The severity of diarrhea is determined by the size and number of stools passed within a period of time. Severe diarrhea has many causes. Stomach flu gastroenteritis or food poisoning may cause severe diarrhea. Drinking untreated water that contains the Giardia lamblia parasite can cause diarrhea that develops 1 to 4 weeks later. Severe diarrhea increases your risk of dehydration by causing your body to lose large amounts of fluid quickly.
Be sure to increase your intake of fluids, such as water or a rehydration drink , and to watch for symptoms of dehydration. Persistent diarrhea can have many causes, including dietary changes, stress, irritable bowel syndrome , and certain medicines.
Occasionally, persistent diarrhea can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a chronic infection, inflammatory bowel disease , a malabsorption syndrome , or colorectal cancer. Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Drinking untreated water that contains the Giardia lamblia parasite can cause diarrhea that develops 1 to 4 weeks later.
Severe diarrhea increases your risk of dehydration by causing your body to lose large amounts of fluid quickly. Be sure to increase your intake of fluids, such as water or a rehydration drink , and to watch for symptoms of dehydration. Persistent diarrhea can have many causes, including dietary changes, stress, irritable bowel syndrome , and certain medicines. Occasionally, persistent diarrhea can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a chronic infection, inflammatory bowel disease , a malabsorption syndrome , or colorectal cancer.
Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
In children, additional signs of dehydration can include a lack of energy and the absence of tears while crying. Symptoms of malabsorption include bloating , gas, changes in appetite, weight loss, and loose, greasy, foul-smelling bowel movements. Most diarrhea goes away on its own in a few days. A visit to the doctor for diarrhea will consist of a physical examination and a full medical history, including a review of your medication.
A physician will also carefully feel your abdomen and perform a rectal exam. While occasional bouts of diarrhea are common and not cause for concern, diarrhea can become dangerous if it leads to severe dehydration. It can also signal an infection or a more serious health issue. Infants, toddlers, and young children should be taken to the doctor if they have any of these symptoms or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours. Older adults and people with compromised immune systems should also seek medical care if they have diarrhea.
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