Book an Appointment

Diarrhea 101: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It

Diarrhea is a common condition characterized by frequent, loose, or watery stools. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting) and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain or fever. While often caused by minor issues, persistent diarrhea can indicate more serious health problems and requires appropriate management.

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is defined as the passage of loose or watery stools more frequently than normal. It can result from a variety of causes including infections, dietary factors, and underlying health conditions. The condition can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if not managed properly.

Types of Diarrhea

  • Acute Diarrhea: Short-term diarrhea lasting less than two weeks, often caused by infections such as viral gastroenteritis or food poisoning.
  • Chronic Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea lasting more than four weeks, potentially due to chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or chronic infections.
  • Osmotic Diarrhea: Caused by the ingestion of certain substances that draw water into the intestines, such as lactose in individuals with lactose intolerance.
  • Secretory Diarrhea: Results from the secretion of fluids into the intestines, often due to infections or certain medications.

How Common is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a very common condition that affects people of all ages. It is a frequent cause of visits to healthcare providers and can vary in severity from mild and self-limiting to severe and requiring medical intervention.

Common Symptoms

  • Frequent, loose, or watery stools
  • Abdominal cramping or pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever (in cases of infection)
  • Dehydration symptoms such as dry mouth, reduced urine output, and dizziness

Common Causes

  • Infections: Viral (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus), bacterial (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli), or parasitic infections can lead to diarrhea.
  • Dietary Factors: Consumption of contaminated food or water, excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol, and food intolerances (e.g., lactose intolerance) can cause diarrhea.
  • Medications: Certain medications, including antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to diarrhea.
  • Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or celiac disease can cause chronic diarrhea.
  • Stress and Anxiety: Psychological factors can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea.

FAQs

Diagnosis of Diarrhea typically involves a review of medical history, physical examination, and tests such as stool samples, blood tests, and imaging studies if necessary, to identify the underlying cause.

Treatment depends on the cause of Diarrhea. It may include rehydration with oral rehydration solutions, dietary changes, medications to address infections or underlying conditions, and avoiding foods that exacerbate symptoms.

Prevention strategies include practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contaminated food and water, being cautious with food handling, and managing stress. For individuals with food intolerances, avoiding trigger foods can help prevent Diarrhea.

You should consult a doctor if Diarrhea persists for more than a few days, is severe, is accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, significant dehydration, or blood in the stools, or if you have underlying health conditions that could be exacerbated by Diarrhea.

Home remedies may include drinking clear fluids like water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions, consuming bland foods (e.g., bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), and avoiding dairy products and fatty or spicy foods. Probiotics may also help restore gut balance.

Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms of Diarrhea may include abdominal cramps, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, fever, bloody stools, dehydration, urgent need to go to the bathroom, leaking stool and not being able to control your bowels.

Diarrhea can be caused by several things, including food and water, bacterial infection, food intolerance, food allergy, intestinal diseases, reaction to medicines, antibiotic use, etc.

Table of Contents

Think you're healthy?
It's time to make sure.

Request an Appointment
In partnering with the top gastroenterologists in the area, we hope to provide the best possible care for our patients in the most beneficial practice environment.
Linkedin X-twitter Instagram Facebook
Health Care
Patient Portal
Employee

© 2025 GI Partners of Illinois, LLC

Home
Locations
Open Access Screening Colonoscopy
(Downers Grove)
Contact Us
Pay My Bill
Patient Portal
Request an Appointment