If you lose too much blood, this can be life-threatening. If the causes of your liquid poop are acute, symptoms should resolve within a few days.
Until you feel better, the goals are to stay hydrated and to rest. This is because they can actually stop up the bacteria or viruses present in your digestive tract, which can extend your illness.
If you have a high fever or blood present in your stool, avoid anti-diarrhea treatments, such as bismuth subsalicylate Pepto-Bismol and loperamide Imodium. If bacterial infections, such as shigellosis , caused your diarrhea, a doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics. Ideally, liquid bowel movements will resolve on their own as the body passes the bacteria or other harmful factors that were contributing to your illness.
A doctor may obtain a stool sample to send to a laboratory to test for the presence of certain bacteria or viruses. They also may recommend interventions, such as examining the intestinal lining via a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. If your diarrhea persists beyond a few days, see a doctor to determine a potential underlying condition.
Until then, staying hydrated and eating bland foods can help you retain your strength and avoid dehydration. Read this article in Spanish. Explosive or severe diarrhea usually resolves on its own with self-care.
Learn about what to do and when you should see a doctor. We've all experienced unfortunate cases of diarrhea at some point in our lives. Read on for some of the most effective ways to relieve a case of the…. Discover 20 causes of abdominal pain and diarrhea including stomach flu, food poisoning, allergies, and more, as well as diagnosis, treatment, and…. Is there an average number of times a day you should poop, and what are some of the factors that affect frequency?
Signs and symptoms of dehydration can be different in children and adults. Generally speaking, they include:. This can lead to malnourishment. Signs and symptoms of malabsorption include:. Watery diarrhea means that your stools are liquid instead of firm. It often means you or your child are using the restroom far more often than usual.
You also may have other symptoms, like vomiting or a fever, depending on the cause. One reason for concern is dehydration because of the body fluid loss associated with the diarrhea. If you have other symptoms too, or see signs of dehydration, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. There are quite a few germs that can cause watery diarrhea. Many of them are spread through contaminated food, water, or objects. The vast majority of cases are caused by viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections.
However, some health conditions can also prompt diarrhea to occur. Viral gastroenteritis occurs when a virus infects the intestines. This leads to watery diarrhea along with other GI symptoms, such as cramping and nausea.
These viruses often run their course without any available medications to treat them. A lot of viruses can infect the intestines. Some of the most common ones are rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus. Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea in the world.
Experts estimate that in areas without rotavirus vaccination , nearly all kids will become infected with it at some point during early childhood. They will often become ill with rotavirus before their first birthday. Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug.
It accounts for roughly one in five cases of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. It is also the most common cause of foodborne disease in the United States. The virus leads to roughly , emergency room visits every year in the U.
Most of these cases occur in young children. Globally, astroviruses are one of the most common causes of watery diarrhea in young kids and adults with weakened immune systems. Most cases will clear up on their own within a few days. Adenoviruses are often associated with the common cold or pink eye.
However, this group of viruses can also cause mild diarrhea that can last up two weeks. Bacterial infections are another common cause of watery diarrhea. There are several types of bacteria most often associated with watery diarrhea.
Cholera is rarely spotted in wealthy countries like the U. Outbreaks of the bacteria are common in low-income countries, though. An estimated 1. They can still spread the bacteria to other people through their feces. When symptoms do occur, watery diarrhea is the most characteristic sign of the disease. Vomiting and cramps also are common symptoms.
In more serious cases, both kids and adults alike can die within a matter of hours due to severe dehydration. Campylobacter is a common cause of foodborne disease in the U. It leads to an estimated 1. The illness will eventually clear up on its own. Escherichia coli E. Some strains cause GI discomfort, while others cause respiratory illnesses, urinary tract infections, and other types of illnesses. The kind of E.
It is spread through contaminated food or drinks. Common foods include raw or undercooked ground meat, raw vegetables, and sprouts.
Salmonella causes an estimated 1. Most of the time, the common symptoms of diarrhea, cramps, and fever go away on their own without treatment. But some cases can prompt diarrhea so severe they require hospitalization. Infections are predominantly linked to contaminated food. Salmonella is found in a range of raw and processed foods, including sprouts, nut butters, and chicken nuggets. It also can be spread from animals to people.
For example, in early , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC reported a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to pet hedgehogs. Those with shigellosis usually start feeling sick about one to two days after they eat or drink something contaminated with the Shigella bacteria. They also may be exposed through sexual contact with someone who is or recently was infected.
Symptoms usually go away within a week, but it can sometimes take months for bowel movements to go back to normal. Kids are the most likely to get shigellosis. Other groups at an increased risk of infection include travelers, men having sex with men, and people with weakened immune systems. The foods associated with shigellosis are salads, raw vegetables, milk, and dairy products. Clostridium Difficile.
