Biegunka
Objawy

Biegunka definiowana jest jako co najmniej trzy wypróżnienia na dobę o luźnej lub wodnistej konsystencji stolca. Wyróżnia się biegunkę ostrą (1-14 dni), przetrwałą (14-30 dni) oraz przewlekłą (>2-4 tygodnie). Nasilenie biegunki klasyfikuje się jako łagodne (kilka stolców/dobę), umiarkowane (do 10 stolców/dobę) oraz ciężkie (>10 stolców/dobę). Objawy towarzyszące obejmują ból i skurcze brzucha, nudności, wymioty, gorączkę >39°C, krew lub śluz w stolcu oraz objawy odwodnienia, takie jak suchość błon śluzowych, zmniejszona diureza, tachykardia i hipotonia. Szczególnie niebezpieczne jest odwodnienie u dzieci, osób starszych i immunosupresyjnych. Przebieg ostrej biegunki zwykle obejmuje nagłe wystąpienie objawów, największe nasilenie w ciągu 24-48 godzin i ustąpienie w ciągu 3-7 dni. Biegunka przewlekła może mieć charakter wodnisty, zapalny lub tłuszczowy i wymaga pogłębionej diagnostyki w kierunku IBD, celiakii, IBS, zakażeń pasożytniczych czy zespołów złego wchłaniania.

Biegunka – definicja oraz rodzaje

Biegunka (ang. diarrhea) definiowana jest jako zwiększenie częstotliwości wypróżnień (trzy lub więcej razy na dobę) oraz zmiana konsystencji stolca na luźny lub wodnisty. Można ją również określić jako wydalanie nadmiernie wodnistych i częstych stolców.12 Biegunka jest objawem, a nie chorobą samą w sobie, i może być skutkiem różnych zaburzeń zdrowotnych.3

Ze względu na czas trwania biegunkę można podzielić na:

Pod względem nasilenia, biegunkę można sklasyfikować jako:1011

  • Łagodną – kilka wodnistych stolców w ciągu doby
  • Umiarkowaną – więcej niż kilka, ale nie więcej niż 10 wodnistych stolców w ciągu doby
  • Ciężką – ponad 10 wodnistych, luźnych stolców w ciągu doby

Biegunka ostra jest najczęstszym typem biegunki i zazwyczaj ustępuje bez specjalnego leczenia. Jednak biegunka, która utrzymuje się przez dłuższy czas, może wskazywać na poważniejszy stan wymagający konsultacji medycznej.1213

Objawy biegunki

Głównym objawem biegunki są luźne, wodniste stolce występujące częściej niż zwykle. Oprócz tego biegunce mogą towarzyszyć różne inne objawy, których nasilenie zależy od przyczyny i stopnia zaawansowania stanu.1415

Typowe objawy towarzyszące biegunce

Do najczęstszych objawów towarzyszących biegunce należą:161718

Objawy wskazujące na ciężką biegunkę

W przypadku ciężkiej biegunki mogą wystąpić również następujące objawy:192021

Objawy odwodnienia

Odwodnienie jest najpoważniejszym powikłaniem biegunki, szczególnie niebezpiecznym dla małych dzieci, osób starszych i osób z obniżoną odpornością.2223 Objawy odwodnienia obejmują:2425

W przypadku ciężkiego odwodnienia mogą wystąpić:2627

  • Skrajne pragnienie
  • Brak oddawania moczu
  • Bardzo sucha skóra i błony śluzowe
  • Znaczna senność lub utrata przytomności
  • Niskie ciśnienie krwi
  • Drgawki
  • Zaburzenia pracy serca i nerek

Progresja biegunki

Przebieg biegunki zależy od jej przyczyny, nasilenia oraz stanu zdrowia pacjenta. W większości przypadków biegunka ostra jest krótkotrwała i samoograniczająca się.2829

Typowy przebieg biegunki ostrej

Biegunka ostra zazwyczaj ma następujący przebieg:303132

  • Nagłe wystąpienie luźnych, wodnistych stolców
  • Najbardziej nasilone objawy występują w ciągu pierwszych 24-48 godzin
  • Stopniowe zmniejszanie częstotliwości i poprawianie konsystencji stolców
  • Całkowite ustąpienie objawów zazwyczaj w ciągu 3-7 dni, rzadziej do 14 dni

W przypadku biegunki wirusowej (tzw. grypy żołądkowej) często najpierw występują nudności i wymioty, a następnie biegunka.33 Najcięższa faza biegunki ostrej zwykle przypada na pierwszy lub drugi dzień, po czym następuje stopniowa poprawa.34

Biegunka przewlekła

Biegunka przewlekła, trwająca ponad 4 tygodnie, może przebiegać w różny sposób, w zależności od przyczyny:3536

  • Może występować codziennie lub okresowo
  • Objawy mogą być stałe lub zmienne w nasileniu
  • Często towarzyszą jej inne objawy, jak ból brzucha, wzdęcia, utrata masy ciała
  • Może znacząco wpływać na jakość życia i codzienne funkcjonowanie

W zależności od mechanizmu powstawania, biegunka przewlekła może być:3738

  • Wodnista – obejmująca biegunkę wydzielniczą, osmotyczną i czynnościową
  • Zapalna – charakteryzująca się obecnością krwi, śluzu lub ropy w stolcu
  • Tłuszczowa (zespół złego wchłaniania) – cechująca się stolcami tłustymi, połyskliwymi, trudnymi do spłukania i o nieprzyjemnym zapachu

Objawy alarmowe wymagające konsultacji lekarskiej

Należy skonsultować się z lekarzem, jeśli biegunce towarzyszą następujące objawy:394041

  • Biegunka trwająca dłużej niż 2 dni u dorosłych lub 24 godziny u dzieci
  • Gorączka powyżej 39°C lub utrzymująca się ponad 24 godziny
  • Silny ból brzucha lub odbytu
  • Krew w stolcu lub czarne, smoliste stolce
  • Objawy odwodnienia
  • Znaczna utrata masy ciała
  • Biegunka nocna (budząca ze snu)4243

U dzieci szczególnie niepokojące objawy to:4445

  • Brak mokrej pieluchy przez ponad 3 godziny
  • Zapadnięte ciemiączko, oczy lub policzki
  • Gorączka powyżej 39°C
  • Płacz bez łez
  • Senność, brak reakcji lub drażliwość

Szczególne rodzaje biegunki

Biegunka podróżnych

Biegunka podróżnych jest ostrą biegunką występującą podczas lub po podróży, zwłaszcza do krajów o niższym standardzie sanitarnym. Jest spowodowana ekspozycją na patogeny, które są obce dla organizmu podróżującego.4647 Zazwyczaj ustępuje samoistnie w ciągu 3-5 dni, ale u niektórych osób może przejść w stan przewlekły.48

Biegunka u dzieci

Biegunka u dzieci może przebiegać inaczej niż u dorosłych i stanowi większe zagrożenie ze względu na szybciej postępujące odwodnienie.49 U niemowląt karmionych piersią biegunka może być trudna do rozpoznania – jeśli nagle zwiększa się liczba i rozluźnienie stolców, należy podejrzewać biegunkę.50

Szczególnym rodzajem biegunki u dzieci jest biegunka małego dziecka (ang. toddler’s diarrhea), która jest jedną z najczęstszych przyczyn przewlekłej biegunki u dzieci w wieku od 6 miesięcy do 5 lat.5152 Charakteryzuje się częstymi, wodnistymi stolcami, ale dziecko poza tym rozwija się prawidłowo i nie ma innych objawów chorobowych. Objawy ustępują zazwyczaj do 5-6 roku życia.53

Biegunka funkcjonalna

Biegunka funkcjonalna to przewlekła biegunka bez wyraźnej przyczyny organicznej. Charakteryzuje się:5455

  • Luźnymi lub wodnistymi stolcami
  • Brakiem bólu brzucha (w przeciwieństwie do zespołu jelita drażliwego)
  • Występowaniem biegunki w co najmniej 75% wypróżnień
  • Utrzymywaniem się objawów przez co najmniej 6 miesięcy, z czego 3 miesiące muszą być ciągłe
  • Brakiem identyfikowalnej przyczyny strukturalnej lub biochemicznej

Biegunka funkcjonalna jest często uznawana za podtyp zespołu jelita drażliwego z przewagą biegunki (IBS-D).56

Biegunka w chorobach przewlekłych

Biegunka przewlekła może być objawem różnych chorób przewlekłych, takich jak:575859

W przypadku nieswoistych chorób zapalnych jelit, biegunce często towarzyszą takie objawy jak krwawienie z odbytu, ból brzucha, zmęczenie i utrata masy ciała.6061

U osób z zespołem jelita drażliwego biegunka może występować naprzemiennie z zaparciami, a wypróżnieniom często towarzyszy ból i wzdęcia brzucha.62

