Most episodes of diarrhoea usually resolve within three or four days without requiring treatment beyond staying hydrated, according to Benjamin Levy, a gastroenterologist at the University of Chicago. However, if diarrhoea persists for longer than a week or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, medical care should be sought.
Key symptoms that indicate a need to see a doctor include a fever of 101F or higher, blood or mucus in stool, severe abdominal pain, vomiting for more than two to three days, or feeling the need to defecate without producing anything. Dehydration is another important symptom to monitor, with a reliable indicator being a drop in urine production, even when drinking fluids. Lightheadedness, confusion, and dark urine are also signs of dehydration.
Certain individuals should seek care sooner, including those aged 65 or older, people with kidney disease, a weakened immune system, or those who have recently been hospitalised or completed a course of antibiotics. For symptom relief, most adults can safely take bismuth subsalicylate for a few days to reduce frequency and cramping. Loperamide may also be taken if there is no blood in the diarrhoea, no fever, and no antibiotics have been taken in the past three months.
Staying hydrated is a priority, with water, tea, or sports drinks recommended. If dehydration begins, switching to an over-the-counter oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte is advised. While there is no need for a strict liquid diet, avoiding fatty, spicy, high-fibre foods, alcohol, caffeine, and overly sugary or artificially sweetened drinks is suggested. Dairy, other than yogurt, should also be skipped due to potential temporary lactose intolerance.