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Diarrhea

Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.

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What is it?

Diarrhea is loose, watery or frequent stools. If you have diarrhea, you may pass stool more than 3 times a day. 

  • Acute diarrhea usually lasts less than 2 weeks and goes away on its own without any special treatment. 
  • Prolonged diarrhea, lasting more than 2 weeks, or diarrhea accompanied by a fever, bleeding, dehydration or pain may be a sign of a more serious problem.

Symptoms

Symptoms of diarrhea include frequent or loose stools.

When to see a doctor

Occasional abdominal distress such as cramping, bloating or diarrhea often resolve on their own. If your symptoms seem severe or if they persist, it’s time to see a doctor.

Causes and risk factors

Risk factors for developing diarrhea include:

  • Lactose intolerance
  • Infections
  • Diet, including inadequate fiber intake or food intolerances
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
  • Travel
  • Other medical problems or medications

Treatment options

If you have diarrhea, treatment options may include:

  • Hydration (replacing lost fluids)
  • Over-the-counter or prescription medications or a combination
  • Treatment of any underlying medical conditions

Testing

Your doctor can help you determine if you have prolonged diarrhea. They may recommend the following tests or procedures:

  • Biopsy, if needed (can be performed in conjunction with other procedures)
  • Blood tests
  • Endoscopy
  • Stool tests
  • Colonoscopy

Prevention

Anyone can get diarrhea, and the average adult has acute diarrhea about 4 times a year.  Frequent hand washing will reduce your chances of contracting a viral infection, which is the most common cause of diarrhea in the U.S. If you have food intolerances or other digestive diseases, you can consider diet or lifestyle changes.

Additional conditions

Ulcerative Colitis

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Pancreatitis