Pacjenci z chorobami zapalnymi jelit mogą doświadczać zwiększonej częstotliwości wypróżnień, zwłaszcza jeśli mają rozległe zapalenie okrężnicy lub jelita cienkiego. Mogą również występować u nich fałszywe parcia na stolec – nagła potrzeba wypróżnienia, podczas której wydalana jest jedynie niewielka ilość stolca.63

Syndrom poinfekcyjny

Po ostrym epizodzie biegunki infekcyjnej u niektórych pacjentów może rozwinąć się poinfekcyjny zespół jelita drażliwego (PI-IBS). Dotyczy to około 10% osób, które przebyły ostrą biegunkę infekcyjną.6465

Po infekcji może również wystąpić przejściowa enteropatia charakteryzująca się zanikiem kosmków jelitowych, zmniejszoną powierzchnią wchłaniania i niedoborem disacharydaz, co może prowadzić do biegunki osmotycznej.66

Niektóre osoby mogą rozwinąć przejściową nietolerancję laktozy po epizodzie biegunki lub zapalenia żołądka i jelit.67

Rozpoznanie biegunki

Rozpoznanie biegunki opiera się przede wszystkim na charakterystycznych objawach, takich jak zwiększona częstotliwość wypróżnień i luźna, wodnista konsystencja stolca.68 W przypadku biegunki ostrej, zwykle nie są potrzebne dodatkowe badania, jeśli objawy ustępują w ciągu kilku dni.69

Jeśli biegunka utrzymuje się dłużej lub towarzyszy jej niepokojące objawy, lekarz może zalecić:7071

  • Badania krwi – w celu oceny stanu zapalnego, funkcji wątroby i nerek, poziomu elektrolitów
  • Badania stolca – w kierunku obecności patogenów, krwi, leukocytów, tłuszczu lub markerów zapalnych (kalprotektyna, laktoferyna)
  • Badania endoskopowe – kolonoskopia lub gastroskopia z pobraniem wycinków
  • Badania obrazowe – w zależności od podejrzewanej przyczyny

W przypadku biegunki przewlekłej, rozpoznanie może być bardziej złożone i wymagać szerszej diagnostyki w celu ustalenia przyczyny.7273

Wczesne rozpoznanie biegunki i jej przyczyny pozwala na wdrożenie odpowiedniego leczenia, co może zapobiec rozwinięciu się powikłań, takich jak odwodnienie lub niedożywienie.74

