Diarrhoea: causes and which doctor to see

For diarrhoea you can first see: Internal Medicine or Family Medicine. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

The most common causes: intestinal infection (stomach bug); spoiled or unhygienic food; antibiotic use; lactose intolerance; stress; irritable bowel syndrome. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

Diarrhoea due to an infection usually goes away in 2–3 days. The most important thing is to replace lost fluids. See a doctor for diarrhoea lasting more than three days or with blood.

Light foods such as rice porridge, boiled potatoes, bananas, yoghurt and crackers are best. Avoid fatty, fried and very sugary foods and drink plenty of fluids.

For diarrhoea lasting weeks, an Internal Medicine or gastroenterology specialist looks for the cause with stool and blood tests.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there blood in the stool?” “Have you not passed urine for hours, with a very dry mouth and dizziness?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: the diarrhoea lasts more than 3 days; there is a high fever or severe abdominal pain; earlier if the patient is a baby or an older person.