Diarrhoea Advice in Neath – NHS Guidance & Pharmacy Support

Our diarrhoea advice service in Neath offers professional pharmacist care through the NHS Common Ailments Service. You can get fast, expert advice — no need to wait for a GP appointment.

Please note: This service offers professional assessment and tailored advice. While NHS treatment is not routinely provided for diarrhoea under the Common Ailments Scheme, suitable over-the-counter products such as oral rehydration salts or loperamide can be purchased if needed.

What Is Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is the frequent passing of loose or watery stools. It often starts suddenly and usually resolves within a few days. Persistent or severe diarrhoea may indicate an underlying medical condition requiring further investigation.

Common Causes

• Infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic)
• Food intolerances or allergies (e.g. lactose intolerance)
• Medications such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, or GLP-1 weight-loss injections
• Stress and anxiety
• Digestive conditions like IBS, coeliac disease, or IBD

When to Seek Further Help

You should contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you:

• Have diarrhoea lasting more than 7 days
• Are unable to keep fluids down or have ongoing vomiting
• Notice blood or mucus in your stool
• Experience severe abdominal pain or fever
• Have recently travelled abroad
• Are pregnant, immunocompromised, under 4 weeks old, or over 65 years

Effective Treatment & Expert Advice

Our pharmacists in Neath can:

• Assess your symptoms and provide advice on safe, effective treatment
• Recommend oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes
• Discuss the safe use of anti-diarrhoeal medicines like loperamide when appropriate
• Review your regular medications to identify possible causes
• Offer practical dietary and lifestyle tips to manage and prevent symptoms

Self-Care Tips

• Stay hydrated: Drink water, squash, or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and fizzy drinks.
• Eat light: Choose simple foods such as soup, rice, banana, or toast once you can eat again.
• Rest: Allow your body time to recover and avoid strenuous activity until you feel better.
• Maintain hygiene: Wash your hands regularly and clean bathroom surfaces thoroughly.

Could Medication Be the Cause?

Some medicines can cause or worsen diarrhoea, including:

• Antibiotics
• NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen)
• Metformin
• PPIs (e.g. omeprazole)
• ACE inhibitors
• SSRIs (e.g. citalopram)

Important Advice on Contraception

If you take the oral contraceptive pill and have significant diarrhoea, absorption may be reduced. Use additional contraception (such as condoms) until your next period.

Preventing the Spread of Infection

If your diarrhoea may be caused by an infectious bug:

• Stay off work or school until you’ve been symptom-free for 48 hours
• Avoid preparing food for others
• Don’t swim for 2 weeks after recovery
• Disinfect toilets, handles, and shared surfaces regularly
• Do not share towels, cutlery, or crockery

Book an Appointment

Our pharmacist diarrhoea advice service in Neath is professional, confidential, and accessible. Get the right advice to manage your symptoms safely.

Book Online or visit us in-store for same-day advice.

FAQs – Diarrhoea & NHS Pharmacy Advice

Is diarrhoea treatment free on the NHS?

Under the NHS Common Ailments Scheme, diarrhoea advice is free. NHS treatment supply is not usually provided, but suitable OTC medicines can be purchased.

When should I see a GP?

If diarrhoea lasts longer than 7 days, contains blood, or is accompanied by fever, pain, or weight loss, see your GP or call NHS 111.

Can pharmacists help with dehydration?

Yes — pharmacists can recommend oral rehydration solutions to replace lost salts and fluids.

What if I’m taking other medicines?

Your pharmacist can review your medication to see if it may be contributing and suggest alternatives or adjustments where needed.

Explore related services:
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Written by Ali Sparkes BSc (Hons), MSc Econ, IP, FRPharmS – Independent Prescribing Pharmacist