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  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Diarrhea – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241
    Diarrhea loose, watery and possibly more-frequent passage of stool is a common problem. Sometimes, it’s the only symptom of a condition. At other times, it may be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or weight loss. […] Luckily, diarrhea is usually short-lived, lasting no more than a few days. But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days, it is usually a clue to another problem such as medicine side effects, changes in diet, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or a more serious disorder, including ongoing infection, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). […] Symptoms associated with loose, watery stools, also called diarrhea, may include: Belly cramps or pain. Bloating. Nausea. Vomiting. Fever. Blood in the stool. Mucus in the stool. Urgent need to pass stool.
  • #2 Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea
    Diarrhea means having a loose, watery stool during a bowel movement. Its common in both children and adults and usually goes away on its own within a few days. If it doesnt improve or if youre experiencing other symptoms like a fever or bloody stool, reach out to a provider to get the treatment (and relief) you need. […] The good news is that diarrhea is usually mild (only a few bathroom trips a day) and goes away within a few days. […] Sometimes, though, diarrhea is a sign of a serious condition. It can cause you to lose too much fluid (dehydration) or prevent you from getting enough nutrients. Its important to know what to look out for so you know when to see a healthcare provider about diarrhea and when to wait it out. […] Diarrhea goes by different names depending on how long it lasts: Acute diarrhea is loose, watery diarrhea that lasts one to two days. Its the most common type and usually goes away without treatment. Persistent diarrhea lasts about two to four weeks. Chronic diarrhea lasts more than four weeks or comes and goes regularly over a long period. Diarrhea that lasts this long may indicate a more serious condition that warrants a visit with your healthcare provider.
  • #3 Diarrhea – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis – MedBroadcast.com
    https://medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/diarrhea
    Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease. It is defined as passing frequent (3 or more per day) loose or watery stools. The acute form lasts less than 14 days (usually only a few days), goes away on its own, and usually isn’t serious, but it can be linked with some other problems. […] Chronic diarrhea lasts longer than 4 weeks. An inflammatory bowel condition such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease may be to blame. […] Your stool will be loose and watery. You may suffer from abdominal cramping, nausea, or bloating. You may even have a fever, along with chills. If you’ve had diarrhea for a few days, you may feel lightheaded or weak. This comes from rapidly losing the minerals, sugar, and water that your body needs. […] If the diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours or you have a fever of 38.5C or higher, if you notice blood or pus in the stool, or if you have severe abdominal pain or vomiting that prevents fluid replacement by mouth, see a doctor immediately.
  • #4 Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea
    Diarrhea means having a loose, watery stool during a bowel movement. Its common in both children and adults and usually goes away on its own within a few days. If it doesnt improve or if youre experiencing other symptoms like a fever or bloody stool, reach out to a provider to get the treatment (and relief) you need. […] The good news is that diarrhea is usually mild (only a few bathroom trips a day) and goes away within a few days. […] Sometimes, though, diarrhea is a sign of a serious condition. It can cause you to lose too much fluid (dehydration) or prevent you from getting enough nutrients. Its important to know what to look out for so you know when to see a healthcare provider about diarrhea and when to wait it out. […] Diarrhea goes by different names depending on how long it lasts: Acute diarrhea is loose, watery diarrhea that lasts one to two days. Its the most common type and usually goes away without treatment. Persistent diarrhea lasts about two to four weeks. Chronic diarrhea lasts more than four weeks or comes and goes regularly over a long period. Diarrhea that lasts this long may indicate a more serious condition that warrants a visit with your healthcare provider.
  • #5 From loose to locked up: Tips for diarrhea and constipation reliefmenu iconsearch iconsubscribe iconsearch iconarrow up right icon
    https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/from-loose-to-locked-up-tips-for-diarrhea-and-constipation-relief/2024/09
    There are three types of diarrhea: Acute diarrhea: This is the most common type of diarrhea. It usually lasts a couple days or less and gets better without treatment. Persistent diarrhea: This type usually lasts a couple weeks to a month. Chronic diarrhea: This can last a couple months or comes and goes over and over. It could be a sign of a serious condition.
  • #6 Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea
    Diarrhea means having a loose, watery stool during a bowel movement. Its common in both children and adults and usually goes away on its own within a few days. If it doesnt improve or if youre experiencing other symptoms like a fever or bloody stool, reach out to a provider to get the treatment (and relief) you need. […] The good news is that diarrhea is usually mild (only a few bathroom trips a day) and goes away within a few days. […] Sometimes, though, diarrhea is a sign of a serious condition. It can cause you to lose too much fluid (dehydration) or prevent you from getting enough nutrients. Its important to know what to look out for so you know when to see a healthcare provider about diarrhea and when to wait it out. […] Diarrhea goes by different names depending on how long it lasts: Acute diarrhea is loose, watery diarrhea that lasts one to two days. Its the most common type and usually goes away without treatment. Persistent diarrhea lasts about two to four weeks. Chronic diarrhea lasts more than four weeks or comes and goes regularly over a long period. Diarrhea that lasts this long may indicate a more serious condition that warrants a visit with your healthcare provider.
  • #7 Chronic Diarrhea – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544337/
    Chronic diarrhea is defined as loose/watery stools, which occur three or more times within 24 hours and lasts for 4 or more weeks. […] For diarrhea to be considered chronic, symptoms must be ongoing for four or more weeks. […] Diarrhea is a common term used to describe loose/watery stools which occur three or more times within 24 hours. […] The exact etiology of chronic diarrhea is quite broad as there are many different causes. […] Chronic diarrhea is a condition that affects approximately 5% of the population at any given point in time, although the exact prevalence is unknown. […] The prognosis for chronic diarrhea varies widely based on the cause of chronic diarrhea. […] Complications of chronic diarrhea will vary based on the specific cause. In general, the main complication present for all patients with chronic diarrhea is malabsorption. […] It is crucial for patients to talk to their primary care physician if they are experiencing loose, watery stools, which occurs three or more times per day for over four weeks.
  • #8 Diarrhea – Signs and Symptoms – McMaster Textbook of Internal Medicine
    https://empendium.com/mcmtextbook/chapter/B31.I.1.2.
    Diarrhea is arbitrarily defined as passing excessively loose (liquid or semiliquid) stools with increased frequency (3 per day), increased volume (200-250 g per day), or both. […] On the basis of its duration, diarrhea can be classified as acute (duration 14 days), persistent (duration 14 but 30 days), or chronic (duration 30 days). […] Chronic diarrhea (4 weeks) is rarely caused by GI infections (with the exception of immunocompromised patients). In the vast majority of cases the causes are inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colon cancer, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). […] The following features of diarrhea may further assist in directing investigation and determining etiology: 1. Secretory diarrhea: Stools are typically abundant (up to several liters a day), watery, have a fecal sodium concentration 70 mmol/L and low osmotic gap (50 mOsm/L).
  • #9 From loose to locked up: Tips for diarrhea and constipation reliefmenu iconsearch iconsubscribe iconsearch iconarrow up right icon
    https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/from-loose-to-locked-up-tips-for-diarrhea-and-constipation-relief/2024/09
    There are three types of diarrhea: Acute diarrhea: This is the most common type of diarrhea. It usually lasts a couple days or less and gets better without treatment. Persistent diarrhea: This type usually lasts a couple weeks to a month. Chronic diarrhea: This can last a couple months or comes and goes over and over. It could be a sign of a serious condition.
  • #10 Diarrhea: Symptoms & Causes | NewYork-Presbyterian
    https://www.nyp.org/primary-care/diarrhea
    Diarrhea is defined as frequent bowel movements of loose, watery stool. Diarrhea can be mild or severe and typically resolves itself within a few days. However, diarrhea that lasts longer than a week or two could be a sign of a more severe condition such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), an intestinal infection, celiac disease, or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). […] The stages of diarrhea refer to the severity of diarrhea. For instance: Mild diarrhea will cause a few watery stools during a 24-hour period. Moderate diarrhea means more than a few watery stools, but not more than ten during a 24-hour period. Severe diarrhea causes more than 10 watery, loose stools during a 24-hour period. […] Diarrhea symptoms depend on the severity of diarrhea and the cause of the gastrointestinal discomfort. Severe diarrhea can be an indication of a more serious, underlying condition. The leading symptom of diarrhea is loose or watery stool.
  • #11
    https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=sig18272
    Diarrhea is described as an increase in the frequency of bowel movements or a decrease in the consistency of stools that causes the discharge of watery, loose stools. The severity of diarrhea is determined by the size and number of stools passed within a period of time. […] Severe diarrhea means having more than 10 loose, watery stools in a single day (24 hours). […] Moderate diarrhea means having more than a few but not more than 10 diarrhea stools in a day. […] Mild diarrhea means having a few diarrhea stools in a day. […] Severe diarrhea increases your risk of dehydration by causing your body to lose large amounts of fluid quickly. […] Persistent diarrhea can have many causes, including dietary changes, stress, irritable bowel syndrome, and certain. Occasionally, persistent diarrhea can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a chronic infection, inflammatory bowel disease, a malabsorption syndrome, or colorectal cancer.
  • #12 Diarrhea | MedlinePlus
    https://medlineplus.gov/diarrhea.html
    Diarrhea is loose, watery stools (bowel movements). You have diarrhea if you have loose stools three or more times in one day. Acute diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts a short time. It is a common problem. It usually lasts about one or two days, but it may last longer. Then it goes away on its own. […] Diarrhea lasting more than a few days may be a sign of a more serious problem. Chronic diarrhea — diarrhea that lasts at least four weeks — can be a symptom of a chronic disease. Chronic diarrhea symptoms may be continual, or they may come and go. […] Other possible symptoms of diarrhea include: Cramps or pain in the abdomen, An urgent need to use the bathroom, Loss of bowel control. […] Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means that your body does not have enough fluid to work properly. Dehydration can be serious, especially for children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
