Diarrhoea

It affects most people from time to time and is usually nothing to worry about. It can be distressing and unpleasant. It normally clears up in a few days to a week. 





Phone 999 or got to A&E if you or your child: might have swallowed something poisonous  have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache 

Speak to your GP if: You or your child has diarrhoea and:  it’s particularly frequent or severe it lasts for more than 7 days  you’re concerned  poo with blood on it  persistent vomiting and are unable to keep fluid down a severe or continuous stomach ache  weight loss have passed a large amount of very watery diarrhoea  it occurs at night and is disturbing sleep have recently taken antibiotics or been treated in hospital have signs of dehydration – including drowsiness, peeing less than usual, and feeling lightheaded or dizzy have poo that’s dark or black – this may be a sign of bleeding inside your stomach  Your child:  has had 6 or more episodes of diarrhoea in the past 24 hours  has diarrhoea and vomiting at the same time has stopped drinking fluids while they’re ill is a baby and has vomited 3 times or more in the past 24 hours  is under 12 months with diarrhoea and you’re worried If your GP is closed, phone 111.

Symptoms

Phone 999 or got to A&E if you or your child: might have swallowed something poisonous  have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache 

Speak to your GP if: You or your child has diarrhoea and:  it’s particularly frequent or severe it lasts for more than 7 days  you’re concerned  poo with blood on it  persistent vomiting and are unable to keep fluid down a severe or continuous stomach ache  weight loss have passed a large amount of very watery diarrhoea  it occurs at night and is disturbing sleep have recently taken antibiotics or been treated in hospital have signs of dehydration – including drowsiness, peeing less than usual, and feeling lightheaded or dizzy have poo that’s dark or black – this may be a sign of bleeding inside your stomach  Your child:  has had 6 or more episodes of diarrhoea in the past 24 hours  has diarrhoea and vomiting at the same time has stopped drinking fluids while they’re ill is a baby and has vomited 3 times or more in the past 24 hours  is under 12 months with diarrhoea and you’re worried If your GP is closed, phone 111.