Diarrhoea

While many people have experienced diarrhoea at some point in their life, it is less usual for the symptoms to persist or to recur frequently. 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:

  • Bowel infection (gastroenteritis)
  • A food allergy or dietary factors
  • Medical conditions such as IBS
  • Anxiety
  • Medication

Ask a medical professional

If your symptoms are more than an unpleasant one-off 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

You’re not alone

Remember, diarrhoea is nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s more common than you might think. 75% of IBS sufferers experience diarrhoea.