Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea may last for just a few days, or it might be a sign of something more serious. Find out here about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.

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Underlying causes of diarrhoea

Diarrhoea usually occurs when fluid cannot be absorbed from your bowel contents, or when extra fluid is secreted into the bowel. Find out what causes diarrhoea.

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Diarrhoea and vomiting in children

Learn more about the causes of diarrhoea and vomiting in children, and use these handy tips to help alleviate the symptoms.

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Cholera

Cholera is an illness that gives you severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It is most likely to be found in parts of the world with poor water and sanitary services.

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Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis (gastro) is an infection of the gut that can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Learn here about the symptoms and how to treat them.

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Shigella (shigellosis)

Shigella infection is an infection of the gut that usually causes diarrhoea. You can become infected through contaminated food or water. Find out about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment by reading our page on shigella.

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Bowel infections

Bowel infections (gastrointestinal infections) can affect anyone. Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of different bowel infections.

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How long should you stay out of the pool after diarrhoea?

Summer's here, which means more pool time. But it's important to not go swimming in pools if infected with Cryptosporidium – a parasite that causes diarrhoea.

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Salmonella

Salmonella is a gastrointestinal illness with fever, diarrhoea and vomiting as its main symptoms. Learn more about the causes of salmonella as well as its symptoms and treatments.

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Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a viral illness that can cause severe diarrhoea. Learn more about its causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment options available.

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Giardia (giardiasis)

Giardia is an infection of the bowel and gut, particularly the small intestine. Learn more about the cause and symptoms of giardia as well as prevention tips.

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Campylobacter infection

Campylobacter infection (campylobacteriosis) causes gastroenteritis, but most people recover in 1 to 2 weeks with rest and fluids. Learn about the causes here.

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Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium deficiency is when the body does not get all the magnesium it needs for health. Read more about magnesium deficiency symptoms, diagnosis and causes.

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E. coli infection

E. coli (or escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria that causes both minor and severe illness. Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments of E. coli here.

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Norovirus infection

Norovirus is one of several viruses that cause gastroenteritis. It’s spread easily, but good hygiene practices can help protect both you and others. Learn more.

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Food poisoning

Food poisoning is caused by bacteria, viruses or toxins in the food we eat. Learn how to recognise it, and people at greater risk of serious complications.

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Pesticides

Pesticides are used to prevent, destroy, or reduce the spread of pests. It is important that pesticides are only used when necessary, and in accordance with the directions on the label.

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the colon and while it’s not dangerous, the symptoms can be uncomfortable. Learn how to manage the symptoms here.

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Addison's disease

Addison's disease is a condition that makes people feel very weak and tired. Learn more about its symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.

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Crohn's disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes painful swelling and redness inside the digestive tract.

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Stool changes

Although stools (faeces or poo) can vary, you should pay attention to what your stools look like. Learn more about what changes you should look out for.

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Diverticular disease - diverticulitis and diverticulosis

Diverticular disease, including diverticulitis, is linked to a low-fibre diet and more common as people age. Here's how to treat the symptoms.

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Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a bowel disease that causes inflammation and redness in the digestive tract. There is no cure, but treatment can help.

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School exclusion periods

If your child has an infectious illness, you may need to keep them home to stop it spreading at day-care or school. Learn about school exclusion periods here.

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Vomiting

Vomiting in adults is usually not a sign of anything serious and tends to only last one or two days. Learn the causes and when to seek medical advice.

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Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes.

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Faecal incontinence

Faecal incontinence is when you experience leakage from the bowel due to poor bowel control. Up to 1 in 20 people have this condition, but there are treatments available.

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Parechovirus

Parechovirus is a virus that usually has very mild symptoms, or none at all. Sometimes it can cause serious illness in babies and young children. Good hygiene can help stop it spreading.

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Bloating

Bloating – feeling that you have a swollen tummy – is common, but if you feel bloated regularly, you should see your doctor. Learn more about the causes here.

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Underlying causes of abdominal pain

There are many different causes of abdominal pain. Some cause short-term pain, some cause long-term pain or pain that comes and goes (recurring pain) and others cause sudden and severe pain.

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