Consult a doctor when necessary
In most cases, acute diarrhea resolves by itself, and symptoms improve within a couple of days.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, you should see a medical professional if you continue to have symptoms for more than two days, since you might be dehydrated and require IV fluids or related treatment.
Additionally, diarrhea is often a symptom of certain medical emergencies. Whenever you encounter loose, watery stools, you should get immediate medical attention.
If you are concerned about yourself or your child, you should consult your GP or call NHS 24’s 111 services.
Babies
Your doctor or health visitor should be consulted immediately if your baby has had at least six episodes of diarrhea in the past 24 hours, or if he or she has vomited three times or more.
Any signs of dehydration in your baby should also be investigated.
Children
If your child has any of these symptoms, consult your GP.
- In the last 24 hours, had 6 or more bouts of diarrhea
- Vomiting and diarrhea at the same time
- Watery poo
- Their poo is bloody
- Constant or severe stomach ache
- Dehydration symptoms
If your child continues to have diarrhea, you should consult your GP. The majority of cases will pass in about 5 to 7 days.
Adults
Consult your GP if you experience diarrhea and:
- Blood is present in your poo
- Constant vomiting is affecting you
- There’s been a lot of weight loss
- Diarrhea was very watery and you passed a lot of it
- It disturbs your sleep when it occurs at night
- If you have recently been hospitalized or taken antibiotics
- There are symptoms of dehydration in you
- Your poo is black or dark – this might be an indication of bleeding inside your stomach
If you have persistent diarrhea, you should also see your GP. Most cases of diarrhea in adults will subside within 2 to 4 days.