More often referred to as C. As a result, it primarily affects those who are often in medical facilities, or have long stays in hospitals or nursing homes. The CDC estimates nearly half a million infections and roughly 15, deaths happen each year in the U.
While rarely seen in higher-income nations, parasitic infections are a common cause of chronic diarrhea in areas with poor access to clean water and sanitation. There are many different types of parasites that could lead to watery diarrhea. These parasites have a tough outer shell that protects them from disinfectants, including bleach. This is why cases are still fairly common in the U. Crypto is particularly common in diaper-aged kids who attend daycare. It also is found in people who swim in or drink contaminated water like streams or lakes , and those who travel abroad.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by another parasite. It is brought on by eating food and water contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis. It is transmitted by feces or feces-contaminated water. The parasite is too small to be seen by the naked eye. It makes its home in the small intestine, where it causes frequent and sometimes explosive watery diarrhea. The diarrhea can last anywhere from a few days to more than a month. The symptoms can also go away and come back several times if the infection is left untreated.
Giardia also called giardiasis is an infection in the small intestine. It is caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia. The tiny parasite is most often transmitted through contaminated water sources and poor hygiene. When symptoms do happen, foul-smelling and watery diarrhea is the most obvious symptom, along with gas, bloating, and stomach cramps.
Infectious diseases are the most common cause of watery diarrhea, but some non-infectious health conditions can lead to frequent bouts with diarrhea. They include:. Viruses are a main cause of watery diarrhea. Rotovirus, for example, is the most common cause of diarrhea in the world. But parasites, or common bacteria like salmonella or E. So do some GI-related health conditions. Many of these infections will get better on their own.
In other cases, though, the cause needs to be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare provider. Few people need a healthcare provider to diagnose them with watery diarrhea. The liquid stools are often quite enough for a person to know they have this condition. This will help to figure out the exact cause of the diarrhea so that it can be treated effectively. Before running tests, your healthcare provider will likely do a physical exam. They will check your blood pressure and pulse, and take your temperature to rule out any signs of serious dehydration.
Then, they might use a stethoscope to listen to your abdomen for specific sounds. They may want to check your abdomen for any tenderness or pain. It's not routine, but your healthcare provider might also check your rectal area by inserting a gloved finger into your anus to check for blood in your stool.
Your healthcare provider will ask questions to get more information about your symptoms. They also may ask if you're having other symptoms like nausea or fever. Additionally, your healthcare provider will ask if you have had recent travels or taken any antibiotics in the past month or two.
The most common tool used to find the cause of watery diarrhea is a stool test. Blood tests, a hydrogen breath test, fasting tests, or an endoscopy might also be used to make a diagnosis. Stool Test. These tests examine stool samples to see if they show the presence of germs. A stool test may reveal bacteria or parasites in the sample, along with any blood or signs of other health conditions. Blood Tests. Accordingly, the treatment for most infectious diarrhea is supportive care with some variations, such as whether you need to take an antibiotic, which will depend on your specific case and stamina.
Chronic causes of watery diarrhea are those that are longer-lasting or more difficult to eradicate and may require hospitalization. Fortunately, norovirus usually goes away on its own after a few days, but is pretty unpleasant and can spread extremely easily.
Food poisoning, also called foodborne illness or "stomach flu," is an acute infection of the digestive tract from food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or other toxins.
It actually has no relation to influenza. Any food can become contaminated if not prepared under clean conditions, cooked thoroughly, or stored at cold temperatures. Meat, fish, dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the most easily contaminated foods. Most people recover on their own with supportive care, meaning rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers.
If there is also blurred vision, dizziness, or paralysis, the nervous system may be affected due to botulism. This is a medical emergency. Take the patient to the emergency room or call Proper food preparation and storage, along with frequent and thorough handwashing, is the best prevention.
Top Symptoms: nausea, abdominal pain stomach ache , headache, abdominal cramps stomach cramps , dizziness. Symptoms that never occur with food poisoning: severe fever, being severely ill, bloody diarrhea. The Vibrio genus of bacteria causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that can be very serious. Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus are two of the species that cause this illness, which is also called vibriosis.
The primary risk factor is eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters from any coastal waters and from the Gulf of Mexico in particular. People with weakened immune systems or liver disease are especially vulnerable to this infection. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, sometimes with mental confusion.
These symptoms in a person who has recently eaten raw seafood, or has been swimming in ocean or bay water, are considered a medical emergency. Some types of Vibrio-caused illness can worsen very quickly and lead to dehydration and septicemia, which can be life-threatening. Diagnosis is made through patient history, physical examination, and lab tests on blood, urine, and stool samples. Treatment will usually involve hospitalization for intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and supportive care.
