Why have I had diarrhea for over a week?

But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days into weeks, it usually indicates that there's another problem — such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more serious disorder, including persistent infection, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).


How long is too long for diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.

Is it normal to have diarrhea for over a week?

In children, diarrhoea will usually pass within 5 to 7 days and will rarely last longer than 2 weeks. In adults, diarrhoea usually improves within 2 to 4 days, although some infections can last a week or more.


Why do I have diarrhea but not sick?

A wide range of problems can cause chronic diarrhea; some of the most common causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis), malabsorption syndromes, like celiac disease, in which food cannot be digested and absorbed, and chronic infections as well as ...

How long should diarrhea last before being concerned?

Diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement. Excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark-colored urine, which could indicate dehydration.


Diarrhea for a Week or More - What Could It Mean?



What cancers cause diarrhea?

Certain cancers can cause diarrhea. These include neuroendocrine tumors, colon cancer, lymphoma, medullary thyroid cancer and pancreatic cancer.

How do I know if my diarrhea is serious?

When to See Your Doctor
  1. Diarrhea that lasts more than two days.
  2. Diarrhea accompanied by a fever of 102 degrees F or higher.
  3. Six or more loose stools in 24 hours.
  4. Severe, unbearable pain in the abdomen or rectum.
  5. Bloody stools or stools that are black and tarry or contain pus.
  6. Diarrhea accompanied by frequent vomiting.


What are the 4 types of diarrhea?

It can be divided into three basic categories: watery, fatty (malabsorption), and inflammatory. Watery diarrhea may be subdivided into osmotic, secretory, and functional types.


What causes watery diarrhea?

Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. It can be serious if it causes dehydration. Keep an eye out for blood in the stool, and be sure to drink water and fluids with electrolytes. Ezekiel Richardson, MD.

What gives you diarrhea out of nowhere?

Diarrhea can often come out of nowhere and is frequently a symptom of food poisoning, a virus, or even stress. Diarrhea is one of the most commonly occurring health problems affecting all ages. Most adults will have at least four episodes of diarrhea each year.

Should I be worried if I have diarrhea for 7 days?

But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days into weeks, it usually indicates that there's another problem — such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more serious disorder, including persistent infection, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).


What virus causes diarrhea for a week?

Norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis. Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after you come into contact with the virus and last 1 to 3 days. rotavirus. Symptoms usually begin about 2 days after you come into contact with the virus and last for 3 to 8 days.

What helps diarrhea go away?

One tried-and-true diet for diarrhea is the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Low in fiber, bland, and starchy, these foods can help replace lost nutrients and firm up your stools.

What happens if you have diarrhea for 2 weeks?

Chronic diarrhea lasts longer than does acute or persistent diarrhea, generally more than four weeks. Chronic diarrhea can indicate a serious disorder, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, or a less serious condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.


Does diarrhea cause weight loss?

Diarrhea is usually caused by bacterial infections or stress and lasts several days. It can become dangerous when it lasts for weeks or more because it encourages water loss in the body. People with diarrhea can lose a lot of weight if they've been sick for a while, but they're losing mostly water weight.

What is explosive diarrhea?

Explosive or severe diarrhea is diarrhea in overdrive. The contractions of your bowels that help you pass feces become stronger and more forceful. Your rectum fills with more volume than it can contain. Often, large amounts of gas accompany severe diarrhea.

What does yellow diarrhea mean?

Yellow diarrhea can mean several things. It could be caused by a problem with one of your digestive organs, including your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. It could also be caused by a germ, like a bacteria or virus, or a parasite.


How can you tell if diarrhea is viral or bacterial?

The type of gastrointestinal symptoms is a clue to the type of infection. Viral infection generally produces diarrhea without blood or mucus and watery diarrhea is a prominent symptom. Conversely, a person is more likely to have diarrhea with mucus and blood in bacterial diarrhea.

What does infection diarrhea look like?

Infectious diarrhea presents with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea that may be watery, malabsorptive, or bloody. Inflammatory diarrhea presents with fever, abdominal pain, blood and/or leukocytes in stool. Osmotic diarrhea presents with fasting, bulky, greasy, foul smelling stools, and weight loss.

What does gastroenteritis diarrhea look like?

Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection. Nausea, vomiting or both. Stomach cramps and pain. Occasional muscle aches or headache.


Should I eat if I have diarrhea?

Water is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, soup, and sports drinks.

How much is too much diarrhea?

Severe diarrhea means having more than 10 loose, watery stools in a single day (24 hours). Moderate diarrhea means having more than a few but not more than 10 diarrhea stools in a day. Mild diarrhea means having a few diarrhea stools in a day.

What is Grade 4 diarrhea?

Grading the diarrhoea

Health professionals use a grading system for diarrhoea from 1 to 4. Grade 1 is mild diarrhoea and grade 4 is the most severe. Your doctor or nurse will want to know how severe it is and what is causing it. They can then plan the best treatment for you.


Can diabetes cause diarrhea?

Abstract. Idiopathic diarrhea is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. It occurs frequently, but not exclusively, in patients with poorly controlled insulin-dependent diabetes who also have evidence of diabetic peripheral and autonomic neuropathy.

Are bananas good for diarrhea?

Foods to eat when you have diarrhea

BRAT stands for “bananas, rice, apples, toast.” These foods are bland, so they won't aggravate the digestive system. They're also binding, so they help firm up stool.