Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAcute vs. SevereCausesSymptomsDehydrationDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionWhen to Seek Medical CareNext in Diarrhea GuideSymptoms of Diarrhea
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Acute vs. Severe
Causes
Symptoms
Dehydration
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
When to Seek Medical Care
Next in Diarrhea Guide
In the United States, diarrhea affects adults about once per year and young children twice per year. It is more common in people who live in or travel to developing countries.It usually resolves on its own after one or two days. When diarrhea lasts more than a few days, it may be a sign of a serious health problem.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for diarrhea.
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Rehydrating for Dehydration From Diarrhea
Acute vs. Severe Diarrhea
Most cases of diarrhea are considered acute and do not last long.Diarrheausually goes away on its own after a few days. The cause is often unknown.
Severe cases of diarrhea last longer than four days and require treatment. Severe diarrhea can last weeks and may require intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
What Causes Diarrhea?
There are several possible causes of diarrhea, and they range from mild to serious.
Causes and Risk Factors of Diarrhea
Acute Diarrhea Causes
The most common causes of acute diarrhea are infection, traveler’s diarrhea, and medication side effects.
Infectionsthat lead to diarrhea include:
Traveler’s diarrheausually spreads through contaminated food and water, where bacteria and parasites can live. When ingested, the bacterium or parasite settles into the digestive tract and causes illnesses. While most cases of traveler’s diarrhea are acute, some parasites can cause chronic problems.
Medications that have been linked with acute diarrhea include:
Chronic Diarrhea Causes
Chronic diarrhea lasts for weeks or longer. Certain infections, food allergies or intolerances, digestive tract problems, surgery complications, or long-term medication use may cause it.
Causes of chronic diarrhea include:
Why Do I Have Diarrhea on My Period?
Symptoms of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a condition that causes loose, watery stools, abdominal cramping and pain, and an urgent need to use the bathroom.
If an infection causes diarrhea, additional symptoms may include:
If a malabsorption disorder causes diarrhea, the symptoms can include:
See a healthcare provider immediately if you notice black stool when you have diarrhea. This could mean that there is bleeding in your digestive tract.
Diarrhea and Dehydration
Diarrhea for a few days can lead todehydration, when your body loses more fluid than it takes in. Symptoms of dehydration may include:
Symptoms of dehydration in babies and young children include:
Diagnosing Diarrhea
Most cases of diarrhea last for a couple of days. However, when it does not improve on its own, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to determine the cause and if you’re dehydrated. They will ask questions about when diarrhea started and if the symptoms worsened, and recent changes in your diet or medications.
Other diagnostic tools may include:
How to Stop Diarrhea
Most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own without treatment. If you have had diarrhea for over two to three days, you may need treatment to prevent dehydration. The treatment plan depends on the type of diarrhea, its underlying causes, how severe it is, and your overall health.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatment
To treat diarrhea at home, start hydrating yourself as much as possible. OTC antimotility agents likeImmodium (loperamide)can slow down your gastrointestinal tract and decrease the amount and frequency of diarrhea.
Understanding OTC Diarrhea Medicines
Prescription Medication
Prescription medication may be needed for severe diarrhea. If a healthcare provider is concerned that you are dehydrated, they may recommend intravenous (IV) fluids. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial infection causes diarrhea. Parasitic infections are treated with antiparasitic medication.
Diet
Healthcare providers recommend that children drinkoral rehydration solutionssuch as Pedialyte to replace lost fluids.
Treatment for Babies and Young Children
Dehydration is a serious health problem for babies and young children. Treating diarrhea and watching for any signs of dehydration in this age group is critical. To prevent dehydration in babies and young children, offer small, frequent doses of an oral rehydration solution. For babies who are nursing, offer breastfeeding often.
Can You Prevent Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is very common and cannot always be prevented. However, there are ways to lower your risk. Use the following strategies:
People who travel to developing countries are at an increased risk of traveler’s diarrhea. To lower your risk while traveling, keep the following tips in mind:
When to Seek Medical Care for Severe Diarrhea
Most cases of diarrhea can be safely treated at home. If you have a compromised immune system or are an older adult, call a healthcare provider whenever you experience diarrhea. It is also important to contact a provider if you develop symptoms of dehydration or fever, vomiting, or six or more stools in 24 hours.
Seek medical care if you develop any of the following symptoms with diarrhea:
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Diarrhea.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Diarrhea.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Management of acute diarrhea.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of diarrhea.American College of Gastroenterology.Diarrheal diseases - acute and chronic.Nemours KidsHealth.Diarrhea.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Diarrhea.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Diarrhea.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Management of acute diarrhea.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of diarrhea.American College of Gastroenterology.Diarrheal diseases - acute and chronic.Nemours KidsHealth.Diarrhea.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Diarrhea.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Diarrhea.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Management of acute diarrhea.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of diarrhea.American College of Gastroenterology.Diarrheal diseases - acute and chronic.Nemours KidsHealth.Diarrhea.
MedlinePlus.Diarrhea.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Diarrhea.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Management of acute diarrhea.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of diarrhea.
American College of Gastroenterology.Diarrheal diseases - acute and chronic.
Nemours KidsHealth.Diarrhea.
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