Diarrhoea medication
Anti-diarrhoea drugs are not usually necessary. However, you may wish to reduce the number of trips to the toilet. You can buy anti-diarrhoea drugs from pharmacies. The safest and most effective is loperamide. The adult dose of this is two capsules at first. This is followed by one capsule after each time you pass some diarrhoea up to a maximum of eight capsules in 24 hours. It works by slowing down the gut's activity. Note: do not give anti-diarrhoea drugs to children under 12 years. Also, do not use anti-diarrhoea drugs if you pass blood with the diarrhoea.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen are useful to ease a high temperature or headache.
If symptoms are severe, or persist, a doctor may ask for a sample of the diarrhoea. This is sent to the lab to look for infecting germs (bacteria, parasites, etc). Sometimes an antibiotic or other treatments are needed, depending on the cause of the infection.
What about probiotics?
Some research studies suggest that taking probiotics may reduce the duration of diarrhoea by about one day. Probiotics are dietary supplements of 'good, non-harmful' bacteria or yeasts. The theory is that these 'good' bacteria and yeasts multiply in the gut and protect the gut from the 'bad' infecting bacteria or virus. Probiotics are not available on NHS prescription. If you wish to try them you can buy them at supermarkets and other stores. Probiotics are sold as capsules, yoghurt products, etc. There is no evidence to prefer any particular form, strength, or dose.
Are there any complications that may occur from infectious diarrhoea?
Complications are uncommon in the UK and include the following:
- Dehydration and salt (electrolyte) imbalance in the body. This is the most common complication. If you drink plenty of fluids then it is unlikely to occur, or is only likely to be mild and soon recover as you drink. Symptoms of dehydration include: passing little urine, a dry mouth and tongue, sunken eyes, weakness, drowsiness, cool hands or feet. Severe dehydration can be fatal as the main organs of the body need a certain amount of water to function. Some people who become severely dehydrated need a 'drip' of fluid directly into the vein. This is more common in elderly and frail people who are more at risk of dehydration.
- Reactive complications. Rarely, other parts of the body 'react' to an infection that occurs in the gut. This can cause symptoms such as arthritis, skin inflammation, eye inflammation (conjunctivitis and uveitis).
- Spread of infection to other parts of the body. This is rare.
- Persistent diarrhoea syndromes may rarely develop.
- Irritable bowel syndrome is sometimes triggered by a bout of infectious diarrhoea.
See a doctor if any of the following develop, or if any other symptoms occur that you are concerned about.
- If you suspect that you are dehydrating.
- Blood in the diarrhoea.
- Vomiting for more than 1-2 days, or diarrhoea that does not start to settle after 3-4 days.
- Pains that are getting worse.
- Drowsiness or confusion.
- Infections caught abroad.
Admission to hospital is sometimes needed if symptoms are severe, or if complications develop.
© EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: September 2006
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edward, about 1 year
I am looking for cause of reinfection .Could it be ,my own toothbrush, I would guess a towell would carry it but shurely not a finger print on a door handle.I am 78yrs.in good general health.EWH
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edward, about 1 year
I am looking for cause of reinfection .Could it be ,my own toothbrush, I would guess a towell would carry it but shurely not a finger print on a door handle.I am 78yrs.in good general health.EWH
Report this comment