Top Symptoms: diarrhea, nausea, stomach bloating, headache, abdominal cramps stomach cramps. Symptoms that always occur with diarrhea caused by a bacteria called vibrio: diarrhea. Diarrhea can be an indication of serious illness — especially in young children — but in some cases it has a much simpler cause and can be easily cured. If there are simply frequent loose stools — three or more times per day — without other symptoms of illness, the most common cause is food or drink.
Overuse of caffeine, beer, or wine has a laxative effect on some individuals. The artificial sweeteners sorbitol and mannitol are known laxatives, as are some herbal supplements and some over-the-counter vitamin and mineral preparations.
Lactose intolerance, or the inability to digest the natural sugar in milk, causes digestive upset and diarrhea. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and mineral imbalance no matter what the cause, so it is still important to manage it. The best treatment is to remove some items or supplements from the diet and watch the results. This will show which items are causing the diarrhea.
It's always wise to use any new supplements in moderation so that if the trouble recurs, the cause will be plain. Symptoms that never occur with normal occurrence of diarrhea: bloody diarrhea, severe diarrhea, worsening diarrhea, being severely ill, ill appearance. Microscopic colitis is caused by inflammation of the large intestine than can only be seen with a microscope. It is believed that microscopic colitis is caused by an overly aggressive immune response to a certain trigger that can be related to medication, an infection, autoimmune diseases, genetics, or a malabsorption of bile.
Symptoms primarily include watery diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain, cramps or discomfort, and an urgency to use the restroom. Treatment depends on the cause, such as halting offensive drugs and taking anti-diarrheal medication or steroids. It is also important to make sure you stay hydrated throughout the recovery period. Top Symptoms: fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain stomach ache , stomach bloating.
Food poisoning by staphylococcus bacteria refers to the stomach and intestinal upset caused by eating foods contaminated with the staphylococcus, or "staph," bacteria. Most often, food is contaminated when the person preparing it did not thoroughly wash their hands first. The staph bacteria quickly multiply in food or milk, producing toxins which actually create the illness.
The toxins are not destroyed by cooking and the food may look fresh. Symptoms develop rapidly, within 30 minutes to a few hours, and include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, and diarrhea.
The illness itself is not spread from person to person. Diagnosis is made through patient history and physical examination.
Lab tests are usually not necessary, but testing may be done if there is a large outbreak with many people affected in one place. A food poisoning episode usually resolves on its own within 24 hours. Antibiotics are not effective against the toxins. The symptoms can be treated with rest, plenty of fluids, and electrolyte replacement with sports drinks. Severe cases may need intravenous fluids in a hospital.
Top Symptoms: nausea, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps stomach cramps , vomiting. Symptoms that always occur with food poisoning by the staphylococcus bacteria: nausea or vomiting.
Traveler's diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and abdominal cramps. It's caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Top Symptoms: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain stomach ache , fever, stomach bloating.
Shigella infection, or shigellosis, is an intestinal infection caused by a strain of Shigella bacteria. Shigellosis is highly contagious through fecal matter.
Anyone coming into contact with any trace of feces in food, drink, or surfaces can get the disease. Swimming in contaminated water, even in a chlorinated pool or hot tub, is another source of infection. Most susceptible are young children; travelers to less developed regions; and anyone with a weakened immune system. If not treated, there is the risk of dehydration due to the diarrhea and fever. Young children are especially susceptible. Treatment involves rest and fluids. Most cases clear up within a week.
Sometimes antibiotics are used in more severe cases, though antibiotics are not effective against some forms of Shigella bacteria. Top Symptoms: diarrhea, general abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, watery diarrhea, fatigue. Visiting or living in places with poor sanitation can lead to parasite infections that can cause long-lasting diarrhea and stomach pain. Top Symptoms: nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, general abdominal pain. Treatments for watery diarrhea vary widely, though they all have the same starting point: stay hydrated.
Depending on the eventual cause of watery diarrhea and how long it lasts, you may end up taking antibiotics or undergoing a colonoscopy to examine your intestines for signs of inflammatory disease.
Watery diarrhea can be caused by an inability to absorb the water that you drink, the water in food, or the secretion of water from the gut following infection or consumption of something that pulls water from the gut. Common examples are consumption of excess lactose or xylose sugars that are not easily digested as well as cholera. If you feel faint, dizzy, or nauseous, or have lost consciousness, you may be dangerously dehydrated.
A lack of fluids can cause low blood pressure, confusion, or a loss of consciousness if it is severe. Kidney failure can also occur if a loss of fluid is especially rapid. If you stop urinating for an extended period of time, you should be concerned about potential kidney injury.
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