Diarrhoea in adults - What will happen?

Diarrhoea isn't usually serious. Most people get better on their own without any problems.

The main risk is losing too much water (getting dehydrated). So it's important to drink plenty of fluids. You're more likely to get dehydrated if you're elderly.[1]

Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend you take rehydration salts which you add to drinking water. These help replace fluid and mineral salts that your body has lost.

If you have vomiting as well as diarrhoea, you're more likely to become dehydrated. So it's even more important that you drink plenty of fluids. Drinking often, in small sips, may help.

Some people who get very dehydrated may need to go to hospital.

If your diarrhoea doesn't clear up in a few days, you should see a doctor. You may need antibiotics, or you could need tests to find out what is causing your diarrhoea.

If you are too ill to eat or drink, see your doctor as soon as you can.[2] [3]

You should also see a doctor if:[2]

You have a fever
There is blood in your stools
You feel very ill
You've been travelling abroad
You've just come out of hospital
You have another medical condition
You work as a carer
You work in a job where you handle food.

You can help prevent diarrhoea by washing your hands after using the toilet, before preparing food and before eating.

References

Lew JF, Glass RI, Gangarosa RE, et al. Diarrheal deaths in the United States 1979 through 1987. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2004; 39: 468-471.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Fact sheet: Diarrhea. Available at http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diarrhea/.
Thielman NM, Guerrant R. Acute infectious diarrhea. New England Journal of Medicine. 2004; 350: 38-47.

Glossary

antibiotics: These medicines are used to help the fight infection. There are a number of different types of antibiotics that work in different ways to get rid of bacteria, parasites and other infectious agents. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.
fever: If you have a fever, your body temperature is above 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). With a fever you often get other symptoms, such as shivering, headache or sweating. A fever is usually caused by an infection.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.