Diarrhea

Almost everyone has had that terrible run to a restroom at some point in life. Diarrhea. It causes frequent loose, liquid-like stools, sometimes with stomach pain and cramping or bloating. Most cases of diarrhea pass quickly and aren’t harmful.

Contact your doctor if diarrhea:

• Gets worse or does not get better in 2 days for infant or child, or 5 days for adults
• Is accompanied by severe pain, nausea or vomiting
• Produces bloody or black stools
• Causes fever higher than 101° F (38° C)
• Causes dehydration

Risk factors for diarrhea

Causes of diarrhea include:

• Bacteria or parasites from contaminated food or water
• Certain viruses
• Medications, including antibiotics
• Difficulty digesting fructose, a natural sugar
• Difficulty digesting lactose, found in dairy products
• A sensitivity to artificial sweeteners
• Conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

Diarrhea treatment & services

First, to get diarrhea treatment, you’ll meet with your doctor for a physical exam. You’ll talk about your symptoms and then your doctor may order blood or stool tests to determine your diarrhea treatment plan.

If you’re very dehydrated, you may need intravenous fluids. Your doctor may also recommend changing medications you normally take or foods you normally eat if they’re causing diarrhea. Our goal for diarrhea treatment is to get you feeling better so you can get back to your daily routines.