  • #13 Diarrhea: Symptoms & Causes | NewYork-Presbyterian
    https://www.nyp.org/primary-care/diarrhea
    Diarrhea is defined as frequent bowel movements of loose, watery stool. Diarrhea can be mild or severe and typically resolves itself within a few days. However, diarrhea that lasts longer than a week or two could be a sign of a more severe condition such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), an intestinal infection, celiac disease, or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). […] The stages of diarrhea refer to the severity of diarrhea. For instance: Mild diarrhea will cause a few watery stools during a 24-hour period. Moderate diarrhea means more than a few watery stools, but not more than ten during a 24-hour period. Severe diarrhea causes more than 10 watery, loose stools during a 24-hour period. […] Diarrhea symptoms depend on the severity of diarrhea and the cause of the gastrointestinal discomfort. Severe diarrhea can be an indication of a more serious, underlying condition. The leading symptom of diarrhea is loose or watery stool.
  • #14 Diarrhea – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241
    Diarrhea loose, watery and possibly more-frequent passage of stool is a common problem. Sometimes, it’s the only symptom of a condition. At other times, it may be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or weight loss. […] Luckily, diarrhea is usually short-lived, lasting no more than a few days. But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days, it is usually a clue to another problem such as medicine side effects, changes in diet, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or a more serious disorder, including ongoing infection, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). […] Symptoms associated with loose, watery stools, also called diarrhea, may include: Belly cramps or pain. Bloating. Nausea. Vomiting. Fever. Blood in the stool. Mucus in the stool. Urgent need to pass stool.
  • #15 Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea
    The main cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects your gut (gastroenteritis). Some call it the stomach flu or a stomach bug. But diarrhea can have lots of causes. […] The main sign of diarrhea is loose or watery stool. Other common symptoms include: Bloating or cramps in your belly. A strong and urgent need to poop. Nausea (upset stomach). […] Severe cases of diarrhea may signal a medical condition, like a serious infection, that wont get better without treatment from a healthcare provider. […] Contact your provider if you have diarrhea with: Fever. Severe pain. Vomiting. Blood or mucus in your stool. Weight loss (this can be a sign that your bodys not absorbing enough nutrients). […] Dehydration is one of the biggest concerns with diarrhea. This is especially true among vulnerable populations (infants, people 65 and older and people with compromised immune systems). Without treatment, dehydration can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart attack or even death.
  • #16 Diarrhea – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241
    Diarrhea loose, watery and possibly more-frequent passage of stool is a common problem. Sometimes, it’s the only symptom of a condition. At other times, it may be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or weight loss. […] Luckily, diarrhea is usually short-lived, lasting no more than a few days. But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days, it is usually a clue to another problem such as medicine side effects, changes in diet, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or a more serious disorder, including ongoing infection, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). […] Symptoms associated with loose, watery stools, also called diarrhea, may include: Belly cramps or pain. Bloating. Nausea. Vomiting. Fever. Blood in the stool. Mucus in the stool. Urgent need to pass stool.
  • #17 Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea
    The main cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects your gut (gastroenteritis). Some call it the stomach flu or a stomach bug. But diarrhea can have lots of causes. […] The main sign of diarrhea is loose or watery stool. Other common symptoms include: Bloating or cramps in your belly. A strong and urgent need to poop. Nausea (upset stomach). […] Severe cases of diarrhea may signal a medical condition, like a serious infection, that wont get better without treatment from a healthcare provider. […] Contact your provider if you have diarrhea with: Fever. Severe pain. Vomiting. Blood or mucus in your stool. Weight loss (this can be a sign that your bodys not absorbing enough nutrients). […] Dehydration is one of the biggest concerns with diarrhea. This is especially true among vulnerable populations (infants, people 65 and older and people with compromised immune systems). Without treatment, dehydration can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart attack or even death.
  • #18 Diarrhea: Causes and How to Treat it
    https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea
    Diarrhea, or the runs, is when you experience loose, watery stools and feel the urgent need to have a bowel movement multiple times a day. […] Diarrhea can be acute or chronic. […] Acute diarrhea occurs when the condition lasts for 1 to 2 days. […] Chronic diarrhea refers to having diarrhea on most days for longer than 3 to 4 weeks. […] The main symptoms of diarrhea are frequent loose, watery stools and a pressing urge to have a bowel movement. […] There are many different symptoms of diarrhea. […] Its common to feel one or more of the following: nausea, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, dehydration, a frequent urge to evacuate your bowels, a large volume of stools, dehydration. […] Diarrhea can cause you to lose fluids quickly and put you at risk for dehydration. […] The symptoms of dehydration include: fatigue, dry mucous membranes, increased heart rate, a headache, lightheadedness, increased thirst, decreased urination, dry mouth.
  • #19 Diarrhea: Symptoms & Causes | NewYork-Presbyterian
    https://www.nyp.org/primary-care/diarrhea
    Additional symptoms of severe diarrhea may include: Dehydration is common with severe diarrhea, especially among young children and older adults. Fever could indicate an infection somewhere else in the body that’s causing the diarrhea. Weight loss could also be a sign of an infection elsewhere in the body. Severe pain may occur with diarrhea due to cramping, gas, and bloating in the gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting is sometimes associated with a stomach virus, which may also cause diarrhea. Blood may be present in stool after several bouts of diarrhea due to irritation of the bowels. If blood in the stool is excessive, contact your doctor. […] Severe diarrhea could be a symptom of a more serious illness. Contact your healthcare provider and seek medical care if your diarrhea increases in frequency or lasts longer than 48 hours. […] One of the main symptoms of malabsorption syndrome is diarrhea. In people with malabsorption syndrome, food moves too fast through the digestive system and bowels for nutrients to be absorbed.
  • #20 Common Causes of Diarrhea
    https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-diarrhea
    When you have diarrhea, your bowel movements (or stools) are loose and watery. Its common and usually not serious. […] You may have: Bloating in your belly, Thin or loose stools, Watery stools, An urgent feeling that you need to have a bowel movement, Nausea and throwing up, Leaking stool, and you can’t control your bowels (incontinence). […] Most cases of diarrhea are nothing more than a brief inconvenience. But sometimes, they warn of a serious condition. Talk with your doctor if your child has diarrhea for more than 24 hours. If you have it for more than 3 days, make an appointment. […] More serious symptoms of diarrhea include: Blood or mucus in your stool, Weight loss. […] If you have watery stools more than three times a day and you’re not drinking enough fluids, you could become dehydrated. That can be a serious problem if it’s not treated.
  • #21 Diarrhea: Causes, treatment, and symptoms
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158634
    Diarrhea can range from a mild, temporary condition to a potentially life threatening one. Common causes include viruses, bacteria, and parasites. […] Diarrhea is characterized by loose or watery stools. Most cases of diarrhea are due to bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Digestive disorders can also cause chronic diarrhea. […] Diarrhea refers to watery stools, which may be accompanied by other symptoms. These include stomach pain, abdominal cramps, bloating, weight loss, fever, body aches, and chills. […] Diarrhea is also a symptom of other conditions, some of which can be serious. Other possible symptoms are blood or pus in the stool, persistent vomiting, and dehydration. […] If any of these accompany diarrhea, or if the diarrhea is chronic, it may indicate a more serious illness.
  • #22 Diarrhea – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241
    If you’re an adult, see your doctor if: Your diarrhea doesn’t get better or stop after two days. You become dehydrated. You have terrible abdominal or rectal pain. You have bloody or black stools. You have a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). […] In children, particularly young children, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. Call your doctor if your child’s diarrhea doesn’t improve within 24 hours or if your child: Becomes dehydrated. Has a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Has bloody or black stools. […] Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. […] If you have symptoms of serious dehydration, seek medical help.
  • #23 Diarrhea: Causes and How to Treat it
    https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea
    Diarrhea, or the runs, is when you experience loose, watery stools and feel the urgent need to have a bowel movement multiple times a day. […] Diarrhea can be acute or chronic. […] Acute diarrhea occurs when the condition lasts for 1 to 2 days. […] Chronic diarrhea refers to having diarrhea on most days for longer than 3 to 4 weeks. […] The main symptoms of diarrhea are frequent loose, watery stools and a pressing urge to have a bowel movement. […] There are many different symptoms of diarrhea. […] Its common to feel one or more of the following: nausea, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, dehydration, a frequent urge to evacuate your bowels, a large volume of stools, dehydration. […] Diarrhea can cause you to lose fluids quickly and put you at risk for dehydration. […] The symptoms of dehydration include: fatigue, dry mucous membranes, increased heart rate, a headache, lightheadedness, increased thirst, decreased urination, dry mouth.
  • #24 Diarrhea – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241
    These include: Excessive thirst. Dry mouth or skin. Little or no urination. Weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness. Fatigue. Dark-colored urine. […] These include: Not having a wet diaper in three or more hours. Dry mouth and tongue. Fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius). Crying without tears. Drowsiness, unresponsiveness or irritability. Sunken appearance to the belly, eyes or cheeks.
  • #25 Diarrhoea
    https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/diarrhoea
    Diarrhea is a condition where loose, watery stools are passed for more than three times a day. This causes loss of water and salts from the body and may lead to dehydration, which is also known as an excessive water loss from your body. […] The symptoms of this condition can include the following: Increased need to pass stools, Loose and watery stools, Stomach cramps. […] In some cases, you may experience symptoms of dehydration if you lose excessive amounts of water from your body. Symptoms of dehydration include: Having a dry mouth and feeling thirsty, Dizziness, Lack of energy, Muscle cramps, Feeling irritable. […] In serious cases of dehydration, this may cause seizures and damage to the kidneys, heart and brain. Symptoms of serious dehydration include: Extreme thirst, Confusion, Feeling faint, Lack of urination in adults, Lack of wet diaper for more than 3 hours (for children less than 2 years old), Fast breathing and heart rate.
