Diarrhoea or Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis describes a group of diseases affecting the stomach or part of the intestine. Symptoms are often diarrhoea, sickness and stomach ache. As the lining of the stomach is likely to be inflammed, food and medicines are often vomited up. These should therefore be avoided. Instead, sip large quantities of water, cordials or squashes but not milk. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours. In the case of young children or babies use oral rehydration fluids which are available from the chemist (such as Rehydrate or Dioralyte) and consult your doctor if the symptoms last more than a day or are particularly severe.