Everyone occasionally has diarrhea — loose, watery and more-frequent bowel movements. You might also have abdominal cramps and produce a greater volume of stool. The duration of diarrhea symptoms can provide a clue to the underlying cause.
Acute diarrhea lasts from 2 days to 2 weeks. Persistent diarrhea lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Acute and persistent diarrhea are typically caused by a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection of some sort.
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.
Most cases of acute diarrhea go away without treatment. However, severe diarrhea (greater than 10 bowel movements a day or diarrhea where fluid losses are significantly greater than oral intake) can cause dehydration, which can be life-threatening if untreated. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Seek medical attention for a child with these symptoms:
- Diarrhea that doesn't improve after 24 hours.
- No wet diaper in three or more hours.
- A fever of more than 102 F (39 C).
- Bloody or black stools.
- A dry mouth or tongue or cries without tears.
- Unusually sleepy, drowsy, unresponsive or irritable.
- A sunken appearance to the abdomen, eyes or cheeks.
- Skin that doesn't flatten if pinched and released.
Schedule a doctor's visit for an adult with these symptoms:
- 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.
- Severe abdominal or rectal pain.
- Bloody or black stools.
- A fever of more than 102 F (39 C).
Show References
- Diarrhea. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea. Accessed April 27, 2023.
- Diarrheal diseases: Acute and chronic. American College of Gastroenterology. https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-acute-and-chronic/. Accessed April 27, 2023.
- AskMayoExpert. COVID-19: Management and follow-up (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- Diarrhea. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/symptoms-of-gastrointestinal-disorders/diarrhea. Accessed April 27, 2023.
- Khanna S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. May 13, 2021.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/diarrhea/basics/definition/sym-20050926