Diarrhoea can be caused by a range of things:
Acute diarrhoea (that’s a bout of diarrhoea that usually starts suddenly causing 3 or more loose stools per day and lasts less than 2 weeks) is mostly commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Diarrhoea can also be caused by other things such as anxiety and stress, drinking too much alcohol or taking certain medications (for example, antibiotics or antacids that contain magnesium). See all causes of diarrhoea.
When diarrhoea lasts for 4 weeks or more it’s called chronic diarrhoea and is typically a result of an ongoing condition affecting the intestines — such as coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or lactose intolerance.
Diarrhoea can be a serious problem in babies and young children or if you have a serious chronic medical condition such as kidney failure – and it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible when it occurs.
Acute (short-lived) diarrhoea lasts less than 2 weeks, usually clears up after a day or two and is commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Chronic (ongoing) diarrhoea, on the other hand, lasts for at least 4 weeks, and can be caused by a wide variety of health conditions such as medically diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Drinking or being exposed to untreated water (particularly when overseas), can increase the risk of getting diarrhoea.
When sanitation or hygiene standards are poor the germs that cause diarrhoea can contaminate water and may cause you problems – this includes the water you drink, brush your teeth in and even the ice-cubes in your drink!
When you have diarrhoea, it is important to drink plenty of water to make sure you keep hydrated.
Oral rehydration drinks sold in supermarkets and pharmacies can help replace any lost salts, minerals and electrolytes – alternatively, you could use diluted unsweetened fruit juice.
You may find that temporary changes to your diet are beneficial when you get diarrhoea.
You may find eating more starchy foods (such as rice, potatoes and bread) and those that are rich in energy and micronutrients (such as eggs, vegetables and grains) can help. Yoghurt containing live cultures can also help. Try to avoid alcohol and eat less fatty, sweet or spicy foods. See foods that help with diarrhoea.
Traveller’s diarrhoea is usually caused by bacterial infections from contaminated food or water and is more common when we visit places in areas where sanitation and food hygiene are poor.
The simplest way to try to avoid traveller’s diarrhoea is to practice good hygiene and take some basic precautions when eating and drinking when you are away from home.
For example, do not drink water if you are unsure of its quality and try to avoid high-risk foods (such as undercooked or raw meats and seafood, raw or peeled fruit and salads).
Emotional stress can affect how quickly food moves through your body.
Most cases of short-lived (acute) diarrhoea will resolve themselves within a day or two.
Sometimes you can’t stop your day when you have diarrhoea and that is when Gastro-Stop can help. You can get effective relief from diarrhoea with Gastro-Stop capsules and Gastro-Stop PLUS chewable tablets. Gastro-Stop PLUS shortens the duration of diarrhoea by up to 75%*.
If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
If you have a serious chronic medical condition or if your young child or baby develops diarrhoea, seek expert medical advice immediately.
No, you do not need a prescription for Gastro-Stop or Gastro-Stop PLUS. They are both available at your local pharmacy and supermarket – just click on ‘Where To Buy’ button above to find your nearest retailer.
You should talk to your doctor as soon as possible if:
You should see your doctor immediately if you are experiencing other symptoms including:
