Diarrhoea

In the case of sudden diarrhoea, those affected usually first ask the pharmacy for advice and seek rapid help against their symptoms. Foreign-language customers are grateful if they can communicate in English at the pharmacy and receive advice.

Diarrhoea is not an illness but a symptom. The most frequent causes for a sudden onset of diarrhoea are infections. There are, however, also other causes that can trigger diarrhoea such as an antibiotic therapy, food intolerances as well as stress situations. In the case of adults, diarrhoea mostly subsides within a few days.

Severe diarrhoea without any apparent causes is, however, always a reason to see a doctor immediately. This especially applies whenever children are involved. Self-medication has reached its limit as soon as a temperature of higher than 39° C and blood in the faeces occur.

Information and Questions

• How long have you had these symptoms?
• Do you need to use the toilet more than three times a day?
• Can you think of any cause for the symptom?
• Do you suffer from any other complaints such as cramps, nausea, vomiting?
• Do you also have a temperature?
• Is there any blood in your faeces?
• Have you eaten anything unusual?
• Are you taking an antibiotic?
• Should the diarrhoea not subside in two to three days, it is strongly recommended that you see a doctor. Only he can get to the root of the problem.
• Would you like me to recommend a doctor to you?

Additional information

• The loss of fluid and mineral salts must be compensated for. You need to drink three to four litres of the appropriate fluid per day.
• You should eat low-fat food for at least one day.
• Avoid drinking any carbonated drinks.
• A hot-water bottle will relieve the symptoms.
• Allow yourself some rest, preferably one to two days of bed rest.
• After each bowel movement wash your hands thoroughly, preferably using a disinfectant so as to avoid infecting your family.
• Disinfect the toilet as well as the toilet seat.