Although common, chronic diarrhea is definitely not normal and is a sign of a problem. When diarrhea occurs frequently for more than two weeks, you might be dealing with a bowel disease. Here are conditions that can cause chronic diarrhea. Ongoing infections from bacteria and parasites.
Chronic diarrhea can last much longer and can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or C. difficile infection. Most acute cases can be managed at home, but severe diarrhea warrants a visit with the doctor.
Common Causes
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Microscopic colitis (most common among older patients) Malabsorptive diarrhea, when nutrient absorption and digestive function are impaired.
Diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement. Excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark-colored urine, which could indicate dehydration. Severe abdominal or rectal pain. Bloody or black stools.
Certain cancers can cause diarrhea. These include neuroendocrine tumors, colon cancer, lymphoma, medullary thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.
Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. It can be serious if it causes dehydration. Keep an eye out for blood in the stool, and be sure to drink water and fluids with electrolytes. Ezekiel Richardson, MD.
Diarrhea is usually caused by bacterial infections or stress and lasts several days. It can become dangerous when it lasts for weeks or more because it encourages water loss in the body. People with diarrhea can lose a lot of weight if they've been sick for a while, but they're losing mostly water weight.
A wide range of problems can cause chronic diarrhea; some of the most common causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis), malabsorption syndromes, like celiac disease, in which food cannot be digested and absorbed, and chronic infections as well as ...
Contaminated food and fluids are common sources of bacterial infections. Rotavirus, norovirus, and other kinds of viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as “stomach flu,” are among the viruses that can cause explosive diarrhea. Anyone can get these viruses. But they're especially common among school-age children.
But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days into weeks, it usually indicates that there's another problem — such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more serious disorder, including persistent infection, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The signs to see a doctor for acute diarrhea: Lasts longer than two days. You're dehydrated and cannot keep food or water down. Severe abdominal pain.
The type of gastrointestinal symptoms is a clue to the type of infection. Viral infection generally produces diarrhea without blood or mucus and watery diarrhea is a prominent symptom. Conversely, a person is more likely to have diarrhea with mucus and blood in bacterial diarrhea.
Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection. Nausea, vomiting or both. Stomach cramps and pain. Occasional muscle aches or headache.
When you suffer from anxiety, the stress on the body can cause changes to hormones and chemicals, which result in changes to the bacteria in your gut. These changes can cause diarrhea.
The most important treatment for diarrhea is to drink fluids that contain water, salt, and sugar, such as oral rehydration solution (ORS). Sports drinks (eg, Gatorade) may be acceptable if you are not dehydrated and are otherwise healthy.
Yellow liquid poop could indicate an underlying disorder in the liver or gallbladder. Bright yellow liquid stool can also be a sign of giardiasis, an infection caused by an intestinal parasite that you can get from drinking unclean water.
Stress can affect your digestive system in many ways. Too much stress over a period of time can make it harder for your gut to function properly and may lead to diarrhea. If you're experiencing stress-related diarrhea, treatment should focus on both the mind and body.
One tried-and-true diet for diarrhea is the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Low in fiber, bland, and starchy, these foods can help replace lost nutrients and firm up your stools.
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics and medicines that target parasites to treat bacterial or parasitic infections. Doctors may also prescribe medicines to treat some of the conditions that cause chronic diarrhea, such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis.
Water is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, soup, and sports drinks.
Bacteria, Viruses and Parasites
Inflammation of the stomach and digestive tract can occur due to bacteria in foods such as Salmonella or E. coli as well as viruses and parasites. All these intruders can lead to foul-smelling diarrhea and will frequently come with cramping and abdominal pain.