Diarrhoea guide for families and caregivers

Diarrhoea guide for families and caregivers. Practical steps for people with diarrhoea and those caring for them.

For: People with diarrhoea and those caring for them

General guidance across countries. Sources checked 2026-09-26.

Replacing what the body loses

Frequent loose stools and vomiting remove water and salts. Babies, older adults and people who are already unwell can dehydrate quickly. Thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, fewer wet nappies and unusual tiredness are useful warning signs.

Use packaged oral rehydration solution (ORS), mixed with exactly the amount of safe water on its label. Offer small, frequent sips if nauseated. Continue breastfeeding and usual-strength formula; do not dilute feeds. Eat as tolerated. Very sugary drinks can worsen diarrhoea.

Medicines and stopping the spread

Many episodes settle without antibiotics. A clinician should assess blood in the stool, persistent illness or dehydration. Do not give a child diarrhoea-stopping medicine without clinical advice; it may be unsafe.

Wash hands with soap after toileting or changing nappies and before meals. Clean contaminated surfaces and avoid preparing food for others while ill. Seek reassessment when drinking is not keeping up with losses, rather than waiting for diarrhoea to stop.

Sources

  1. Diarrhoea and vomiting · Public sector health information · OGL v3.0

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Read the complete Diarrhoea and dehydration topic