Diseases & Symptoms
What We Cure
Diarrhea
What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea refers to loose, watery stools and a feeling that you urgently need to use the restroom. This can last for a few days, or become a regular problem if you suffer from certain chronic conditions. Everyone has diarrhea occasionally, but it can be a sign of a number of health problems as well, especially when it’s severe, long-lasting, or both.
If you have diarrhea, you’ll likely experience:
- Alcohol abuse
- Food allergies, lactose intolerance, or celiac disease
- Food poisoning
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (UC)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Bacterial infection
- Viral infection, such as norovirus
- A side effect of certain medications
- Overactive thyroid glands
- Certain types of cancer, especially in the digestive system
Diarrhea can also follow a period of constipation, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, sometimes other factors like eating certain foods or traveling to a new place with new bacteria can cause diarrhea, especially in people with gastrointestinal conditions like IBS.
When should I see a doctor about diarrhea?
There are a number of ways to know if your diarrhea is just a passing problem or something more serious. Schedule a visit to see a physician if you:
- Have diarrhea for more than two days
- Have diarrhea for more than two days
- Have black or bloody stools
- Have a fever of 102 degrees or higher
- Experience pain near your rectum or anus
- Have recently returned from a foreign country
Diarrhea isn’t usually dangerous, but dehydration can be very serious, so if notice signs of dehydration it’s much more urgent that you seek medical attention.
