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Diarrhoea means that you need to pass more bowel motions than what is normal for you, and stools that are passed are looser than normal. 

Diarrhoea can be caused by an infection and/or medication (particularly antibiotics). Diarrhoea can be severe. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have more than 4-6 episodes of diarrhoea per day. 

Tips

  • If you have been prescribed anti-diarrhoea medications, make sure you take them
  • Make sure you drink plenty of liquid to replace any fluid lost by the diarrhoea, but avoid alcohol and coffee as these can stimulate the gut
  • Eat small, frequent meals. Try foods that are easy to digest such as white fish, poultry, well cooked eggs, white bread, pasta or rice 
  • Eat less fibre (e.g. whole grains, raw fruits and veg) and greasy or fatty foods, or spicy foods until the diarrhoea improves
  • Eat slowly and try and relax, particularly around meal times
  • Live yoghurt and probiotic yoghurt drinks may help with diarrhoea caused by antibiotics
     

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dietetics service.

About this information

Service:
Dietetics

Reference:
HH/012

Approval date:
1 November 2025

Review date:
1 November 2028

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.