About this condition
Diarrhoea, bloating and abdominal discomfort can continue after gastroenteritis or begin while taking a medicine. These symptoms do not automatically prove an ongoing intestinal infection or inflammation.
What matters most
Enterocolitis describes inflammation of the small and/or large bowel. Some people instead develop post-infectious functional symptoms without an active infection. Antibiotics and other medicines can also trigger diarrhoea, and different causes require different care.
Symptoms and reasons to seek help
Watery or frequent stools, cramps, bloating and changing bowel habits may follow an infection or a newly introduced drug. Note the timing, fever, medication changes, blood in stool, weight loss and whether you can drink enough fluid.
How it differs from similar conditions
A post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome is not the same as infectious or inflammatory colitis. Antibiotic-associated Clostridioides difficile infection is another possibility when there has been recent antibiotic exposure; testing should follow clinical indications.
Assessment and investigations
The clinician reviews the illness timeline, prescribed and non-prescribed medicines, hydration and alarm symptoms. Stool studies, including C. difficile testing, blood work or additional bowel investigations may be considered when the history suggests them.
Care options and limitations
Hydration and nutritional support are important while the cause is investigated. Do not start antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal drugs indiscriminately, and do not stop an essential prescription without discussing a safer plan with its prescriber.
When emergency help is needed
Bloody diarrhoea, intense worsening abdominal pain, high fever with severe weakness, confusion, fainting or inability to keep down fluids needs emergency assessment. Call 103 or 112 for a severe or rapidly deteriorating condition rather than waiting for a routine visit.
Related information
Diverticular disease of the intestine; Ischaemic colitis; Large-bowel growths and tumours; Bowel obstruction.
Signs and symptoms
Watery or frequent stools, cramps, bloating and changing bowel habits may follow an infection or a newly introduced drug. Note the timing, fever, medication changes, blood in stool, weight loss and whether you can drink enough fluid.
Diagnosis and tests
The clinician reviews the illness timeline, prescribed and non-prescribed medicines, hydration and alarm symptoms. Stool studies, including C. difficile testing, blood work or additional bowel investigations may be considered when the history suggests them.
Care and treatment approaches
Hydration and nutritional support are important while the cause is investigated. Do not start antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal drugs indiscriminately, and do not stop an essential prescription without discussing a safer plan with its prescriber.
When to seek urgent care
Bloody diarrhoea, intense worsening abdominal pain, high fever with severe weakness, confusion, fainting or inability to keep down fluids needs emergency assessment. Call 103 or 112 for a severe or rapidly deteriorating condition rather than waiting for a routine visit.
Frequently asked questions
Does persistent diarrhoea mean the infection is still present?
Not necessarily. Post-infectious functional changes are possible, but ongoing infection, inflammation and other causes may need exclusion.
Can antibiotics cause bowel inflammation?
Yes. Some medicines cause diarrhoea, and antibiotic exposure can be associated with C. difficile colitis requiring appropriate assessment.
Should I stop every medicine if diarrhoea begins?
No. Tell the clinician exactly what you take; stopping or substituting treatment depends on the underlying condition and risks.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
