Diarrhea is when your stools are loose and watery. You may also need to go to the bathroom more often. Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious
problem. Diarrhea may be either: Diarrhea may be caused by many things, including:
Many people get traveler's diarrhea. This happens when you have food or water that is not safe because of bacteria, parasites, and even food poisoning. Severe diarrhea may mean you have a serious disease. See your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t go away or if they keep you from doing your daily activities. It may be hard to find out what is causing your diarrhea. What are the symptoms of diarrhea?Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms of diarrhea may include:
Dehydration is a serious side effect of diarrhea. Symptoms include:
Diarrhea symptoms may look like other health problems. Bloody diarrhea is always a concern. Always see your doctor to be sure. Be sure to tell the doctor about any bleeding, fever, or vomiting. How is diarrhea diagnosed?To see if you have diarrhea, your healthcare provider will give you a physical exam and ask about your past health. You may also have lab tests to check your blood and urine. Other tests may include:
How is diarrhea treated?Your healthcare provider will make a care plan for you based on:
In most cases you will need to replace the fluids you have lost. You may also need a medicine that fights infection (antibiotic) if a bacterial infection is causing your diarrhea. Complications of diarrheaIf your diarrhea is not treated you are at risk for dehydration. Severe dehydration can lead to organ damage, shock, and fainting (loss of consciousness) or coma. Can diarrhea be prevented?Having good personal habits can keep you from getting diarrhea caused by bacteria or a virus. It is important to:
When you are traveling, make sure anything you eat and drink is safe. This is even more important if you travel to developing countries. Travel safety tips for water and other liquids include:
Travel safety tips for food include:
Living with diarrheaIn most cases diarrhea is a short-term problem. Often it only lasts for a few days. Be sure to take plenty of liquids when you’re having a bout of diarrhea. Some health problems can make diarrhea last longer or keep coming back. These include inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. If another health problem is causing your diarrhea, follow your healthcare provider’s advice for treating that problem. When should I call my healthcare provider?Call your healthcare provider if:
Key points about diarrhea
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your health care provider:
What can cause explosive diarrhea every day?Bacteria that cause diarrhea-producing infections include salmonella and E. coli. Contaminated food and fluids are common sources of bacterial infections. Rotavirus, norovirus, and other kinds of viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as “stomach flu,” are among the viruses that can cause explosive diarrhea.
Is it normal to have diarrhea everyday?Although common, chronic diarrhea is definitely not normal and is a sign of a problem. When diarrhea occurs frequently for more than two weeks, you might be dealing with a bowel disease. Here are conditions that can cause chronic diarrhea. Ongoing infections from bacteria and parasites.
When should I be worried about explosive diarrhea?But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days into weeks, it usually indicates that there's another problem — such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more serious disorder, including persistent infection, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
What is the cure for explosive diarrhea?The most common and convenient solution for alleviating acute diarrhea is over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as: Loperamide (Imodium): This medication slows down digestion so that the body can draw more water from the intestines. This helps to firm up stools and reduce the frequency of bowel movements.
|