Managing Diarrhoea at the End of Life
Diarrhoea can be an upsetting symptom for someone who is very unwell. It means having frequent or loose bowel movements and can make a person feel tired, sore and embarrassed. It can also be hard for family and carers. While diarrhoea is less common than constipation, it can still happen for different reasons, such as certain medicines, infections, or sometimes a build-up of hard stool (constipation) with looser stool leaking around it.
Although this can be distressing, there are ways to make things more comfortable and to protect the person’s dignity. The aim is not always to “cure” the diarrhoea, but to ease the discomfort and help the person feel as well as possible.
What Might Help?
- Looking for simple causes
The care team may check:
- If any medicines (like some antibiotics or laxatives) could be causing diarrhoea and can be changed.
- If there is a hard stool causing overflow; in this case the constipation may be treated.
- If an infection is likely and whether treatment would be helpful or appropriate for the person’s situation..
- Medicines to ease diarrhoea
- Sometimes medicines like loperamide (an anti-diarrhoea tablet) can be used to slow down the bowel and reduce frequency. This is not always suitable for everyone, but the doctor or nurse can advise. They will only suggest medicines that are safe and make sense for the person’s stage of illness.
- Comfort and practical support
Even if diarrhoea cannot be stopped completely, small changes can make a big difference:- Keeping the person close to a toilet or using a commode by the bed.
- Having continence pads or underwear available to reduce stress about accidents.
- Gentle cleaning and using barrier creams to protect sore skin.
- Making sure the room is private, comfortable and smells are managed.
- Offering drinks to keep up fluids, if the person can manage this.
- Emotional reassurance
- Diarrhoea can feel embarrassing, but it is a common symptom and not the person’s fault. Reassurance, kindness and privacy can help reduce the stress it causes.
When to Ask for Help
If diarrhoea is causing a lot of discomfort, dehydration, or skin soreness, speak to the GP, district nurse or palliative care team. They can give advice, adjust medicines, and offer extra support for both the patient and carers.
The goal is to keep the person as comfortable, dignified and supported as possible. Simple care measures, with or without medicines, can make a big difference. You don’t need to manage this alone – there is help available.