If You Have Diarrhoea – Remember

• Pay particular attention to hand hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
• Diarrhoea and vomiting can reduce the effectiveness of some medicines.
• Activated charcoal has limited benefit in treating travellers' diarrhoea.
• The most important measure is to replace lost fluids and salts.

Oral Rehydration

Diarrhoea can cause significant loss of fluids and salts. Darker urine and passing less urine than usual are important signs of dehydration. Replace lost fluids by drinking regularly and frequently.

Homemade Rehydration Solution

• 1 litre of safe drinking water – bottled, boiled or appropriately treated
• ½–1 teaspoon of salt
• 2–3 tablespoons of sugar
• a little lemon or orange juice for flavour, if desired

Keep the solution cool and use it within 24 hours.

Children and Dehydration

Young children can become dehydrated much more quickly than adults. Signs to look out for include:

• dry mouth
• dark urine or passing very little urine
• unusual drowsiness or lethargy
• fever
• sunken eyes

These symptoms should be taken seriously.

Food and Drink

Fluids are the priority, particularly if diarrhoea is accompanied by vomiting. If you are vomiting, try taking small amounts of fluid frequently, for example every few minutes.

Once you are able to tolerate fluids and feel able to eat, gradually resume eating. Simple foods such as rice, boiled potatoes, fish or mashed banana may be easier to tolerate at first.

Avoid alcohol, excessive amounts of coffee, very spicy foods and fatty meals while symptoms persist.

Gradually return to your normal diet as your symptoms improve.