Diarrhoea

If you’re experiencing frequent loose stools or other digestive discomfort, you might be wondering if diarrhoea is the underlying issue. In this page, we’ll explain what diarrhoea is, its common triggers and symptoms, potential complications, available treatment options, and why proper diagnosis is key to protecting your overall gut health.
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What is Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea can be uncomfortable, disruptive, and often embarrassing, making it difficult to go about daily routines with confidence. It refers to frequent, watery, and sometimes urgent bowel movements that can come on suddenly—occasionally so severe that getting to a toilet in time becomes a challenge. Alongside the inconvenience, diarrhoea can also cause dehydration, fatigue, disturbed sleep, and skin irritation from repeated wiping.

Most people will experience diarrhoea at some point, often triggered by a stomach bug, food poisoning, or even certain medications. In these cases, it usually clears up within a few days. However, for some individuals, diarrhoea is not just an occasional upset but a persistent or recurring issue that may point to an underlying digestive condition. Recognising the difference between short-term and ongoing diarrhoea is important, as chronic cases may require further medical assessment and tailored treatment.
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What are the causes of Diarrhoea?

A long-term problem with diarrhoea isn’t always due to food poisoning or a current infection. In fact, there are many possible underlying causes. Some are related to the digestive system itself, while others are linked to lifestyle, medical history, or even emotional wellbeing. Common causes include:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Food intolerances or sensitivities
Improper absorption of bile acids
Excess bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO)
A reaction to certain medications
Overuse of laxatives
Complications after surgery, such as an ileostomy or colostomy
Radiotherapy side effects, which can lead to enteropathy (intestinal disease)
Lasting effects of a previous gut infection (like gastroenteritis)
High stress or anxiety levels
Eating disorders
When diarrhoea becomes persistent, it’s important to identify the root cause, as treatment and management strategies can vary greatly depending on the underlying issue.

Diarrhoea Diagnosis

Because diarrhoea can have many different causes, it’s important to look beyond the symptom itself and identify what’s really going on in the digestive system. Pinpointing the underlying reason not only helps in managing or eliminating diarrhoea but also improves overall gut health and quality of life.

Possible testing options include:

Carbohydrate malabsorption breath test – Helps determine whether your body struggles to digest certain sugars, such as lactose or fructose, which can trigger diarrhoea, bloating, and discomfort.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) breath test – Checks for an excess of bacteria in the small intestine, which can interfere with digestion and cause diarrhoea, gas, and abdominal pain.
Colonic transit study – A non-invasive way to measure how quickly waste moves through the large intestine, which can highlight whether bowel motility is too fast.
Defaecography – An imaging test that examines how well the rectum and pelvic floor function during a bowel movement, useful for identifying structural or functional issues.

By carrying out the right tests, it’s possible to uncover the root cause of diarrhoea and work towards a more targeted, effective treatment plan.

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
What exactly is diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is when you pass loose, watery stools more often than usual. It can come on suddenly and last a few days (acute diarrhoea), or it may persist for weeks or months (chronic diarrhoea), which often suggests an underlying condition.
What causes diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea can be caused by infections (such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites), food poisoning, food intolerances, medications, stress, or digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In some cases, it can also be linked to surgery, radiotherapy, or bile acid malabsorption.
When should I see a doctor about diarrhoea?
You should seek medical advice if diarrhoea lasts longer than a week, keeps coming back, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, high fever, or signs of dehydration.
Can stress or anxiety cause diarrhoea?
Yes. Stress and anxiety can affect how the gut functions, leading to changes in bowel movements, including diarrhoea. This is often linked to conditions like IBS, where the brain-gut connection plays an important role.
Is diarrhoea dangerous?
Occasional diarrhoea is usually not dangerous, but persistent or severe diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This is particularly risky for children, older adults, and people with other health conditions.
What can I eat and drink if I have diarrhoea?
It’s best to stay hydrated by drinking water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths. Bland foods like rice, bananas, toast, and plain potatoes are usually easier to digest. Avoid fatty, spicy, or very sugary foods until symptoms improve.
How can chronic diarrhoea be managed?
Management depends on the cause. For example, food intolerances may be controlled by dietary changes, while conditions like SIBO or bile acid malabsorption may require specific treatments. Identifying the root cause through medical testing is key.
Can diarrhoea be prevented?
Not always, but steps like practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contaminated food or water, managing stress, and being mindful of food intolerances can reduce your risk. For those with chronic issues, working with a healthcare provider to identify triggers can help prevent flare-ups.

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