Here's What 'Diarrhea' Actually Means and When You Should Worry About It, According to Gastroenterologists
Having diarrhea is definitely no fun. Needing to run to the bathroom every few minutes can make you feel self-conscious, and you probably don’t feel like eating much or doing your favorite activities. But diarrhea does happen from time to time—so what exactly is it? And what causes diarrhea?
While many different things can cause diarrhea—including infections or a more serious gastrointestinal condition—in most cases, it will go away after a few days without the need for treatment.
However, whenever you’re making frequent trips to the bathroom and having loose, watery stools, you’re probably wondering what it means, and when you need to worry and call your doctor. Here, gastroenterologists explain.
What Is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be common. It refers to having “frequent, loose, watery bowel movements,” says Mejdi Ahmad, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to LabFinder.com.
“If your diarrhea lasts more than a few days or is very severe, you should contact a doctor,” Dr. Ahmad says. “In the meantime, remember to drink plenty of fluids.”
Hydration is crucial with diarrhea. When you have it, you lose water and electrolytes when you poop, and that increases your risk for dehydration, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
What Causes Diarrhea?
Anyone can get diarrhea, and it’s usually nothing to worry about, Dr. Ahmad says. Most instances of diarrhea will resolve on their own. Here are a few things that can cause it:
Infections
“For severe and mild diarrhea, most cases are caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites,” says Andrew Adair, DO, an osteopathic physician specializing in family medicine. You can pick up these pathogens from consuming food or water contaminated with E.coli, salmonella, norovirus or campylobacter. Diarrhea and vomiting are the most common symptoms.
Related: The Truth About How Many Times a Day (or Week) You Should Actually Be Pooping
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million people get sick from foodborne illnesses every year, and 128,000 are hospitalized. These illnesses often occur after traveling, which is called travelers’ diarrhea.
Food intolerances
When your body has trouble digesting certain foods, you could have a food intolerance, which can cause diarrhea, gas, bloating and heartburn, Dr. Ahmad says. Lactose intolerance, where someone can’t properly digest a sugar found in milk and other dairy products is a common culprit.
Stress and anxiety
There’s a connection between your brain and your gut, so when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, it could trigger diarrhea, Dr. Ahmad says. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones and neurotransmitters that can affect how you digest foods and interfere with the balance of good bacteria in your gut, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center. You might also be more likely to eat sugary foods or drink alcohol, which might cause GI distress.
Irritable bowel syndrome
IBS is a type of functional gastrointestinal disorder and can cause a number of symptoms, including diarrhea, constipation, bloating and gas. If you seem to have diarrhea frequently, talk to your doctor about IBS. They might recommend dietary or lifestyle changes, prescribe medications, or recommend mental health treatment.
Inflammatory bowel disease
IBD refers to a group of medical conditions that cause chronic inflammation, including pain and swelling, in the intestines, according to the Cleveland Clinic. IBD includes the chronic conditions Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and mucous or blood in stool. It’s often diagnosed via a colonoscopy or other test, and treatments include anti-inflammatory or steroid medications and sometimes surgery.
Related: The Early Colon Cancer Sign Most People Miss, According to Gastroenterologists
Medications
Many different medications can cause diarrhea. Antibiotics are one type. “Antibiotics may upset the delicate balance of intestinal flora and lead to diarrhea in certain people,” Dr. Ahmad says. Usually, your diarrhea will go away once you stop taking medications.
How To Treat Diarrhea at Home
Most of the time, diarrhea can be treated at home, without the need to involve your health care provider. Here are some tips:
Drink fluids. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water or electrolyte drinks, or sip on clear broths.
Eat light meals. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, known as the BRAT diet, are your best options when you have diarrhea.
Avoid things that upset your stomach. Caffeine, alcohol, sugar, artificial sweeteners, spicy foods and dairy can irritate your digestive system and potentially aggravate diarrhea.
Rest. Getting enough sleep and resting up will help you recover.
Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before you eat.
Related: The #1 Sign You Aren’t Drinking Enough Water—Plus, How To Tell if You're *Overhydrated*
Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal drugs, like Imodium, can offer short-term relief. But, don’t take it if you have a fever or bloody stools, and contact your doctor if you’re taking other medications, Dr. Adair says. Pepto-Bismol can also help.
When Should You Worry About Having Diarrhea?
If your diarrhea lasts longer than a couple of days, Dr. Ahmad suggests calling your doctor, especially if you also have a fever, dehydration, bloody stool, weight loss, pain, and severe pain.
“These symptoms may point to a more severe health issue that requires professional medical care,” he says. Your doctor will determine what’s causing your diarrhea and suggest the proper treatment.
“Trust your gut; if your symptoms are causing you anxiety, professional medical care should be sought out as soon as possible,” Dr. Ahamad says.
Next, read about what it means if your poop patterns change.
Sources:
Mejdi Ahmad, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan
Andrew Adair, DO, an osteopathic physician specializing in family medicine