Diarrhoea is when you have loose, watery stools more frequently than normal—usually more than three times a day. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting more than a few weeks). While it’s often not serious, it can cause dehydration and signal an underlying issue.
Top 3 Causes of Diarrhoea
Let’s look at the main culprits behind this uncomfortable symptom:
1️⃣ Medications
Yes, your medicine cabinet could be the cause. Many medications have diarrhoea as a common side effect.
? Common Offenders:
Antibiotics – Disrupt gut bacteria, leading to imbalance and loose stools (sometimes C. difficile-related)
Antacids – Especially those containing magnesium
Chemotherapy drugs
Blood pressure meds
Laxative overuse
?⚕️ What to do:
If you suspect a medication is causing your diarrhoea, don’t stop it on your own—talk to your doctor first. They may adjust your dose or switch you to a different option.
2️⃣ Infections
One of the most common causes of sudden diarrhoea is an infection—viral, bacterial, or parasitic.
? Common Infections:
Viruses: Norovirus, rotavirus (often causes stomach flu)
Bacteria: E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella (often from contaminated food or water)
Parasites: Giardia, Cryptosporidium (common in untreated water)
? Symptoms that may suggest infection:
Fever
Nausea/vomiting
Cramping
Bloody or mucus-filled stools
?⚕️ What to do:
Most viral infections clear up in a few days with rest and fluids. If symptoms are severe or last more than 2–3 days, seek medical advice. Antibiotics may be needed for bacterial infections, but only when appropriate.
3️⃣ Food-Related Causes
Sometimes diarrhoea is your body’s way of saying, “That didn’t sit right.”
? Common Food-Related Triggers:
Food Poisoning – Caused by bacteria or toxins in spoiled or undercooked food
Food Intolerances – Like lactose or fructose intolerance
Artificial Sweeteners – Sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol can cause loose stools
Fatty, spicy, or greasy foods – Can speed up digestion in some people
Allergic reactions – In rare cases, diarrhoea may accompany a food allergy
?⚕️ What to do:
Track what you eat and how your body responds. Keeping a food diary can help pinpoint repeat offenders. Avoid high-risk foods when traveling (like raw or undercooked meats).
When to Worry: Red Flags That Need a Doctor
While most diarrhoea goes away on its own, seek medical help if you experience:
Blood in your stool
High fever (over 101.5°F or 38.6°C)
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness)
Severe abdominal pain
Diarrhoea lasting more than 2 days (adults) or 24 hours (children)
Recent travel or antibiotic use
Quick Relief Tips
While figuring out the cause, here’s how to feel better faster:
Stay Hydrated – Drink water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions
Eat Light – Stick to bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet)
Avoid Dairy, Alcohol, Caffeine, and Fatty Foods until your gut settles
Use Probiotics – They can help restore healthy gut bacteria, especially after antibiotics
Consider Anti-Diarrhoea Medications (like loperamide) for short-term relief, but avoid if there’s blood in your stool or if the cause is bacterial
Final Thoughts: Know Your Triggers, Protect Your Gut
Diarrhoea is your body’s way of telling you something’s off—whether it’s a medication side effect, an infection, or a reaction to something you ate. Paying attention to timing, symptoms, and recent activities can help you figure out the root cause.
If in doubt, talk to a healthcare professional. They can guide you through testing, treatment, and—most importantly—relief.
FAQS
How do I know if my diarrhoea is caused by something I ate or by an infection?
If your symptoms started within a few hours after eating, food poisoning may be the cause—especially if others who ate the same thing are also sick.
If you have fever, chills, or mucus/blood in your stool, it could be an infection. Viral infections often cause nausea and vomiting as well.
Can antibiotics cause diarrhoea?
Yes! Antibiotics are a common cause of diarrhoea because they can upset the balance of good bacteria in your gut. This can lead to mild diarrhoea—or more serious infections like C. difficile. If it lasts more than a couple of days, talk to your doctor.
When should I see a doctor for diarrhoea?
You should seek medical help if:
It lasts more than 2 days (for adults) or 24 hours (for children)
There’s blood or mucus in your stool
You have a high fever or signs of dehydration
You recently traveled or took antibiotics
What foods should I eat when I have diarrhoea?
Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like:
Bananas
White rice
Applesauce
Toast
Also, drink plenty of water or oral rehydration solutions to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods until you're better.
Can stress or anxiety cause diarrhoea?
Yes! Stress can trigger changes in your gut and speed up digestion, which can lead to diarrhoea. This is common in people with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Managing stress through relaxation techniques, therapy, or exercise can help.
