Diarrhea – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Diarrhea occurs when stools become loose, watery, and often more frequent than normal. This common issue can occur on its own or with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or weight loss.

Most diarrhea cases resolve within a few days without serious complications. However, when diarrhea persists longer, it typically signals an underlying issue. Long-lasting diarrhea might result from:

  • Medication side effects
  • Dietary changes
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Ongoing infections
  • Celiac disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Identifying the cause becomes important when diarrhea doesn’t improve quickly on its own. Persistent symptoms deserve attention as they often point to conditions requiring specific treatment approaches.

Signs of Loose Stools

Loose, watery stools may come with several other problems. You might feel cramping or pain in your belly.

Many people also experience bloating, nausea, or vomiting.

Some other signs include fever, blood in the stool, or mucus mixed with stool. You might also feel an urgent need to use the bathroom quickly.

When Medical Help Is Needed

For adults, contact your doctor if:

  • Your loose stools last more than two days
  • You show signs of dehydration (extreme thirst, dry mouth, little urination)
  • You have severe pain in your belly or rectum
  • Your stool appears bloody or black
  • Your fever rises above 101°F (38°C)

For children, seek medical help within 24 hours if the problem does not improve. Call a doctor immediately if your child:

  • Shows signs of dehydration
  • Has a fever over 101°F (38°C)
  • Passes bloody or black stools

Children can become dehydrated much faster than adults, so quick medical attention is important.

Causes

Diarrhea can stem from various health issues. Several different triggers might lead to this uncomfortable condition.

Viral Infections

Viruses frequently trigger episodes of diarrhea. These include:

  • Norovirus
  • Enteric adenoviruses
  • Astrovirus
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Hepatitis viruses
  • Rotavirus (common in children)
  • COVID-19 virus

Bacterial and Parasitic Infections

Harmful microorganisms can enter the body through contaminated food or water:

  • Escherichia coli (E. coli)
  • Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)
  • Various parasites

People visiting developing countries sometimes experience “traveler’s diarrhea” from local bacteria or parasites.

Medication Side Effects

Many drugs can upset digestive balance:

  • Antibiotics (kill helpful gut bacteria alongside harmful ones)
  • Cancer treatment drugs
  • Magnesium-containing antacids

Food Intolerances

The body sometimes cannot properly digest certain food components:

  • Lactose intolerance: Many people cannot break down the sugar in dairy products. This condition often worsens with age as lactose-digesting enzymes decrease.
  • Fructose Sensitivity: This natural fruit sugar causes digestive issues in some people, especially when used as a sweetener in beverages.

Artificial Sweeteners

Sugar substitutes can trigger diarrhea in sensitive individuals.

  • Sorbitol
  • Erythritol
  • Mannitol

These are commonly found in sugar-free gum and diet products.

Surgical Procedures

Removing parts of the digestive system can alter how the body processes food.

  • Gallbladder removal
  • Partial intestine removal

Chronic Digestive Disorders

Long-term diarrhea may signal underlying conditions:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Celiac disease
  • Microscopic colitis
  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of getting diarrhea:

  • Germs: Viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause sudden diarrhea when they enter your body.

  • Food and Drinks: Some people get diarrhea from certain items, like:

    • Coffee and tea
    • Dairy products
    • Foods with artificial sweeteners

  • Medications: Many medicines may trigger diarrhea as a side effect.

    • Antibiotics
    • Laxatives
    • Magnesium supplements
    • Antidepressants
    • Pain relievers (NSAIDs)
    • Cancer treatments (chemotherapy and immunotherapy)

Health Risks

Signs of Water Loss in Adults

Dehydration can be a serious complication of diarrhea, potentially becoming life-threatening if left untreated.

Adults experiencing dehydration may show several warning signs:

  • Intense thirst
  • Dry mouth or dry skin texture
  • Reduced urination
  • Weakness or dizziness
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Dark urine color

Those with weakened immune systems and older adults face higher risks from dehydration.

Signs of Water Loss in Babies and Toddlers

Children show different dehydration symptoms that parents should watch for:

  • No wet diapers for 3+ hours
  • Dry tongue and mouth
  • High fever (above 102°F/39°C)
  • Tearless crying
  • Unusual sleepiness or irritability
  • Sunken eyes, cheeks, or stomach area

Dehydration in children requires immediate medical attention, as they can deteriorate quickly when fluid levels drop.

Ways to Stop Disease Spread

Stopping Infectious Diarrhea

Good handwashing is key to preventing infectious diarrhea from spreading. Follow these steps for proper handwashing:

  • Wash often: Clean hands before and after cooking food. Also wash after touching raw meat, using the bathroom, changing diapers, or after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.

  • Use soap properly: Rub soapy hands together for at least 20 seconds. This takes about as long as singing “Happy Birthday” twice.

  • Use hand sanitizer when needed: When you can’t find a sink, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Apply it like lotion, covering all parts of your hands.

Handwashing helps stop germs from spreading to food and other people, which reduces the chance of getting sick.

Vaccines

Vaccines can protect against some types of diarrhea, especially for babies.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in young children worldwide. Two approved vaccines are available to protect infants from this virus.

Parents should talk to their child’s doctor about getting these vaccines. The shots are given during regular well-baby visits and can prevent serious illnesses.

Stopping Traveler’s Diarrhea

When visiting countries with poor sanitation, follow these tips to avoid getting sick:

  • Food Safety:
    • Eat only hot, well-cooked foods.
    • Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself.
    • Don’t eat raw or undercooked meats or dairy products.
  • Drink Safety:
    • Stick to bottled water, soda, or alcohol in original containers.
    • Avoid tap water and ice cubes.
    • Use bottled water for brushing your teeth.
    • Keep your mouth closed while showering.
    • Coffee and tea made with boiled water are usually safe.
  • Additional Precautions
    • Talk to your doctor about antibiotics before traveling to developing countries. This is especially important if you have a weak immune system.
    • Check travel health websites for current disease warnings in your destination country.

Remember that alcohol and caffeine can make diarrhea worse and increase dehydration. So, drink these in moderation while traveling.


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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.