Diarrhoea

While many people have experienced diarrhoea at some point in their life, it is unusual for the symptoms to persist. If they do, it might be time to talk to your pharmacist, nurse or GP.

What is diarrhoea? And what causes it?

Passing looser, watery, or more frequent stools than is normal for you – the most common causes of diarrhoea include:

  • IBS
  • Medication
  • Dietary factors
  • Anxiety

Ask a medical professional

If your symptoms are more than an unpleasant one-off caused by simple food poisoning and you’re experiencing persistent, frequent and recurrent diarrhoea, there is a chance there’s an underlying condition to blame.

If you’ve suffered diarrhoea frequently, severely or have experienced any of the following, talk to your GP:

  • Diarrhoea with blood in it
  • Diarrhoea and persistent vomiting
  • A severe or continuous stomach-ache
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Dark or black poo
  • Signs of dehydration – including drowsiness, passing urine infrequently or feeling lightheaded or dizzy

Also, consult your GP if you have recently suffered diarrhoea after hospital treatment, or during/after a course of antibiotics.

You’re not alone

Remember, diarrhoea is nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s more common than you might think, 1 in 2 IBS sufferers experience diarrhoea.