Diarrhoea Treatment

Diarrhoea is a common digestive issue where you pass stools more often than usual, and they are often loose or watery. It can come with stomach cramps, bloating, feeling sick, or needing to rush to the toilet. Diarrhoea can be caused by many things, including viruses, food poisoning, changes in diet, stress, or a reaction to medicine. Most of the time, it goes away by itself in a few days, but if it lasts longer or is severe, it may need treatment.

In most cases, diarrhoea is short-term and clears up without the need for medical treatment. While it might not need a "cure", symptoms can usually be managed easily with rest, fluids, and simple changes to what you eat. If your diarrhoea is ongoing or keeps coming back, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional to check for any underlying health issues.

Yes, there are natural steps you can take to help with diarrhoea. Keep yourself hydrated with water, clear soup, or rehydration drinks. Try eating simple foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast – known as the BRAT diet. Avoid foods that are fatty, spicy, or sugary, and steer clear of alcohol and caffeine until you feel better. Herbal teas like peppermint or ginger may also help soothe your stomach. Always check with your GP or pharmacist before trying new remedies, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking medicine.

Treatment for diarrhoea focuses on easing your symptoms and preventing dehydration. For most people, drinking plenty of fluids and eating plain foods will help them recover. Over-the-counter medicines like loperamide (often sold under brand names like Imodium) can help slow things down and ease the urgency. If the diarrhoea is caused by an infection or another condition, your doctor might suggest a specific treatment, which could include antibiotics or prescription medicines.

You can get diarrhoea treatments in different forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, powders, and rehydration sachets that you mix with water. Some treatments help reduce symptoms like urgency and frequency, while others replace lost fluids and salts. Your pharmacist or GP can help you choose the most suitable option based on your symptoms.

Many diarrhoea treatments, such as loperamide or oral rehydration salts, can be bought without a prescription from pharmacies or supermarkets. However, stronger treatments or medications to treat specific infections may need a prescription from a doctor. At PharmXtra, all requests for prescription medications are reviewed as part of an online consultation, and a registered independent prescriber will decide whether treatment is appropriate for you.