Definition. Diarrhea occurs when someone passes loose/watery stools more than 3 times a day. Generally, diarrhea passes on its own in a day or two. Diarrhea lasting longer than that may be indicative of a more serious problem, such as a GI infection. Diarrhea that lasts longer than 4 weeks, considered chronic diarrhea, may be a symptom of a chronic disease.
Though diarrhea occurs fairly commonly, it is important to manage severe or prolonged diarrhea because it may lead to dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body lacks enough fluids and electrolytes (i.e. sodium, potassium, and chloride) to function properly.
Causes. Acute diarrhea is often caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection that gets into our bodies via contaminated food or water. Food intolerances (i.e. lactose intolerance), certain medications (i.e. antibiotics), and Traveler’s diarrhea (which occurs after traveling to certain countries) may also cause acute diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea is usually related to serious GI disorders/diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and/or celiac disease.
Symptoms. In addition to loose stools, someone experiencing diarrhea may also experience cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of bowel control. If the diarrhea is caused by infection, fever, chills, and/or bloody stools may also occur.
Complications. The most significant complication of diarrhea is dehydration, which may cause organ damage, shock, or coma in the most severe cases. Signs of dehydration include thirst, decreased urination, dark-colored urine, dry skin, fatigue, and dizziness.
When to see a doctor. If you are showing any of the signs of dehydration listed above, you should see a healthcare provider. Your doctor may suggest drinking electrolyte-containing fluids such as fruit juices, sports drinks, and broths. Be careful to avoid drinks that are high in sugar, such as sodas, because this may further worsen your dehydration. Children may benefit from rehydration products such as Pedialyte. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization and IV fluids.
It is also recommended that you see your doctor if you experience diarrhea lasting more than 2 days, severe abdominal pain, a fever >102 degrees, or stools that are black, tarry, and/or contain blood or pus.
Diagnostic tests. Tests are usually only run to determine the cause of chronic diarrhea. Tests may include a stool culture, blood tests, and/or a colonoscopy.
Treatment. Generally, the best treatment for acute diarrhea is preventing dehydration by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. If the diarrhea is caused by an infection, it is usually best to avoid anti-diarrheal medications and use antibiotics to eradicate the offending organism instead. If not due to infection, over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may be helpful.
Supportive Nutrition. Avoid foods that are greasy, high in fiber, sugary, or high in caffeine as these may worsen diarrhea. Yogurt, which contains live active bacterial cultures may be beneficial in regulating your digestive system. Soft, bland foods such as bananas, plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, crackers, cooked carrots, and skinless baked chicken may be added to the diet once symptoms begin to improve.