  • #26 Diarrhoea
    https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/diarrhoea
    Diarrhea is a condition where loose, watery stools are passed for more than three times a day. This causes loss of water and salts from the body and may lead to dehydration, which is also known as an excessive water loss from your body. […] The symptoms of this condition can include the following: Increased need to pass stools, Loose and watery stools, Stomach cramps. […] In some cases, you may experience symptoms of dehydration if you lose excessive amounts of water from your body. Symptoms of dehydration include: Having a dry mouth and feeling thirsty, Dizziness, Lack of energy, Muscle cramps, Feeling irritable. […] In serious cases of dehydration, this may cause seizures and damage to the kidneys, heart and brain. Symptoms of serious dehydration include: Extreme thirst, Confusion, Feeling faint, Lack of urination in adults, Lack of wet diaper for more than 3 hours (for children less than 2 years old), Fast breathing and heart rate.
  • #27
    https://mygi.health/education/symptoms/diarrhea
    Signs of dehydration include: Constant or extreme thirst, Less frequent or dark urine, Extremely dry skin, mouth, or tongue, Feeling tired, dizzy, or light-headed. […] Some causes of diarrhea are: Bacterial infections, Viral infections, Bowel disorders, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Certain medicines, Diseases that cause pain and swelling of the intestine or colon, Certain surgical procedures, Parasites, Allergies to certain foods. […] Diarrhea may be caused if a disease has caused the small intestine to swell. […] Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration include: Dry, sticky mouth, Sleepiness, Thirst, Urinating less often, Few or no tears when crying, Dry skin, Headache, Constipation, Dizziness. […] Symptoms of severe dehydration include: Extreme thirst, Extreme sleepiness, Feeling irritable or confused, No sweating, Very dry mouth, skin, mucous membranes, Little or no urination, Sunken eyes, Skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched, Low blood pressure, Fast heartbeat, Fast breathing, No tears when crying, Fever, Delirium or unconsciousness.
  • #28 Diarrhea – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352246
    Most cases of sudden diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. […] If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for diarrhea without success, your healthcare professional might recommend medicines or other treatments. […] Antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines might help treat diarrhea caused by certain bacteria or parasites. […] Most bacterial causes of diarrhea do not need treatment in most people. […] If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won’t help. […] Your healthcare professional likely will advise you to replace the fluids and salts that you lose when you have diarrhea. […] For most adults, that means drinking water with electrolytes, juice or broth. […] If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your healthcare professional might give you IV fluids.
  • #29 Diarrhoea | Better Health Channel
    https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diarrhoea
    Diarrhoea is the frequent passing of loose, watery faeces. […] In most cases, acute diarrhoea is self-limiting and resolves after a day or 2. […] Acute diarrhoea in babies and young children can be life threatening due to the risks of dehydration. […] Diarrhoea is the frequent passing of loose, watery and unformed faeces. Acute diarrhoea is the sudden onset of 3 or more loose stools per day, lasting less than 14 days. […] Generally, acute diarrhoea resolves after a day or 2. […] In most cases, acute diarrhoea is self-limiting and will resolve by itself within a day or 2. […] Acute diarrhoea can be life threatening to babies and young children. This is because their smaller bodies are more vulnerable to dehydration. […] If your baby or young child develops diarrhoea, seek medical attention straight away. […] Successful treatment depends on diagnosing the cause. […] Treatment for diarrhoea depends on the cause, but may include plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. […] Babies and young children with diarrhoea need prompt medical attention.
  • #30 Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea
    Diarrhea means having a loose, watery stool during a bowel movement. Its common in both children and adults and usually goes away on its own within a few days. If it doesnt improve or if youre experiencing other symptoms like a fever or bloody stool, reach out to a provider to get the treatment (and relief) you need. […] The good news is that diarrhea is usually mild (only a few bathroom trips a day) and goes away within a few days. […] Sometimes, though, diarrhea is a sign of a serious condition. It can cause you to lose too much fluid (dehydration) or prevent you from getting enough nutrients. Its important to know what to look out for so you know when to see a healthcare provider about diarrhea and when to wait it out. […] Diarrhea goes by different names depending on how long it lasts: Acute diarrhea is loose, watery diarrhea that lasts one to two days. Its the most common type and usually goes away without treatment. Persistent diarrhea lasts about two to four weeks. Chronic diarrhea lasts more than four weeks or comes and goes regularly over a long period. Diarrhea that lasts this long may indicate a more serious condition that warrants a visit with your healthcare provider.
  • #31 Diarrhea – Harvard Health
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/diarrhea-a-to-z
    Diarrhea is more frequent and more liquid bowel movements than normal. Diarrhea often is caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses or a parasite. People with diarrhea usually have loose, watery stools. Less commonly, people pass frequent, small amounts of loose stool with mucous and blood. Other symptoms can include abdominal pain and cramping, vomiting, fever, chills, bloody stools, and lack of bowel control. Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration (abnormally low levels of body water) if too much fluid is lost from the body. Symptoms of diarrhea are usually most severe during the first 24 hours. Although some episodes of acute diarrhea last as long as 14 days, most go away within three to seven days. Most people recover completely from the symptoms of acute diarrhea within three to seven days.
  • #32 Diarrhoea and vomiting
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/
    Diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days. […] Vomiting usually stops in 1 or 2 days. […] Diarrhoea and vomiting are common in adults, children and babies. They’re often caused by a stomach bug and should stop in a few days.
  • #33 Diarrhea | Conditions | UCSF Health
    https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/diarrhea
    Diarrhea caused by a viral infection, such as a stomach virus, or bacterial infection also may cause vomiting. In addition, blood and mucus in the stools may appear with diarrhea caused by bacterial infections. […] In most cases, diarrhea resolves itself after two or three days, and almost always within one to two weeks. Usually, the only treatment necessary is preventing dehydration, which can be done by drinking replacement fluids and an electrolyte mixture.
  • #34 Diarrhea (0-12 Months)
    https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/diarrhea-0-12-months/
    Sudden increase in the number and looseness of stools. Diarrhea means 3 or more watery or very loose stools. The main risk of diarrhea is dehydration. Frequent, watery stools can cause dehydration. Dehydration is the most important complication of diarrhea. Diarrhea in a breastfed baby is sometimes hard to tell. If stools suddenly increase in number and looseness, suspect diarrhea. If it lasts for 3 or more stools, the baby has diarrhea. Suspect diarrhea if the stools suddenly increase in number or looseness. If it lasts for 3 or more stools, the baby has diarrhea. Diarrhea lasts 5-14 days. Severe diarrhea only occurs on the first 1 or 2 days. But, loose stools can last for 1 to 2 weeks.
  • #35 Chronic Diarrhea: What It Is, Causes & Treatment Options
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24311-chronic-diarrhea
    Chronic diarrhea means having loose stools regularly for more than four weeks. Diarrhea can be watery, fatty or inflammatory. A wide range of diseases can cause it. Sometimes, it turns out to be something you’re eating or a medication you’re taking. Chronic diarrhea is persistent diarrhea that continues for more than four weeks. Chronic and frequent diarrhea is an everyday experience for some people, but under normal circumstances, it shouldn’t be. Your colon, where poop is formed, is reacting to something abnormal. Some people have chronic bowel diseases that cause chronic diarrhea. These diseases may not be curable, but you can treat the symptoms. Other causes are often curable with the right treatment. Normally, your colon receives liquefied food waste from your small intestine and gradually condenses it into solid poop. But with diarrhea, something impairs this process, leaving you with liquefied poop. Something is making it hard for your colon to absorb water as it normally would, or making it excrete extra water, or both. It may be a problem with your colon itself or something abnormal inside it. Diarrhea that comes on suddenly and urgently or that’s difficult to hold in can have a dominating effect on your day-to-day life. It requires you to always have your eye on the nearest bathroom. Physically, chronic diarrhea puts you at risk of dehydration and its side effects. You lose a lot of water and electrolytes minerals found in your body fluids with chronic diarrhea. Electrolyte losses can have serious consequences. They can affect your heart, lungs, brain and nervous system. Dehydration also stresses your kidneys and can lead to kidney disease.
  • #36 Patient education: Chronic diarrhea in adults (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-diarrhea-in-adults-beyond-the-basics/print
    Chronic diarrhea is defined as three or more loose stools daily for at least four weeks. […] Chronic diarrhea can have a substantial impact on your quality of life and overall health. At its mildest, diarrhea is an inconvenience; at its worst, it may be disabling or even life threatening. […] You should seek medical attention if you have loose or watery stools that last more than three or four weeks. […] Tests — Blood, stool, and urine tests can help to find the underlying cause of diarrhea. […] Treatment of chronic diarrhea aims to eliminate the underlying cause (if the cause is known), firm up the bowel movements, and treat any diarrhea-related complications. […] Chronic or severe diarrhea can lead to potentially serious complications, including dehydration and malnutrition.
  • #37 Chronic Diarrhea in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/0415/p472.html
    Chronic diarrhea is defined as a predominantly loose stool lasting longer than four weeks. […] Chronic diarrhea is defined as a predominantly decreased stool consistency lasting longer than four weeks.1,2 The prevalence is estimated to be 1% to 5% of the adult population.1 Common causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and microscopic colitis. […] Watery diarrhea includes secretory, osmotic, and functional types. […] Watery diarrhea is a loose stool that does not contain leukocytes, lactoferrin or calprotectin, blood, or elevated levels of fecal fat. It can be separated into secretory, osmotic, and functional types. […] Inflammatory diarrhea warrants further evaluation and can be caused by disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, Clostridioides difficile, colitis, and colorectal cancer. […] Inflammatory diarrhea is characterized by the presence of fecal leukocytes, lactoferrin or calprotectin, or blood. Further investigation of inflammatory diarrhea, including advanced imaging and colonoscopy, is always warranted.1,2,4
