Consider taking an anti-diarrhoeal drug such as loperamide or diphenoxylate which can be obtained for adults without a prescription if the symptoms are severe, but always read the label and ask your pharmacist for advice if unsure. The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if a severe infection is diagnosed or suspected. Do not treat yourself without seeing a doctor. There may be an underlying disease which can be cured. In most cases, chronic diarrhoea is not serious and can be controlled by medicines, but this is best done under medical supervision.
Treatment involves emptying the bowel using laxatives or enemas.
The need for research Each year, 5-10 million small children in the Third World die of diarrhoeal diseases, such as cholera. Rehydration solutions to replace vital lost glucose and salts have saved many lives. We urgently need research leading to improved treatment for people with severe diarrhoea and for those where chronic diarrhoea makes life miserable. Vaccines against infectious diseases, such as cholera, are being developed. These could be a major breakthrough in the fight against diarrhoeal disease.