Diarrhoea may be an acute symptom, for example when associated with an infection, in which case it requires acute treatment as well. Alternatively, it may be chronic and associated with the patient’s underlying illness; in that case, the aim is to reduce it using both medications and other methods.
Diarrhoea in palliative care
When it comes to symptoms encountered in palliative care, diarrhoea is less common than constipation. The treatment depends on whether the diarrhoea is acute or chronic.
The most common causes of diarrhoea encountered in palliative care include excessive use of constipation medication, constipation or weakened bowel motility causing watery stool to pass a blockage formed by a block of solid stool or a tumour in the bowel (also known as “overflow diarrhoea”), and various malabsorption conditions. For example, removal of the pancreas leads to reduced absorption of fats, which causes fatty diarrhoea.
In addition to constipation medication, other medicines that may cause diarrhoea include iron supplements, drugs used in chemotherapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Another plausible cause of diarrhoea in palliative care is the use of antibiotics. Long-term diarrhoea is also associated with some chronic illnesses.
Acute diarrhoea
If the diarrhoea started suddenly and the amount is so large that it causes dehydration, or if there are other symptoms such as a fever or stomach pain, seek acute medical attention. If the diarrhoea occurred after treatment with antibiotics, it may be necessary to take a stool sample.
Chronic diarrhoea
Even in the case of chronic diarrhoea, the aim is to identify and treat the cause, if possible. If the diarrhoea is caused by excessive use of constipation medication, the dose of the medicines is lowered or their use is temporarily suspended. If the diarrhoea is a reaction to a certain medication, the medicine causing the symptom is substituted with a more suitable alternative, if possible. In the case of overflow diarrhoea, treatment of the underlying constipation is enhanced if needed. Fatty diarrhoea caused by pancreatic insufficiency can be relieved with pancreatic enzyme supplements.
Antidiarrhoeal medications can be used to decrease the amount of watery diarrhoea. Severe cases of diarrhoea can also be treated with medications that reduce intestinal secretion. In the case of chronic diarrhea, talk to your attending physician about whether to use antidiarrhoeal medications.
When taking constipation medication, follow the recommended dose, and if the dose is adjusted, implement the changes gradually every 1 to 2 days.
Make sure you’re getting enough to drink. If the diarrhoea is large in volume, maintaining the body’s fluid balance may ease the symptoms.
It’s advisable to have small, light meals consisting of easily digestible foods.
Watch out for any foods that make the diarrhoea worse, and try to avoid them. Foods that may increase diarrhoea include dairy products, xylitol, and fried, fatty foods.
Updated 7.4.2025