  • #38 Evaluation of Chronic Diarrhea | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2011/1115/p1119.html
    Chronic diarrhea, defined as a decrease in stool consistency for more than four weeks, is a common but challenging clinical scenario. […] Chronic diarrhea is defined as a decrease in stool consistency continuing for more than four weeks.1 Although reasonably common (3 to 5 percent of the population), it represents a considerable diagnostic challenge, with several hundred conditions in the differential diagnosis.1 […] Watery diarrhea may be subdivided into osmotic (water retention due to poorly absorbed substances), secretory (reduced water absorption), and functional (hypermotility) types.1 Osmotic laxatives, such as sorbitol, induce osmotic diarrhea. Secretory diarrhea can be distinguished from osmotic and functional diarrhea by virtue of higher stool volumes (greater than 1 L per day) that continue despite fasting and occur at night.
  • #39 Diarrhea – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241
    If you’re an adult, see your doctor if: Your diarrhea doesn’t get better or stop after two days. You become dehydrated. You have terrible abdominal or rectal pain. You have bloody or black stools. You have a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). […] In children, particularly young children, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. Call your doctor if your child’s diarrhea doesn’t improve within 24 hours or if your child: Becomes dehydrated. Has a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Has bloody or black stools. […] Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. […] If you have symptoms of serious dehydration, seek medical help.
  • #40 Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea
    The main cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects your gut (gastroenteritis). Some call it the stomach flu or a stomach bug. But diarrhea can have lots of causes. […] The main sign of diarrhea is loose or watery stool. Other common symptoms include: Bloating or cramps in your belly. A strong and urgent need to poop. Nausea (upset stomach). […] Severe cases of diarrhea may signal a medical condition, like a serious infection, that wont get better without treatment from a healthcare provider. […] Contact your provider if you have diarrhea with: Fever. Severe pain. Vomiting. Blood or mucus in your stool. Weight loss (this can be a sign that your bodys not absorbing enough nutrients). […] Dehydration is one of the biggest concerns with diarrhea. This is especially true among vulnerable populations (infants, people 65 and older and people with compromised immune systems). Without treatment, dehydration can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart attack or even death.
  • #41 From loose to locked up: Tips for diarrhea and constipation reliefmenu iconsearch iconsubscribe iconsearch iconarrow up right icon
    https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/from-loose-to-locked-up-tips-for-diarrhea-and-constipation-relief/2024/09
    You should see a health care provider if you have the following symptoms: Diarrhea that lasts longer than two days, Blood in your stool or black stools, Fever above 101° F that lasts more than 24 hours, Severe pain in your stomach or rectum, Nausea or vomiting that prevents you from drinking liquids, Diarrhea after returning from a foreign country, Symptoms of dehydration. […] Diarrhea is often caused by a virus in your gut (stomach area). Some people call it the stomach flu. It can also have many other causes, including: Eating foods that upset your digestive system, Bacterial infection (such as food poisoning) or other organisms, Allergies to certain foods, Taking too much laxative, Reaction to certain medications like antibiotics or cancer drugs, Diseases of the intestines, such inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, Some cancers, Surgery on your digestive system, Trouble absorbing certain nutrients, Overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism.
  • #42 The Lowdown on Diarrhea: When is It Time to See a Doctor
    https://www.medstarhealth.org/blog/the-low-down-on-diarrhea-when-is-it-time-to-see-a-doctor
    Even when taking preventative measures, there are times, what I call red flag symptoms, when a person should visit their doctor, such as when there are: Nocturnal stools or waking up in the middle of the night to have a bowel movement […] Diarrhea can make everyday activities a hassle, but it also can signify a more serious condition. If you’re suffering from severe or chronic diarrhea, see your doctor for help right away.
  • #43 Diarrheal Diseases – Acute & Chronic | ACG
    https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-acute-and-chronic/
    Diarrheal stools are those that take shape of the container, so they are often described as loose or watery. […] Associated symptoms can include abdominal cramps fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and urgency. Chronic diarrhea can be accompanied by weight loss, malnutrition, abdominal pain or other symptoms of the underling illness. […] Clues for organic disease are weight loss, diarrhea that wakes you up at night, or blood in the stools. […] If you have chronic diarrhea, your doctor will want to further assess etiologic factors or complications of diarrhea by obtaining several tests. […] A stool sample may help define the type of diarrhea. […] Endoscopic examination of the colon with flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy and upper endoscopy are helpful in detecting the etiology of chronic diarrhea, as this allows direct examination of the bowel mucosa and the ability to obtain biopsies for microscopic evaluation. […] Treatment of chronic diarrhea depends on the etiology of the chronic diarrhea. Often, empiric treatment can be provided for symptomatic relief, when a specific diagnosis is not reached, or when a diagnosis that is not specifically treatable is reached.
  • #44 Diarrhea – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241
    These include: Excessive thirst. Dry mouth or skin. Little or no urination. Weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness. Fatigue. Dark-colored urine. […] These include: Not having a wet diaper in three or more hours. Dry mouth and tongue. Fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius). Crying without tears. Drowsiness, unresponsiveness or irritability. Sunken appearance to the belly, eyes or cheeks.
  • #45 Diarrhea (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html
    If diarrhea is not from an infection, treatment will depend on what’s causing the problem. […] For kids who show signs of mild dehydration, doctors recommend giving oral rehydration solutions (ORS) such as Pedialyte, Enfalyte, or a store brand. It has the right amount of water, sugar, and salt to help with dehydration. […] Call the doctor if your child has diarrhea that doesn’t better after several days.
  • #46 Post-Travel Diarrhea | Yellow Book | CDC
    https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/posttravel-evaluation/persistent-diarrhea-in-returned-travelers
    While most travelers will have onset and resolution of diarrhea during their trip, some will present with symptoms after return. […] Although most cases of travelers’ diarrhea (TD) are acute and self-limited, some people develop persistent (14 days) gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. […] Most cases of TD are the result of bacterial or viral infection and are short-lived and self-limited. […] Ongoing infection with parasites can cause prolonged diarrheal symptoms. […] While individual bacterial infections rarely cause persistent symptoms, travelers infected with bacteria known to cause mucosal inflammation, such as Campylobacter spp., Shigella spp., or Salmonella spp., as well as diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, can experience persistent diarrhea. […] A rare cause of post-travel persistent diarrhea is Yersinia spp., a foodborne bacterial infection which can present as a subacute febrile gastroenteritis.
  • #47 Eight conditions that can cause diarrhea | GoHealth Urgent Care
    https://www.gohealthuc.com/library/eight-conditions-that-can-cause-diarrhea
    Diarrhea, which is defined as three or more loose bowel movements in a day, can happen for many reasons. […] Common IBD symptoms include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss and fatigue. […] Common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and a fever. […] Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea. […] People with IBS often experience abdominal bloating and cramping. They can also experience either constipation, or diarrhea, or a mixture of both. […] Traveler’s Diarrhea is caused by ingesting food or drink that contains a pathogen that’s familiar to the bodies of people who live in that area, but foreign to your body. […] Symptoms of Celiac Disease include fatigue, weight loss, bloating, anemia, and diarrhea. […] Clostridioides difficile, commonly called C. Diff, is a bacteria that causes inflammation in the colon that results in profuse watery, foul-smelling diarrhea.
  • #48 Post-Travel Diarrhea | Yellow Book | CDC
    https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/posttravel-evaluation/persistent-diarrhea-in-returned-travelers
    While most travelers will have onset and resolution of diarrhea during their trip, some will present with symptoms after return. […] Although most cases of travelers’ diarrhea (TD) are acute and self-limited, some people develop persistent (14 days) gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. […] Most cases of TD are the result of bacterial or viral infection and are short-lived and self-limited. […] Ongoing infection with parasites can cause prolonged diarrheal symptoms. […] While individual bacterial infections rarely cause persistent symptoms, travelers infected with bacteria known to cause mucosal inflammation, such as Campylobacter spp., Shigella spp., or Salmonella spp., as well as diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, can experience persistent diarrhea. […] A rare cause of post-travel persistent diarrhea is Yersinia spp., a foodborne bacterial infection which can present as a subacute febrile gastroenteritis.
  • #49 Diarrhea (0-12 Months)
    https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/diarrhea-0-12-months/
    Sudden increase in the number and looseness of stools. Diarrhea means 3 or more watery or very loose stools. The main risk of diarrhea is dehydration. Frequent, watery stools can cause dehydration. Dehydration is the most important complication of diarrhea. Diarrhea in a breastfed baby is sometimes hard to tell. If stools suddenly increase in number and looseness, suspect diarrhea. If it lasts for 3 or more stools, the baby has diarrhea. Suspect diarrhea if the stools suddenly increase in number or looseness. If it lasts for 3 or more stools, the baby has diarrhea. Diarrhea lasts 5-14 days. Severe diarrhea only occurs on the first 1 or 2 days. But, loose stools can last for 1 to 2 weeks.
  • #50 Diarrhea (0-12 Months)
    https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/diarrhea-0-12-months/
    Sudden increase in the number and looseness of stools. Diarrhea means 3 or more watery or very loose stools. The main risk of diarrhea is dehydration. Frequent, watery stools can cause dehydration. Dehydration is the most important complication of diarrhea. Diarrhea in a breastfed baby is sometimes hard to tell. If stools suddenly increase in number and looseness, suspect diarrhea. If it lasts for 3 or more stools, the baby has diarrhea. Suspect diarrhea if the stools suddenly increase in number or looseness. If it lasts for 3 or more stools, the baby has diarrhea. Diarrhea lasts 5-14 days. Severe diarrhea only occurs on the first 1 or 2 days. But, loose stools can last for 1 to 2 weeks.
  • #51 Toddler’s Diarrhea | Riley Children’s Health
    https://www.rileychildrens.org/health-info/toddlers-diarrhea
