Diarrhea

What Is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea occurs when the digestive system moves waste through the intestines too quickly, preventing water and nutrients from being absorbed properly. This results in frequent, loose or watery bowel movements.

Most people experience diarrhea occasionally, often due to something they ate or a mild infection. However, chronic or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and may indicate a more serious digestive disorder that requires medical attention.

While uncomfortable, diarrhea is usually short-lived. With proper care and hydration, most people recover fully within a few days.

What Causes Diarrhea?

There are many potential causes of diarrhea, ranging from infections to dietary triggers.

Common Causes Include:

• Viral infections: Such as norovirus or rotavirus, especially in children.
• Bacterial infections: From contaminated food or water (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter).
• Food intolerances: Lactose (dairy), gluten or artificial sweeteners can trigger diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
• Medications: Certain medicines, including antibiotics, magnesium antacids and some medications used for cancer treatments, may interfere with normal digestive bacteria.
• Digestive disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or celiac disease.
• Traveler’s diarrhea: Caused by exposure to unfamiliar bacteria or parasites while traveling abroad.

In children, diarrhea is most often caused by viral infections. In adults, it may be linked to diet, medication or chronic conditions.

Signs and Symptoms of Diarrhea

Diarrhea symptoms can vary depending on the cause but often include:

• Loose or watery stools
• Abdominal cramps or bloating
• Urgent need to use the restroom
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever (in infections)
• Dehydration symptoms such as dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness or dark urine

Typically, diarrhea lasts between one to three days; however, persistent diarrhea lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated by a health care provider, as it could signal an underlying medical issue.

How Is Diarrhea Diagnosed?

Your health care provider will review your symptoms, diet and medical history to determine the cause of diarrhea.

Diagnostic Steps May Include:

• Physical exam: Checking hydration levels and abdominal tenderness.
• Stool tests: To detect bacteria, viruses or parasites.
• Blood tests: To check for infection, inflammation or dehydration.
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy: Used in chronic cases to identify digestive diseases.

Accurate diagnosis helps guide proper treatment, especially for recurrent or severe diarrhea.

How to Treat Diarrhea

Most cases of diarrhea improve with rest, hydration and simple at-home care.

At-Home Care

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids such as water, clear broths or oral rehydration solutions to replace lost electrolytes.
• Eat a gentle diet: The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) can be soothing for the stomach.
• Avoid triggers: Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, dairy and greasy or spicy foods until symptoms resolve.
• Rest: Give your body time to recover.

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Antidiarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium®) may reduce symptoms, but they’re not recommended if diarrhea is caused by an infection.
• Probiotics can help restore healthy gut bacteria, especially after antibiotic use.

When to See a Health Care Provider:

Seek medical care if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than three days
• Severe dehydration (thirst, dizziness, little or no urine)
• High fever or bloody stools
• Signs of weight loss or persistent fatigue

Medical Treatments

In severe or chronic cases, treatment may include:

• Prescription antibiotics for bacterial infections
• IV fluids for dehydration
• Targeted therapy for underlying conditions such as IBS, IBD or celiac disease

How to Reduce the Risk of Diarrhea

While diarrhea can’t always be avoided, you can reduce your risk by practicing good hygiene and healthy eating habits.

Helpful Prevention Tips:

• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food.
• Cook foods thoroughly and avoid undercooked meats or eggs.
• Drink safe water, especially when traveling, and use bottled or filtered water if unsure.
• Store foods properly and refrigerate leftovers quickly.
• Maintain gut health by eating fiber-rich foods and considering probiotic supplements.
• Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations, such as rotavirus for children.

Most cases of diarrhea are mild and resolve without medical treatment. However, if symptoms persist, worsen, or lead to dehydration, it’s important to seek medical care promptly.

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If you’re wondering where the best place is to get care, please see our guide below:

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