What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea means passing loose or watery stools 3 or more times a day. It’s considered acute if it lasts less than 2 weeks — the most common type, especially in travelers — or chronic if it continues beyond 4 weeks, which needs further evaluation.
What causes diarrhea?
- Viral infections (norovirus, rotavirus) — the most common cause overall.
- Bacterial infections from contaminated food or water (E. coli, salmonella) — common in “traveler’s diarrhea.”
- Food intolerances (like lactose) or food poisoning.
- A side effect of antibiotics or other medications.
- Chronic conditions (irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease) in persistent cases.
What are the warning signs?
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- Fever above 101°F (38.5°C)
- Signs of dehydration: very dry mouth, dizziness when standing, dark or absent urine
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days without improvement
- Severe abdominal pain
How is the cause of diarrhea diagnosed?
Most cases are diagnosed clinically without testing. If warning signs are present, a stool culture or pathogen panel is ordered, along with blood tests to check hydration and electrolyte levels.
What is the treatment for diarrhea?
- Oral rehydration (water, salt, and sugar in the right proportions) is the single most important step.
- Reintroduce bland foods gradually (rice, bananas, boiled chicken).
- Avoid dairy, fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol until symptoms resolve.
- Antibiotics only if a specific bacterial cause is confirmed — self-medicating can worsen certain infections.
- Never give anti-diarrheal medication to young children without medical guidance.
Everything under one roof
Stool culture, IV hydration if needed, and a medical evaluation are all available in the same visit at any of our 3 locations.
Diarrhea not improving or showing signs of dehydration? Message us on WhatsApp for guidance.
When should you go to the ER for diarrhea?
Go immediately if there’s blood in the stool, a persistent high fever, severe abdominal pain, or if a young child or older adult stops urinating or urinates very little — these are signs of dehydration that need prompt care.
How can diarrhea be prevented?
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
- Drink bottled or purified water when traveling; avoid ice of uncertain origin.
- Cook food thoroughly and avoid raw seafood if you’re unsure of its source.
- Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating them.
Reviewed by: Dra. Itzel Aguayo, General Medicine, and Dr. David Hernández, Internal Medicine, Hospital CMQ. Review date: July 2026. References: World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mayo Clinic.