    Toddler’s diarrhea (also known as chronic nonspecific diarrhea of childhood) is one of the most common causes of chronic diarrhea in otherwise healthy children. […] Children with toddler’s diarrhea often have: […] You should contact a pediatric gastroenterologist if your child experiences more serious symptoms with diarrhea, such as: […] Doctors may suspect toddler’s diarrhea in children with chronic diarrhea who are six months to five years old and are gaining weight, developing normally and otherwise healthy. […] As your child’s digestive tract matures, the symptoms of toddler’s diarrhea may improve. […] Symptoms may improve over time as your child’s digestive tract matures. […] Alert your child’s doctor if he or she experiences other symptoms with diarrhea such as blood in the stool, weight loss or poor weight gain, chronic fever, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bowel movement accidents or greasy or oily stools.
  • #52 Toddler’s Diarrhoea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://patient.info/childrens-health/acute-diarrhoea-in-children/toddlers-diarrhoea
    Toddler’s diarrhoea is a common cause of persistent (chronic) diarrhoea in young children. It mainly affects children between the ages of 1 and 5 years and is more common in boys. The child is well in themselves; they have no other symptoms. The diarrhoea will go as the child becomes older. […] Toddler’s diarrhoea is also known as chronic nonspecific diarrhoea. Affected children have three or more watery loose stools (bowel motions) per day but they can have more than 10 episodes a day. The stools are often smellier and more pale than usual. […] A child with toddler’s diarrhoea is otherwise well, grows normally and behaves normally. Examination does not find any abnormalities. Symptoms usually settle by the age of 5-6 years. […] The large bowel (colon) normally absorbs any excess water and forms solid stools. It is thought that the balance of fluid, fibre, undigested sugars and other undigested foods that reach the colon may be upset in affected children. This can increase the amount of fluid (water) that is kept in the colon instead of its being absorbed into the body. In young children, even a slight increase in fluid left in the colon can cause stools to become more frequent and runny than normal. As the child grows, the colon becomes more efficient and the condition goes. […] Toddler’s diarrhoea is not due to poor absorption (malabsorption) of food or to a serious bowel problem. It is also not due to any food intolerance. […] Symptoms usually settle by the age of 5-6 years.
  • #53 Toddler’s Diarrhoea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://patient.info/childrens-health/acute-diarrhoea-in-children/toddlers-diarrhoea
    Toddler’s diarrhoea is a common cause of persistent (chronic) diarrhoea in young children. It mainly affects children between the ages of 1 and 5 years and is more common in boys. The child is well in themselves; they have no other symptoms. The diarrhoea will go as the child becomes older. […] Toddler’s diarrhoea is also known as chronic nonspecific diarrhoea. Affected children have three or more watery loose stools (bowel motions) per day but they can have more than 10 episodes a day. The stools are often smellier and more pale than usual. […] A child with toddler’s diarrhoea is otherwise well, grows normally and behaves normally. Examination does not find any abnormalities. Symptoms usually settle by the age of 5-6 years. […] The large bowel (colon) normally absorbs any excess water and forms solid stools. It is thought that the balance of fluid, fibre, undigested sugars and other undigested foods that reach the colon may be upset in affected children. This can increase the amount of fluid (water) that is kept in the colon instead of its being absorbed into the body. In young children, even a slight increase in fluid left in the colon can cause stools to become more frequent and runny than normal. As the child grows, the colon becomes more efficient and the condition goes. […] Toddler’s diarrhoea is not due to poor absorption (malabsorption) of food or to a serious bowel problem. It is also not due to any food intolerance. […] Symptoms usually settle by the age of 5-6 years.
  • #54 Understanding Functional Diarrhea
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/functional-diarrhea-1945047
    Functional diarrhea is chronic diarrhea without any clear cause. It is a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGD), meaning that it occurs without any other known signs of disease, injury, or structural problem. […] Even if the cause of your functional diarrhea is unknown, your symptoms are real and should be treated. Over time, functional diarrhea can cause negative health effects, and you may benefit from lifestyle modifications or medical treatment. […] Functional diarrhea criteria are: The experience of loose or watery stools, Lack of pain with the diarrhea, Diarrhea occurring in at least 75% of bowel movements, At least six months of symptoms, at least three months of which must be consecutive, No identifiable cause (structural or biochemical). […] Functional diarrhea is characterized by a lack of abdominal pain, while IBS-D can cause abdominal pain.
  • #55 Understanding Chronic or Functional Diarrhea – IFFGD
    https://iffgd.org/gi-disorders/lower-gi-disorders/diarrhea/
    Diarrhea is defined as passing frequent and/or loose or watery stools. Acute diarrhea goes away in a few weeks, and becomes chronic when it lasts longer than 34 weeks. If no specific cause is found after a thorough investigation and certain criteria are met, a diagnosis of functional or chronic diarrhea may be considered. […] Individuals with functional diarrhea may represent a subgroup of people with IBS. […] Many of these symptoms occur in persons with functional diarrhea but the absence of abdominal pain distinguishes these people from those with IBS. […] A diagnosis of functional diarrhea is made only after other possible causes, such as medications and diet induced diarrhea, are excluded. […] People with lactose intolerance have low levels of intestinal lactase, the enzyme required to digest the milk sugar, lactose.
  • #56 Understanding Functional Diarrhea
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/functional-diarrhea-1945047
    Both disorders involve frequent loose stools and may also involve such symptoms as gas, bloating, mucus in the stool, and feelings of urgency or incomplete evacuation, in which it feels like you have to use the toilet even if you just went. […] Functional diarrhea is often considered a subtype of IBS-D. […] Treatment for functional diarrhea typically aims to reduce symptoms through dietary changes. For example, this may include eliminating food triggers and slowly increasing fiber intake. If stress appears to be a possible contributing factor, stress-management strategies might be helpful. […] Your healthcare provider may give you a prescription or recommendation for one of the following medications to reduce your diarrhea: An antidiarrhea medication like Imodium (loperamide), An antispasmodic medication, A targeted antibiotic like Xifaxan (rifaximin), A bile acid binder like Questran (cholestyramine), An antidepressant to slow GI motility.
  • #57 Diarrhea – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241
    Diarrhea loose, watery and possibly more-frequent passage of stool is a common problem. Sometimes, it’s the only symptom of a condition. At other times, it may be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or weight loss. […] Luckily, diarrhea is usually short-lived, lasting no more than a few days. But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days, it is usually a clue to another problem such as medicine side effects, changes in diet, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or a more serious disorder, including ongoing infection, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). […] Symptoms associated with loose, watery stools, also called diarrhea, may include: Belly cramps or pain. Bloating. Nausea. Vomiting. Fever. Blood in the stool. Mucus in the stool. Urgent need to pass stool.
  • #58 Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea
    Diarrhea means having a loose, watery stool during a bowel movement. Its common in both children and adults and usually goes away on its own within a few days. If it doesnt improve or if youre experiencing other symptoms like a fever or bloody stool, reach out to a provider to get the treatment (and relief) you need. […] The good news is that diarrhea is usually mild (only a few bathroom trips a day) and goes away within a few days. […] Sometimes, though, diarrhea is a sign of a serious condition. It can cause you to lose too much fluid (dehydration) or prevent you from getting enough nutrients. Its important to know what to look out for so you know when to see a healthcare provider about diarrhea and when to wait it out. […] Diarrhea goes by different names depending on how long it lasts: Acute diarrhea is loose, watery diarrhea that lasts one to two days. Its the most common type and usually goes away without treatment. Persistent diarrhea lasts about two to four weeks. Chronic diarrhea lasts more than four weeks or comes and goes regularly over a long period. Diarrhea that lasts this long may indicate a more serious condition that warrants a visit with your healthcare provider.
  • #59 Common Causes of Diarrhea
    https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-diarrhea
    Call your doctor right away if you have: Blood in your diarrhea or black, tarry stools, A fever that is high (above 101 F) or that lasts more than 24 hours, Diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days, Nausea or throwing up that prevents you from drinking liquids to replace lost fluids, Severe pain in your belly (especially the right lower quadrant) or rear end, Diarrhea after coming back from a foreign country. […] These can be warning signs of things like: Infection, Inflammatory bowel disease, Pancreatitis, Colon cancer. […] If you still have diarrhea after 4 weeks, then you have chronic diarrhea.
  • #60 Eight conditions that can cause diarrhea | GoHealth Urgent Care
    https://www.gohealthuc.com/library/eight-conditions-that-can-cause-diarrhea
    Diarrhea, which is defined as three or more loose bowel movements in a day, can happen for many reasons. […] Common IBD symptoms include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss and fatigue. […] Common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and a fever. […] Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea. […] People with IBS often experience abdominal bloating and cramping. They can also experience either constipation, or diarrhea, or a mixture of both. […] Traveler’s Diarrhea is caused by ingesting food or drink that contains a pathogen that’s familiar to the bodies of people who live in that area, but foreign to your body. […] Symptoms of Celiac Disease include fatigue, weight loss, bloating, anemia, and diarrhea. […] Clostridioides difficile, commonly called C. Diff, is a bacteria that causes inflammation in the colon that results in profuse watery, foul-smelling diarrhea.
  • #61 Symptom Management
    https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/About-Crohn-s-Colitis/IBD-Journey/Symptom-Management/Diarrhea-and-Urgency
    Diarrhea is when you have loose, watery stools or a frequent need to have a bowel movement. It is one of the most common symptoms of IBD. Diarrhea can reflect the frequency at which you go to the washroom, the volume of stools that is being passed, the urgency of passing stools, or a combination of these factors. […] In general, people who have extensive inflammation of the colon (large intestine) or small intestine are more likely to have persistent diarrhea and urgency, rectal bleeding (bleeding from anus), and abdominal cramping. […] Your healthcare provider will first consider the potential causes of your diarrhea in order to adjust your treatment. For example, if your IBD is active and causing inflammation, it may result in diarrhea and your treatment plan may be adjusted to deal with this symptom.
  • #62 Eight conditions that can cause diarrhea | GoHealth Urgent Care
    https://www.gohealthuc.com/library/eight-conditions-that-can-cause-diarrhea
