What's The Deal With Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is usually more disruptive than dangerous, and in most cases will clear up by itself within a few days.

Simply put, diarrhoea is when poo becomes runny or watery. If you’ve got diarrhoea, you may need to go to the toilet often and with great urgency. Diarrhoea is usually more disruptive than dangerous, and in most cases will clear up by itself within a few days.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR WITH DIARRHOEA

You can become dehydrated very quickly if you have diarrhoea and don’t drink plenty of fluids. Children and older people are more at risk. If you or someone you’re caring for experiences dry mouth, weakness or dizziness when they’ve got diarrhoea, it could be dehydration and you should go to your doctor. And if you have a baby aged under six months who has diarrhoea, see your doctor.

HOW TO TREAT DIARRHOEA

Antimotility medicines slow the movement (motility) of your gut and can help reduce any cramps and the frequency of toilet visits. The slowing down of motility may also help the body to absorb fluid. Antimotility products do not cure the cause of the diarrhoea. If you use one of these medicines and symptoms don’t improve within 48 hours, talk to your doctor.

Your Life Pharmacist can discuss diarrhoea symptoms in private and recommend an antimotility product that’s best for you.