ZoomCare DIY Health Articles

We’ve all experienced it—loose, watery bowel movements. Repeated trips to the bathroom. Stomach pain.

Diarrhea is common, but it can also be a symptom of several different, and potentially serious, illnesses.

If you have acute diarrhea, it can last up to two weeks. Chronic diarrhea persists for longer than two to four weeks and is likely caused by a medical disorder like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Other symptoms that accompany diarrhea include:

• Bloating
• Fever
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
  

Causes of acute diarrhea include contracting one of several kinds of viral or bacterial infections like, as you’ve probably experienced at some point in your life, a foodborne illness.

Acute infectious diarrhea causes include:

• E. coli
• Food poisoning, particularly from raw or undercooked foods
• Giardia
• Norovirus
• Rotavirus

Ongoing medical conditions cause chronic diarrhea. Common underlying causes include:

• Celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Ulcerative colitis

Staying hydrated is important when you have diarrhea for any length of time. Drinking enough liquids can prevent you from getting sicker. Children in particular are susceptible to dehydration from diarrhea. Watch them closely in case symptoms worsen.

However, seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences any of the following symptoms while having an episode of diarrhea:

• Diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours
• Fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit
• Bloody or black stool

Adults should seek immediate medical attention if the following apply:

• Blood in your stool
• Fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Severely dehydrated
• Severe stomach pain