Diarrhea: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry

Diarrhea — loose or watery stool, usually more frequent than normal — is something nearly everyone experiences. Most episodes are short-lived and clear up on their own within a day or two. The main things to manage are staying hydrated and knowing when it's more than a passing bug.

Common causes

• Infections — a viral "stomach bug," or bacterial/parasitic infections from food or water
• Food intolerances — lactose intolerance, or sweeteners like sorbitol
• Medications — especially antibiotics, which disturb gut bacteria
• Dietary changes — too much caffeine, or fatty or spicy food
• Stress and anxiety — via the gut–brain connection
• Digestive conditions — IBS, IBD, and others can cause recurring diarrhea

On the Bristol Stool Scale, diarrhea is types 6 and 7.

How to treat diarrhea at home

• Replace fluids — sip water regularly; oral rehydration solutions replace salts as well.
• Eat when you can — small, plain meals as your appetite returns; you don't need to starve.
• Rest — give your body time to recover.
• Use anti-diarrhea medicine cautiously — helpful at times, but ask a pharmacist, and avoid it if you have a fever or blood in the stool.

Watch for dehydration

Dehydration is the main risk with diarrhea. Signs include strong thirst, dark or reduced urine, dizziness, and fatigue. It's especially serious in young children and older adults, who may need fluids sooner.

When to see a doctor

• Diarrhea lasting more than two days in adults (sooner in children)
• Blood in the stool, or black, tarry stool
• High fever or severe abdominal pain
• Signs of dehydration
• Recent travel abroad or a recent course of antibiotics

Track it with PoopID

Recurring diarrhea is easier to discuss with a doctor when it's logged. PoopID records your Bristol type and frequency from a photo. See the gut symptoms overview for the bigger picture.

• Sources:
• NIDDK — Diarrhea. niddk.nih.gov
• NHS — Diarrhoea and vomiting. nhs.uk