Loose bowel movements
Key points
- Diarrhea is considered chronic (ongoing or prolonged) when you have had loose or frequent stools longer than 4 weeks.
- Diarrhea in adults is usually mild and resolves quickly without complication.
- The most common cause of diarrhea is a mild viral infection that resolves on its own within a few days.
- If you have a chronic form of diarrhea, like irritable bowel syndrome, try adding bulk to your diet to thicken the stool and regulate bowel movements.
Alternative names
Stools - watery; Frequent bowel movements; Diarrhea
Definition
Diarrhea is loose, watery, and frequent stools. Diarrhea is considered chronic (ongoing or prolonged) when you have had loose or frequent stools longer than 4 weeks.
Considerations
Diarrhea in adults is usually mild and resolves quickly without complication. In infants and children (especially under age 3), diarrhea is more concerning. Children can become dehydrated fairly quickly.
Common Causes
The most common cause of diarrhea is a mild viral infection that resolves on its own within a few days. This is called viral gastroenteritis or "stomach flu." Viral gastroenteritis often appears in mini-epidemics in schools, neighborhoods, or families.
Food poisoning and traveler's diarrhea are two other common causes. They occur from eating food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria or parasites.
Certain medical conditions can also lead to diarrhea, such as:
- Malabsorption syndromes - you are unable to absorb or digest certain nutrients. Common examples include lactose intolerance, gluten malabsorption, and intolerance to specific foods like beans or fruit.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases - Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two recurring types of diarrhea that are generally bloody and accompanied by abdominal pain.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - a chronic form of stomach upset that gets worse from stress. You generally have alternating diarrhea and constipation.
- Immune deficiency.
Medications can also cause diarrhea, especially antibiotics, laxatives containing magnesium, and chemotherapy for cancer treatment.
Other less common causes of diarrhea include:
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Nerve disorders like autonomic neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy
- Carcinoid syndrome
- Following gastrectomy (partial removal of the stomach)
- High dose radiation therapy
Home Care
- Drink plenty of fluid to avoid becoming dehydrated. Start with sips of any fluid other than caffeinated beverages. Milk may prolong loose stools, but also provides needed fluids and nourishment. Drinking milk may be fine for mild diarrhea. For moderate and severe diarrhea, electrolyte solutions available in drugstores are usually best.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.