Diarrhea Symptoms and Causes

Do you have diarrhea? You or someone may be experiencing watery or looser bowel movements and you think it may be diarrhea. There are many causes that can trigger diarrhea.

What is Diarrhea?

Constipation that is loose, watery, and possibly more frequent is known as diarrhea. It could be the only symptom or coexist with others like nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, or weight loss. 

Fortunately, diarrhea typically lasts no longer than a few days. However, diarrhea that persists for more than a few days or even weeks is typically a sign of another issue, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more severe condition like persistent infection, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).  

Symptoms 

The following list includes possible signs and symptoms of diarrhea (loose, watery stools): 

• abdominal discomfort or cramps 
• Bloating\sNausea 
• Vomiting\sFever 
• stool with blood in it 
• stool containing mucus 
• I urgently need to go to the bathroom.

Whenever to visit a doctor 

Consult a doctor if you're an adult and you: 

• Your diarrhea lasts more than two days without getting better. 
• You experience dehydration 
• You experience intense rectal or abdominal pain. 
• Your stools are dark or crimson. 
• Your fever is greater than 102 F. (39 C) 

Diarrhea in children, especially young infants, can quickly result in dehydration. If your child's diarrhea doesn't get better in 24 hours or if your child experiences any of the following: 

• develops a dehydration 
• 102 F or higher fever (39 C) 
• possesses bloody or dark stools

Learn more about Disease, Infection & Viruses!