising Children Network</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Diarrhoea is large, runny, frequent or watery poo. It’s common in children. Make sure your child drinks enough fluids as they recover from diarrhoea.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="raisingchildren.net.au" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/raising-children_logo-f6777f.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/travel-health/travellers-diarrhoea/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|31270d0f-e9ec-41c9-901b-772af9be9fef"> <h3>Travellers' diarrhoea - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Contaminated food and drink are the major sources of travellers' diarrhoea. High-risk regions for an attack include the majority of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, Central and South America.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.continence.org.au/types-incontinence/faecal-incontinence/diarrhoea" data-partner-url="partners/continence-foundation-of-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|705ee25f-76a0-43c6-acc8-18073eb00a3b"> <h3>Diarrhoea | Faecal incontinence | Continence Foundation of Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Diarrhoea is a common problem involving the frequent passing of loose bowel motions (also known as stools, faeces or poo). Diarrhoea has many possible causes including:</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Continence Foundation of Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Continence Foundation of Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/continencefoundation_logo-78211d.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/gastroenteritis-amoebiasis" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|93309552-2c25-4df4-9a4e-84f7d168ce2d"> <h3>Gastroenteritis - amoebiasis - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Amoebiasis can cause diarrhoea among travellers to developing countries.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/lactose-intolerance" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|52b64988-ca00-4172-bd1d-be857e7457c3"> <h3>Lactose intolerance - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> <section id="searchProfessionalResults" class="hidden" data-total-records="83"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/diarrhoea" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|3a0cd557-1489-4b35-8c4c-1d20de707674"> <h3>Understanding and Managing Diarrhoea in Adults | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Diarrhoea is when more than three loose, watery stools are passed within one day. The stools passed by someone experiencing diarrhoea are between Type 5 and Type 7 on the Bristol Stool Chart. Diarrhoea may be either acute, lasting for up to two weeks, or chronic, lasting for over four weeks.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/clostridioides-difficile" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|b434f806-dedc-4e15-972c-d1e4e18887b0"> <h3>Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Infection | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The bacterium Clostridioides difficile is the most common cause of healthcare-associated infectious diarrhoea. There’s one key factor increasing the risk of CDI: misuse and overuse of antimicrobials. So, how can this be combatted?</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Stool+culture" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|fc372fcc-88f9-4729-a12a-587d3b430cdd"> <h3>Stool culture | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The stool culture is a test that detects and identifies bacteria that cause infections of the lower digestive tract. The test distinguishes between the types</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Clostridium+difficile" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|e4ca83e2-9887-42e3-a84a-5e2351aa2c01"> <h3>Clostridium difficile | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>This test detects the presence of the toxin produced by Clostridium difficile in fresh or frozen faecal samples. This bacterium is a component of the</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/chronic-lithium-toxicity.html" data-partner-url="partners/australian-prescriber" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|91bba334-a7dd-4d0a-8ac9-db131ffd942e"> <h3>Chronic lithium toxicity</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Dehydration in a patient taking lithium can cause neurotoxicty.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Prescriber website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Prescriber" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/australian-prescriber_2023_logo-5f8e5b.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/infectious+diseases/cryptosporidium+infection/cryptosporidium+infection+-+including+symptoms+treatment+and+prevention" data-partner-url="partners/sa-health" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|ea89c4f2-ce74-479d-b0cf-d68874872379"> <h3>Cryptosporidium infection</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Cryptosporidium infection is an infection of the bowel caused by a parasite - the main symptom is watery diarrhoea which occurs with stomach cramps</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on SA Health website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="SA Health" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/SA-Health_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/dyspepsia" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|e2327512-b04e-474b-94ec-8b60d6d8f37e"> <h3>Managing Dyspepsia (Indigestion) in Older Adults | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Dyspepsia (indigestion) is a common symptom characterised by discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. 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Symptoms may include early satiation, uncomfortable fullness, bloating, nausea, vomiting, belching, flatulence, heartburn, regurgitation and diarrhoea.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/food-other-adverse-reactions/delayed-reactions-management-plan" data-partner-url="partners/australasian-society-of-clinical-immunology-and-allergy-ascia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|340fd01d-c8a4-4f17-9df9-8f9de30af143"> <h3>Management Plan for Delayed Allergic Reactions to Foods - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>This plan is to be used for delayed non-IgE mediated allergic reactions to foods, including Food Protein Induced Allergic Proctocolitis (FPIAP) and Food Protein Enterocolitis (FPE).</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ASCIAnew_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/severe-adverse-drug-reaction-to-allopurinol.html" data-partner-url="partners/australian-prescriber" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|e3ddc5d8-c2a5-4a06-a5ed-d5e6bfea7a90"> <h3>Severe adverse drug reaction to allopurinol</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Genetic variations place some patients at an increased risk of reactions to allopurinol.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Prescriber website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Prescriber" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/australian-prescriber_2023_logo-5f8e5b.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Ova%2C+Cysts+and+Parasites" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|55f5ff3c-4713-4499-9025-77b1eebab183"> <h3>Ova, Cysts and Parasites | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>An ova and parasite (O&P) exam is a microscopic evaluation that is used to look for parasites that have infected the lower digestive tract. 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