Diarrhea is loose, watery bowel movements, or stools, that occur three or more times a day. If it persists for at least four weeks, it's known as chronic diarrhea and may be caused by an underlying disease. Most cases of diarrhea, though, are acute. That means they last only a day or two. But those days can be miserable, with cramping, bloating or nausea and frequent trips to the bathroom.
Acute diarrhea usually goes away on its own, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). But it's important to take care of yourself to avoid complications, and in some cases you should see a doctor.
What causes it?
According to the NIDDK, diarrhea can be caused by:
- Viral infections. These are highly contagious, and outbreaks can occur in settings such as households, child care facilities, schools, nursing homes or cruise ships.
- Bacterial infections. Contaminated food or water can carry bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.
- Recent dietary changes. Increased intake of coffee, tea or soft drinks can cause diarrhea. It can also be the result of an inability to digest certain food components, such as artificial sweeteners and lactose, the sugar found in milk.
- Parasites. Organisms such as Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium can enter the body with food or water.
- Reactions to medicines. Drugs such as antibiotics, blood pressure medications and cancer medications can sometimes cause diarrhea.
- Intestinal diseases. Chronic diarrhea is a symptom of conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and celiac disease. Diarrhea may improve when these underlying diseases are treated.
How should you treat it?
Although diarrhea usually gets better in a few days, it can deplete your body's fluids. If you lose too much fluid, you could become dehydrated.
According to the NIDDK and the American Academy of Family Physicians, these steps can help you feel better and avoid dehydration:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water is important, but broths and soups (which contain sodium) and fruit juices (which contain potassium) can help restore electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals and salts that affect important functions like muscle activity and the amount of water your body retains.
- Try an over-the-counter rehydration solution.
- Avoid dairy products and foods that are greasy, high in fiber or very sweet. These foods can make diarrhea worse.
- Talk to your doctor about whether to use antidiarrheals. They can make diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites worse. In addition, they can be dangerous for children.
As you feel better, add soft, bland foods. The BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce and toast—works well for kids. Breastfed infants should continue to nurse, and babies should get extra fluids.
When should you get help?
Symptoms of dehydration usually go away as soon as fluids are replaced. But in children and older adults, dehydration can become dangerous quickly.
Call the doctor if a very young or very old person with diarrhea also has symptoms such as increased thirst, decreased urination, weakness, light-headedness or headache.
According to the NIDDK, these signs may signal dehydration in infants:
- Dry mouth.
- No wet diapers for three hours or more.
- Few or no tears when crying.
- Sunken eyes or cheeks or a soft spot in the skull.
- Thirst.
- Listlessness.
Diarrhea that lasts for more than two days, or is accompanied by a fever of 102 degrees or higher, can also signal a more serious problem. You should see your doctor if that happens, or if you have severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool or black, tarlike stools, reports the NIDDK.
You can prevent most cases of diarrhea by washing your hands frequently.
Reviewed 7/3/2023