DIARRHOEA

Three or more liquid or semi-liquid bowel movements in a day may mean you have diarrhoea. You may also have vomiting and/or a high temperature. You could also have abdominal cramps and nausea.
Diarrhoea will make you feel weak because important body fluids and salts are lost.
Diarrhoea is caused by various viral infections (gastro-enteritis) or by eating food that has gone off (food poisoning).
Nearly all cases should clear by themselves in two to five days, without having to take any medicine so long as these self-care recommendations are followed.

Babies
Baby diarrhoea is recognised by an increase in the number of motions which become more and more liquid. This can develop quickly in babies and can lead to problems if left. A baby's diarrhoea often looks green.

What you can do yourself.

Children over 1 year
Stop all dairy products for three days. Stop all food for several hours or until you are feeling better. Ensure that frequent drinks of clear fluid, very dilute squashes or apple juice are taken.
Eat bland foods such as plain boiled rice or pasta, dry toast or crackers as soon as possible. If you are feeling better then add plain foods such as bananas or vegetables the next day. Avoid spicy or fatty foods, acidic fruits, alcohol and coffee for at least 48 hours or until all symptoms have disappeared.

Avoid spreading infection
Wash your hands after you go to the toilet and after you change the baby's nappy. Clean the toilet often with disinfectant. Always clean under the toilet seat.

Contact your doctor

FIRST CONTACT THE PARENTS. THE PARENTS SHOULD THEN CONTACT THE DOCTOR:

• If the child is losing too much fluid (dehydration). Signs include dry skin, sunken eyes, dry tongue, drowsiness, less urine than normal.
  
• If the child has a high temperature as well as diarrhoea.
  
• If you have been following this advice and the diarrhoea goes on longer than a week.
  
• the toddler has frequent episodes of diarrhoea.
  Children over 1 year
  
• If symptoms go on longer than 2 days.
  

Babies under 3 months

• If diarrhoea persists for longer than 8 hours and self-care advice above has been followed.
  
• If the baby has a sunken spot on the top of its head.

Contact your doctor immediately
FIRST CONTACT THE PARENTS. THE PARENTS SHOULD THEN CONTACT THE DOCTOR:

• If there is blood in the diarrhoea or the diarrhoea is red in colour.
  

Babies

• If the baby is drowsy or confused.
  
• If the baby does not want to drink for a few hours.
  
• If the baby is also being sick all the time.
  
• If the baby also has a high temperature.

Always consult with your GP