
In most cases, an acute episode of diarrhoea will resolve itself within 48 hours without medical intervention.
Diarrhoea of longer duration or that is accompanied by more severe symptoms (e.g. pain, fever, vomiting, excessive thirst, decreased urination, or the presence of blood or mucus in the stool) should be investigated by a doctor immediately.
Medical advice should also be sought if the patient is a child, elderly, or has a chronic medical condition (e.g. heart or kidney disease).
Diarrhoea can occur from a wide variety of causes. Some of the most common include:
Chronic (ongoing or recurrent) diarrhoea should always be investigated by your doctor, as it may be symptomatic of a number of underlying health problems, including irritable bowel syndrome and coeliac disease.
Seek urgent medical advice if: