Diarrhea

Diarrhea is defined as passing loose or watery stools three or more times in a 24-hour period. Depending on its cause, it may last a short time (acute diarrhea, usually a few days) or persist for weeks (chronic diarrhea). Symptoms can include abdominal cramps, bloating, urgent need to use the bathroom, nausea, and occasionally fever.

• Infections:

Viral: Norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus.

Bacterial: E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter.

Parasitic: Giardia, Cryptosporidium.

• Diet-related issues: Lactose intolerance, celiac disease, food poisoning.
• Medications: Antibiotics (disrupting gut bacteria), chemotherapy, magnesium-containing antacids.
• Chronic conditions: Inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism.
• Risk factors: Traveling to areas with poor sanitation (“traveler’s diarrhea”), drinking untreated water, weakened immune system, young children and older adults.

Call your healthcare provider if diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours, worsens, or is accompanied by:

• High fever (102°F / 38.9°C or higher)
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, little or no urination)
• Blood or black, tarry stools
• Severe abdominal or rectal pain

In infants, young children, and older adults, even shorter episodes can cause dangerous dehydration and should be evaluated promptly.