    Diarrhea, which is defined as three or more loose bowel movements in a day, can happen for many reasons. […] Common IBD symptoms include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss and fatigue. […] Common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and a fever. […] Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea. […] People with IBS often experience abdominal bloating and cramping. They can also experience either constipation, or diarrhea, or a mixture of both. […] Traveler’s Diarrhea is caused by ingesting food or drink that contains a pathogen that’s familiar to the bodies of people who live in that area, but foreign to your body. […] Symptoms of Celiac Disease include fatigue, weight loss, bloating, anemia, and diarrhea. […] Clostridioides difficile, commonly called C. Diff, is a bacteria that causes inflammation in the colon that results in profuse watery, foul-smelling diarrhea.
  • #63 Symptom Management
    https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/About-Crohn-s-Colitis/IBD-Journey/Symptom-Management/Diarrhea-and-Urgency
    When you are having diarrhea, make sure to drink a lot of water and electrolytes to replace the lost fluid. […] There are cases where you will not be able to get rid of diarrhea. For example, people who have a ileoanal pouch (where the small bowel is connected to the anus) are highly likely to experience diarrhea. The average person in this situation would go to the washroom about eight times a day to pass loose stools. […] Many people with Crohn’s or colitis experience an urgency to have a bowel movement that arises frequently during the day. People with colitis may also an extremely urgent need to expel feces, and yet, when they try to do so, they find out that they only have a small amount to pass. This is also known as „false urges” and is due to inflammation of the rectum.
  • #64 Diarrhea – Gastrointestinal Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/symptoms-of-gastrointestinal-disorders/diarrhea
    Diarrhea occurs when the bowels secrete more electrolytes and water than they absorb. […] Infections (eg, gastroenteritis) are the most common causes of secretory diarrhea. […] Rapid intestinal transit and diminished surface area impair fluid absorption and cause diarrhea. […] Diarrhea is a symptom. […] Diarrhea may be decreased by oral loperamide, diphenoxylate, oral codeine phosphate, or paregoric (camphorated opium tincture) oral liquid. […] Severe diarrhea requires fluid and electrolyte replacement to correct dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and acidosis. […] Diarrhea that consistently follows ingestion of certain foods (eg, fats) suggests food intolerance. […] Postinfectious inflammatory bowel syndrome develops in 10% of patients after acute infectious enteritis.
  • #65 Post-Travel Diarrhea | Yellow Book | CDC
    https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/posttravel-evaluation/persistent-diarrhea-in-returned-travelers
    After an acute diarrheal infection, patients might experience a temporary enteropathy characterized by villous atrophy, decreased absorptive surface area, and disaccharidase deficiencies, which can lead to osmotic diarrhea. […] Occasional onset of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms occurs after a bout of acute gastroenteritis, known as post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS). […] Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is characterized by an excess of bacteria in the small intestine and is associated with intestinal motility disorders.
  • #66 Post-Travel Diarrhea | Yellow Book | CDC
    https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/posttravel-evaluation/persistent-diarrhea-in-returned-travelers
    After an acute diarrheal infection, patients might experience a temporary enteropathy characterized by villous atrophy, decreased absorptive surface area, and disaccharidase deficiencies, which can lead to osmotic diarrhea. […] Occasional onset of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms occurs after a bout of acute gastroenteritis, known as post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS). […] Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is characterized by an excess of bacteria in the small intestine and is associated with intestinal motility disorders.
  • #67 Diarrhoea – symptoms, causes, self care and treatments | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diarrhoea
    If diarrhoea continues for weeks, it is likely to be a symptom of an ongoing problem or chronic condition. […] Seek medical advice if you have any of the following: ongoing diarrhoea, blood and/or mucus in your stool (poo), a fever, unexplained weight loss, diarrhoea at night. […] Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and an electrolyte (salt) imbalance, making it dangerous especially in very young or older people, who can get worse quickly. […] Simple diarrhoea usually clears up by itself in healthy people. […] If your diarrhoea doesn’t clear up on its own there are medicines and other treatments available. […] Gastroenteritis is the most common cause of diarrhoea. […] Diarrhoea may cause dehydration because more fluids are lost than normal. […] Ongoing diarrhoea can make it difficult for you to absorb nutrients from food and can lead to malnutrition. […] Some people may develop temporary lactose intolerance after an episode of diarrhoea or gastroenteritis.
  • #68 Diarrhea: Symptoms, Causes & How to Get Rid of Diarrhea
    https://www.emedicinehealth.com/diarrhea/article_em.htm
    Early Sign of Diarrhea An episode of loose stools is an early sign of diarrhea. […] The main symptom of diarrhea is watery, liquid stools. In addition, other symptoms of diarrhea include the following: Stomach cramps, Fever, Bloating, Bowel movement urgency, Dehydration. […] Diarrhea is usually diagnosed by the appearance of the symptoms, and no tests may need to be ordered. […] The prognosis for diarrhea is generally good and in most cases, symptoms will resolve in a few days. […] Diarrhea can be further defined in the following ways: Chronic diarrhea is the presence of loose or liquid stools for over 2 weeks, Acute enteritis is inflammation of the intestine, Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is a type of infectious diarrhea associated with nausea and vomiting, Dysentery is a type of diarrhea that contains blood, pus, or mucus.
  • #69 Diarrhea: Causes, treatment, and symptoms
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158634
    Two potentially serious complications of diarrhea are dehydration (in cases of severe and frequent diarrhea) and malabsorption (in cases of chronic diarrhea). […] In most cases, diarrhea isn’t something to be concerned about and will resolve itself without medical treatment. However, it is important to seek medical help when there is persistent vomiting, persistent diarrhea, dehydration, significant weight loss, pus in the stool, or blood in the stool, which may turn the stool black if it is coming from higher up in the gastrointestinal tract. […] If a person has diarrhea and it lasts for more than 7 days, they should consult a doctor urgently. […] Additionally, caregivers should take infants to see a doctor as soon as possible if they have had more than five bouts of diarrhea or vomited more than twice within 24 hours.
  • #70 Patient education: Chronic diarrhea in adults (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-diarrhea-in-adults-beyond-the-basics/print
    Chronic diarrhea is defined as three or more loose stools daily for at least four weeks. […] Chronic diarrhea can have a substantial impact on your quality of life and overall health. At its mildest, diarrhea is an inconvenience; at its worst, it may be disabling or even life threatening. […] You should seek medical attention if you have loose or watery stools that last more than three or four weeks. […] Tests — Blood, stool, and urine tests can help to find the underlying cause of diarrhea. […] Treatment of chronic diarrhea aims to eliminate the underlying cause (if the cause is known), firm up the bowel movements, and treat any diarrhea-related complications. […] Chronic or severe diarrhea can lead to potentially serious complications, including dehydration and malnutrition.
  • #71 Diarrheal Diseases – Acute & Chronic | ACG
    https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-acute-and-chronic/
    Diarrheal stools are those that take shape of the container, so they are often described as loose or watery. […] Associated symptoms can include abdominal cramps fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and urgency. Chronic diarrhea can be accompanied by weight loss, malnutrition, abdominal pain or other symptoms of the underling illness. […] Clues for organic disease are weight loss, diarrhea that wakes you up at night, or blood in the stools. […] If you have chronic diarrhea, your doctor will want to further assess etiologic factors or complications of diarrhea by obtaining several tests. […] A stool sample may help define the type of diarrhea. […] Endoscopic examination of the colon with flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy and upper endoscopy are helpful in detecting the etiology of chronic diarrhea, as this allows direct examination of the bowel mucosa and the ability to obtain biopsies for microscopic evaluation. […] Treatment of chronic diarrhea depends on the etiology of the chronic diarrhea. Often, empiric treatment can be provided for symptomatic relief, when a specific diagnosis is not reached, or when a diagnosis that is not specifically treatable is reached.
  • #72 Diarrhoea | Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Support | Guts UK
    https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/symptoms/diarrhoea/
    This factsheet explains what diarrhoea disorders are. When it is a problem needing you to tell your doctor about it and what treatment is available. […] Diarrhoea can occur when one or more of these processes become faulty. […] Diarrhoea is also a symptom of some diseases of the digestive tract. In acute diarrhoea, symptoms come on quickly and last a short time. Acute diarrhoea symptoms usually clear up within 5 to 7 days. […] Diarrhoea that is chronic lasts a longer time. It generally lasts 4 weeks or more. You should always see your GP if the diarrhoea lasts a long time. They will investigate the cause. […] Diarrhoea may cause cramping pain. The pain is in the centre or lower belly. […] Most acute diarrhoea symptoms get better. They don’t need specific medical advice. […] If diarrhoea lasts for more than 7 days. […] The doctor will want to talk to you about your symptoms to try to identify a cause. […] Many cases of acute diarrhoea will settle on their own. People who have chronic diarrhoea should seek help from their GP.
  • #73 Diarrhea | MedlinePlus
    https://medlineplus.gov/diarrhea.html
    Although it is usually not harmful, diarrhea can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. Contact your health care provider if you have: Signs of dehydration, Diarrhea for more than 2 days, if you are an adult. For children, contact the provider if it lasts more than 24 hours. […] If you have chronic diarrhea, your health care provider may perform other tests to look for signs of disease. […] Diarrhea is treated by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Depending on the cause of the problem, you may need medicines to stop the diarrhea or treat an infection.
  • #74 Diarrhea: Causes, treatment, and symptoms
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158634
    Two potentially serious complications of diarrhea are dehydration (in cases of severe and frequent diarrhea) and malabsorption (in cases of chronic diarrhea). […] In most cases, diarrhea isn’t something to be concerned about and will resolve itself without medical treatment. However, it is important to seek medical help when there is persistent vomiting, persistent diarrhea, dehydration, significant weight loss, pus in the stool, or blood in the stool, which may turn the stool black if it is coming from higher up in the gastrointestinal tract. […] If a person has diarrhea and it lasts for more than 7 days, they should consult a doctor urgently. […] Additionally, caregivers should take infants to see a doctor as soon as possible if they have had more than five bouts of diarrhea or vomited more than twice within 24 hours.