Diarrhea

Diarrhea is passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day or more than what’s normal for you. Diarrhea may be acute, persistent, or chronic. Acute diarrhea is more common than persistent or chronic diarrhea. Complications of diarrhea are dehydration and malabsorption.

The main symptom of diarrhea is passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day. You may also have other symptoms. Causes of diarrhea include infections, food allergies and intolerances, digestive tract problems, and side effects of medicines.

If you have diarrhea for less than 7 days, your doctor typically won’t need to find the cause. If your diarrhea lasts longer or if you have other symptoms, your doctor may use your medical and family history, a physical exam, or tests to find the cause.

In most cases, you can treat acute diarrhea with over-the-counter medicines and by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Doctors may treat some causes of diarrhea with prescription medicines.

If you have diarrhea, you may lose your appetite. When your appetite returns, you can go back to eating your normal diet. Parents and caregivers should give children with diarrhea their usual diet and feed infants breast milk or formula.

NIDDK conducts and supports clinical trials in many diseases and conditions, including digestive diseases. The trials look to find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease and improve quality of life.