Diarrhea

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is when you have loose, watery stools. It’s pretty common and is usually caused by a stomach bug. Viruses like norovirus, bacteria like E.coli, and parasites can all trigger it.^[1] Diarrhea can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and inconvenient, as it means frequent trips to the bathroom.

Who gets diarrhea?

Anyone can get diarrhea, no matter their age or sex. Young children and babies are more likely to get it. Drinking unsafe water and eating undercooked food can increase your risk. ^[2]

How long does diarrhea last?

Diarrhea usually goes away in a few days and doesn’t need treatment. But it can cause dehydration, so it’s important to drink lots of fluids (small sips of water often) until your diarrhea stops. If it lasts longer, there’s blood in your stool, you’re vomiting a lot, or losing weight, see a doctor.

What causes diarrhea?

There are many causes of diarrhea. One of the most common is food poisoning, when bacteria from contaminated food gets into your system. Another common cause is viral infections like the flu, norovirus, or rotavirus (especially in young children). Tiny parasites in contaminated water can also lead to diarrhea.

Other things that can cause it are allergies to certain medicines like antibiotics, cancer drugs, and antacids (used for indigestion) that contain magnesium. Similarly, allergies or sensitivities to certain foods, like for people that are lactose intolerant, can trigger diarrhea. You might also get diarrhea if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a disease that affects the stomach, small intestine, or colon, like Crohn’s disease.

Conditions that affect the large intestine (or bowel), like diverticulitis, can also cause diarrhea. ^[1]

Sometimes no specific cause can be found. But if your diarrhea goes away quickly, finding the exact cause isn’t always necessary, other than to avoid it happening again.

Always stay home from work or school until you haven’t had diarrhea for at least two days. This helps prevent the spread of infection to others.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

The main symptom is having loose or watery stools, often many times for a day or two, or even up to a week in severe cases. Other symptoms can include stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. In extreme cases, you might lose control of your bowel movements (incontinence).

Can diarrhea lead to other problems?

While diarrhea usually isn’t harmful, it can become dangerous if it lasts for a long time or if it’s a sign of a more serious underlying problem.

Diarrhea can cause dehydration quickly, as your body loses fluids. Dehydration symptoms include dark, strong-smelling urine or urinating less than usual. So it’s important to stay hydrated when you have diarrhea.

You should always see a doctor if you have blood in your stool, severe stomach or rectal pain, significant weight loss, or continuous vomiting.