Signs and symptoms associated with diarrhea may include:
- Frequent, loose, watery stools
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Blood in the stool
- Bloating
When to see a doctor?
If you`re an adult, see your doctor if:
- Your diarrhea persists beyond two days
- You become dehydrated — as evidenced by excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark-colored urine
- You have severe abdominal or rectal pain
- You have bloody or black stools
- You have a fever above 102 F (39 C)
In children, particularly young children, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. Call your doctor if your child`s diarrhea doesn`t improve within 24 hours or if your baby:
- Hasn`t had a wet diaper in three or more hours
- Has a fever above 102 F (39 C)
- Has bloody or black stools
- Has a dry mouth or cries without tears
- Is unusually sleepy, drowsy, unresponsive or irritable
- Has a sunken appearance to the abdomen, eyes or cheeks
- Has skin that doesn`t flatten if pinched and released
Diarrhea occurs when the food and fluids you ingest pass too quickly or in too large an amount — or both — through your colon. Normally, your colon absorbs liquids from the food you eat, leaving a semisolid stool. But if the liquids from the foods you eat aren`t absorbed, the result is a watery bowel movement. A number of diseases and conditions can cause diarrhea. Common causes of diarrhea include:
- Viruses - Viruses that can cause diarrhea include Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus and viral hepatitis. Rotavirus is a common cause of acute childhood diarrhea.
- Bacteria and parasites - Contaminated food or water can transmit bacteria and parasites to your body. Parasites such as Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium can cause diarrhea. Common bacterial causes of diarrhea include campylobacter, salmonella, shigella and Escherichia coli. Diarrhea caused by bacteria and parasites can be common when traveling in developing countries and is often called traveler`s diarrhea.
- Medications - Many medications can cause diarrhea. The most common are antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy both good and bad bacteria, which can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in your intestines. This disturbance sometimes leads to an infection with bacteria called Clostridium difficile, which also can cause diarrhea.
- Lactose intolerance - Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Many people have difficulty digesting lactose and experience diarrhea after eating dairy products. Your body makes an enzyme that helps digest lactose, but for most people, the levels of this enzyme drop off rapidly after childhood. This causes an increased risk of lactose intolerance as you age.
- Fructose - Fructose, a sugar found naturally in fruits and honey and added as a sweetener to some beverages, can cause diarrhea in people who have trouble digesting it.
- Artificial sweeteners - Sorbitol and mannitol, artificial sweeteners found in chewing gum and other sugar-free products, can cause diarrhea in some otherwise healthy people.
- Surgery - Some people may experience diarrhea after undergoing abdominal surgery or gallbladder removal surgery.
- Other digestive disorders - Chronic diarrhea has a number of other causes, such as Crohn`s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, microscopic colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. If you have persistent diarrhea, your doctor may refer you to a doctor who specializes in the digestive system (gastroenterologist). Because appointments can be brief, and because there`s often a lot of ground to cover, it`s a good idea to be well prepared. Here`s some information to help you get ready and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do?
Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there`s anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet. Write down any symptoms you`re experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. Write down key personal information, including any major stresses, recent life changes or travel. Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you`re taking. Take a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot. Write down questions to ask your doctor. Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help make the most of your visit. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.
For diarrhea, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What is likely causing my diarrhea?
- Are there other possible causes for my diarrhea?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- Is my diarrhea likely temporary or chronic?
- What is the best course of action?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you`re suggesting?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them?
- Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist?
- What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you`re prescribing me?
- Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me?
- What websites do you recommend?
- Could the diarrhea be caused by a medication I`m taking?
In addition to the questions that you`ve prepared to ask your doctor, don`t hesitate to ask questions at any time that you don`t understand something.
What to expect from your doctor?
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you begin experiencing your symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
- Do you have diarrhea that awakens you from sleep?
- Do you see blood, or are your bowel movements black in color?
- Do you have a fever?
- Have you recently traveled to a developing country or someplace where the food or water may not have been safe?
- Are you currently taking antibiotics?
- Have you taken antibiotics in the last few months?
- Have you recently been around anyone who has diarrhea?
- Have you recently stayed in a hospital?
What you can do in the meantime?
While you wait for your appointment, you may ease your symptoms if you:
- Drink more fluids - To help avoid dehydration, drink water, juice and broth.
- Avoid foods that can aggravate diarrhea - Avoid fatty, high-fiber or highly seasoned foods.
