Diarrhoea:

Diarrhoea is not always caused by food poisoning. When the bacteria in the bowel change to a different type, say after a long course of antibiotics or drinking water in different countries, loose stools can result. It will usually settle on its own but can be dangerous in small children and babies if they become dehydrated.

Self-Help:

Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids without too much sugar. Flat cola should be diluted by at least half to reduce the amount of sugar which can make diarrhoea worse.
Babies under one year and the very elderly need to replace lost salts and water by taking an oral rehydration solution (ORS). Ask your pharmacist.
Gradually try more solid food. Grated apple or carrots and lean meat are fine.
Stop bottle-feeding your baby. Give the baby ORS to drink and nothing else for 24 hours.

Increase the number of breast feeds and give your baby ORS to drink. After each dirty nappy let your baby have ORS to drink. If the baby won't take ORS from a bottle, use a teaspoon instead.

Contraception:

Oral contraceptive pills don't work properly when you have diarrhoea and vomiting. Use extra protection such as a condom. Some other medicines are also not absorbed properly. This can be important for conditions such as diabetes which are corrected by tablets. Check with your doctor.

See your doctor if:

You have a high temperature as well as diarrhoea.
You think you may have food poisoning.
The diarrhoea goes on longer than a week despite self-help treatment.
Any child over one year has the diarrhoea for more than two days.
There is blood in the diarrhoea.
Your baby is drowsy or confused.
Your baby is not taking fluids.
Your baby is vomiting repeatedly.
Your baby also has a high temperature.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or substituted for professional advice. Always consult your doctor with your questions and concerns.