Why do I have diarrhea and it won't go away?

Some infections, food allergies and intolerances, digestive tract problems, abdominal surgery, and long-term use of medicines can cause chronic diarrhea. Some infections from bacteria and parasites that cause diarrhea do not go away quickly without treatment.


How long is too long for diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.

What to do when diarrhea won't go away?

Drink plenty of liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.


How long should I be worried about having diarrhea?

Schedule a doctor's visit for an adult with these symptoms:

Diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement. Excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark-colored urine, which could indicate dehydration.

Should I eat if I have diarrhea?

Water is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, soup, and sports drinks.


How to Cure Diarrhea Fast - Stop Diarrhea Fast



What are the 4 types of diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be classified into four types:
  • Osmotic diarrhea. Water absorption in the intestines depends on the proper absorption of solutes, which is hindered if there are too many solutes in the intestinal lumen, which leads to diarrhea. ...
  • Secretory diarrhea. ...
  • Inflammatory or infectious diarrhea. ...
  • Motility-related diarrhea.


What is the fastest way to cure diarrhea?

Fast relief methods for adults
  1. Loperamide (Imodium): This medication slows down digestion so that the body can draw more water from the intestines. ...
  2. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): This medication helps to coat and kill some of the diarrhea-causing bacteria that a person may have in their gut.


What drinks help diarrhea?

The most important treatment for diarrhea is to drink fluids that contain water, salt, and sugar, such as oral rehydration solution (ORS). Sports drinks (eg, Gatorade) may be acceptable if you are not dehydrated and are otherwise healthy.


Why am I pooping water?

Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. It can be serious if it causes dehydration. Keep an eye out for blood in the stool, and be sure to drink water and fluids with electrolytes. Ezekiel Richardson, MD.

What cancers cause diarrhea?

Certain cancers can cause diarrhea. These include neuroendocrine tumors, colon cancer, lymphoma, medullary thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Why is my poop watery and my stomach hurts?

If your stomach cramps have started recently and you also have diarrhoea, the cause may be a tummy bug (gastroenteritis). This means you have a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and bowel. It should get better without treatment after a few days.


Does Pepto Bismol help stop diarrhea?

Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can treat diarrhea and relieve other symptoms, like heartburn, indigestion, and nausea.

What food stops diarrhea?

BRAT stands for “bananas, rice, apples, toast.” These foods are bland, so they won't aggravate the digestive system. They're also binding, so they help firm up stool.
...
Other foods that are included in the BRAT diet include:
  • cooked cereal, like Cream of Wheat or farina.
  • soda crackers.
  • applesauce and apple juice.


What drinks worsen diarrhea?

Sweetened drinks: Drinks with high concentrations of sugar (e.g. prune juice) and juices containing fructose may worsen diarrhea. Diet drinks: Drinks and gums containing sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol may worsen diarrhea.


Can Coke stop diarrhea?

But when it comes to stomach distress, many people view a cup of flat soda as just what the doctor ordered. The quick and popular remedy — usually in the form of cola, ginger ale or clear sodas — is said to help settle the stomach with its slight fizz and replenish fluids and glucose lost by vomiting and diarrhea.

What are serious signs of diarrhea?

When to see a doctor
  • Your diarrhea persists beyond two days with no improvement.
  • You become dehydrated.
  • You have severe abdominal or rectal pain.
  • You have bloody or black stools.
  • You have a fever above 102 F (39 C)


What type of diarrhea is concerning?

The signs to see a doctor for acute diarrhea: Lasts longer than two days. You're dehydrated and cannot keep food or water down. Severe abdominal pain.


How can you tell if diarrhea is viral or bacterial?

The type of gastrointestinal symptoms is a clue to the type of infection. Viral infection generally produces diarrhea without blood or mucus and watery diarrhea is a prominent symptom. Conversely, a person is more likely to have diarrhea with mucus and blood in bacterial diarrhea.

How do I make my poop more solid?

Eating probiotic foods, taking a fiber or probiotic supplement, or eating BRAT diet consisting of bread, (white) rice, applesauce, and toast can also help make poop more solid. Loose stool is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D).

Is peanut butter good for diarrhea?

Eat BRAT diet foods

Liquids: cranberry, apple and grape juice, tea (without caffeine), water. Snacks: canned peaches, pears, sweet potatoes, crackers, cream of wheat, eggs, gelatin, oatmeal, creamy peanut butter.


What probiotic helps with diarrhea?

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus casei are some of the most effective strains of probiotics for treating diarrhea.

How do you get rid of a bacterial infection in your stomach?

Antibiotics work to cure some forms of bacterial gastroenteritis within a few days. You may need additional treatment to replace the fluids and electrolytes in your body. This will depend on the severity of your illness. In some cases, you may need IV fluid replacement.

What happens if Imodium doesn't stop diarrhea?

Imodium will usually help to slow down your acute diarrhea in the first hour, but if your diarrhea continues you may need to take additional doses in the same day. Take no more than the recommended maximum dose per day.


What if I still have diarrhea after taking Pepto-Bismol?

So, if you experience any side effects at all, you should stop using Pepto-Bismol. If you experience diarrhea after starting the medication, it's best to stay well hydrated. The darkening of the tongue or stool is harmless and will resolve on its own within a few days of stopping Pepto-Bismol.

Does watery poop mean your sick?

Liquid bowel movements, also known as diarrhea, can happen to everyone from time to time. They occur when you pass liquid instead of formed stool. Liquid bowel movements are usually caused by a short-term illness, like food poisoning or a virus. However, they're sometimes the result of an underlying medical condition.