6
€¢ Rapid onset
€¢ Watery stools, passed frequently
€¢ Resolves spontaneously within 72 hours

There may also be:
€¢ Abdominal cramps and flatulence
€¢ Nausea and vomiting
€¢ Weakness and malaise
€¢ Fever


7. If:
€¢ It had lasted longer than: 72 hours in an older child or adult; 48 hours in a child under 3 years and an elderly patient; 24 hours in a patient with diabetes mellitus; 24 hours in a baby under 1 year; in a baby under 3 months, refer immediately.
€¢ There was severe vomiting and fever
€¢ There was a history of change in bowel habit
€¢ There was recurrent diarrhoea €¢ There was presence of blood or mucus in stools
€¢ You suspect an adverse drug reaction
€¢ There was alternating constipation and diarrhoea
€¢ In a baby, there were signs of dehydration: dry skin, sunken eyes and fontanelle, dry tongue, drowsiness, passing less urine than normal.

8.
€¢ Drink plenty of clear fluids, such as water and diluted fruit squash.
€¢ Avoid drinks high in sugar as these can pr olong diarrhoea.
€¢ Avoid milk and milky drinks. A temporary lactose intolerance occurs, making diarrhoea worse.
€¢ You may not feel like eating, but if you can you will probably benefit from eating light, easily digested food.