Management of diarrhoea by the primary health team.

For all age groups, fluid replacement with oral rehydration sachets is the mainstay of treatment. Antibiotic therapy will occasionally be needed where specific pathogens have been identified. Traveller's diarrhoea may be alleviated with antibiotic therapy. Attacks of viral gastroenteritis in the under-twos are common. Consistent advice from health visitors, practice nurses, midwives and the GP helps prevent parents from receiving conflicting messages. *In a baby, colic accompanied by diarrhoea and especially by blood in the stool, needs urgent referral to a doctor--it could be intussusception. Persistent diarrhoea should always be investigated.