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Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is the passing of frequent watery stools. It is usually caused by a viral infection, but can be caused by bacteria, for example food poisoning. It can also be caused by stress, and drinking too much coffee or alcohol
There are some long-term medical conditions which also cause chronic diarrhoea; ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, and pancreatitis
Patients with diarrhoea caused by a virus or bacteria usually improve in 1 to 2 days, and the most important thing is to keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. This is essential in small children and infants. You can buy rehydration sachets from your pharmacy, and these contain measured salts and sugars to restore your electrolyte balance. They will not cure your diarrhoea, but will make it easier to prevent dehydration
You should try to eat as soon as you can, and the best foods to try are those containing carbohydrates, for example bread, pasta, rice, potatoes. If your appetite has not returned make sure you continue drinking
Anti-diarrhoea medicines are not recommended. They will reduce the diarrhoea, but tend to make it last longer. Do not give anti-diarrhoea medicines to young children. They are unsafe to give to children due to possible complications
Hygiene
To reduce the risk of passing infective diarrhoea onto other members of your household or family you should:
- wash your hands properly after going to the toilet, and use a separate towel
- do not prepare food for others
- keep the toilet clean, use a disinfectant spray on the seat and handle
- if you work with food or in a healthcare environment you should stay off work until you have had no diarrhoea (or vomiting) for 48 hours
You should see a doctor if:
- you have persistent vomiting and are unable to drink fluids
- the diarrhoea is not beginning to settle after 2 days
- you have severe abdominal pain
- there is blood mixed with the diarrhoea - do not use anti-diarrhoea medicines if you pass blood with the diarrhoea
- if other symptoms occur that you are concerned about - particularly in children and infants
- you have recently returned from travelling abroad
- you are a food handler e.g. cook, waitress etc. as there may be work restrictions
For children under 5 this advice sheet produced by Leeds Teaching Hospitals contains some excellent guidance: What to do when your child has vomiting
and/or diarrhoea 
Source: LSMP
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