What is diarrhoea and how long does it last?

Diarrhoea is most often caused by a "stomach bug" (gastroenteritis) or a food-borne infection. Most cases resolve without medication. In adults, diarrhoea usually lasts 5–7 days; vomiting 1–2 days.

The most important thing is to stay well hydrated — dehydration is the main risk.

What to do

  1. Rest at home. Stay home until 48 hours after your last symptom.
  2. Drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best choice. Take small sips if nausea is severe.
  3. Eat if you feel up to it. Avoid fatty and spicy foods. Bread, boiled potato, rice and bananas are well tolerated.
  4. Paracetamol relieves discomfort and fever. Follow the package instructions. Do not give aspirin to children under 16.
  5. If signs of dehydration appear (dark urine, very little urine), oral rehydration sachets (ORS) are available from the pharmacy — add to water and drink.
  6. Loperamide (from the pharmacy, for adults) reduces diarrhoea short-term when you need to travel within a few hours. Not for children under 12.

Stopping the spread

  • Wash hands frequently with warm water and soap.
  • Wash contaminated laundry separately at a high temperature.
  • Clean the toilet, taps, handles and surfaces daily.
  • Do not share towels, dishes or cutlery.
  • Do not swim in public pools for at least 48 hours after the last symptom.
  • Do not prepare food for others.

What to avoid

  • Do not drink fruit juice or fizzy drinks — they worsen diarrhoea.
  • Do not give loperamide to children under 12.
  • Do not return to work or school before 48 hours have passed since the last symptom.

When to contact us

Contact us if any of the following apply:

  • Diarrhoea lasts more than 7 days.
  • Blood in the stools.
  • Symptoms recur frequently.

When to call 1220 or 112

See also: Where to seek help.

1220 — GP advice line (daily until 22:00, Estonian only)
  • Unable to keep fluids down — persistent vomiting.
  • Signs of dehydration: dark, strong-smelling urine; urinating much less than usual.
  • You are elderly, have a weakened immune system, or a chronic condition.
  • Vomiting lasts more than 2 days.
112 / A&E — call immediately or go to emergency
  • Blood in vomit (especially if it looks like coffee grounds).
  • Stiff neck with sensitivity to light.
  • Sudden severe headache.
  • Sudden severe abdominal pain.
  • Severe difficulty breathing.
  • Confusion or unusual unresponsiveness.

Sources

NHS.uk — Diarrhoea and vomiting. Page last reviewed: 21 December 2023.

Contains adapted NHS.uk material under Open Government Licence v3.0. Original material: © Crown copyright.