Diarrhea

What causes diarrhea?

Diarrhea is defined as loose or watery stool occurring three or more times per day. There are two types of diarrhea: acute and chronic. Acute diarrhea is often short-lived (<48 hours) whereas chronic diarrhea may last longer for days to weeks. They both are self-limiting meaning that diarrhea goes away on its own with time, rest, and possible medications.

The most common causes of diarrhea including food sensitivity and intolerance, viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus, bacteria from contaminated food or water, parasites, medications, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease.

How do you treat diarrhea?

While diarrhea is quite common, it is important to allow your stomach and intestines to rest. Diarrhea is often self-limiting meaning that it will go away on its own with time, rest, and medications.

If you need to take medications, then over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication such as loperamide or Imodium are available
Avoid eating large meals including meats, dairy, fried, spicy, fatty, salty or acidic foods
Avoid alcoholic beverages
Avoid sugar heavy drinks or foods
Drink clear fluids (water, ginger ale, or other electrolyte solutions) for the first 24 hours
Eat bland foods such as soups, bread, crackers, apples sauce, crackers, and hot cereals (porridge or oatmeal) for the first 24 hours
Increment your diet from fluids and bland foods slowly over 24 hours to solid foods as your able to do so

What to do if my symptoms do not improve?

The initial visit may not always present the physician with the symptoms or signs of an acute abdominal emergency. This is important because we want you to get the appropriate treatment should you develop the following at home:

You have nausea or vomiting OR are unable to keep down clear fluids for more than 12 hours
Your diarrhea last for more than 2 days
Your begin having severe pain in the abdomen
You are vomiting bright red or dark blood or have tarry black or bloody stools
You are unusually fatigued and are not able to do your daily activities
You begin to experience dehydration:
- excessively thirsty
- little to no urination
- dizziness or lightheadedness
You develop a fever

Author: Emil Soleyman-Zomalan MD FAAEM

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