Quick Answer: What Should I Do If I Have Diarrhea For 5 Days?

How long should you have diarrhea before going to the doctor?


Diarrhea accompanied by a fever of 102 degrees F or higher.

Six or more loose stools in 24 hours..

Why is my poop watery and my stomach hurts?

Abdominal pain or cramping may accompany diarrhea. Some of the most common causes include food sensitivities, bacterial or viral infections, and medication or alcohol use. It may also result from stress or chronic conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

What does it mean if you have diarrhea for days?

The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects your bowel (“viral gastroenteritis”). The infection usually lasts a couple of days and is sometimes called “intestinal flu.” Other possible causes of diarrhea can include: Infection by bacteria.

Why won’t my diarrhea go away?

Some infections, food allergies and intolerances, digestive tract problems, abdominal surgery, and long-term use of medicines can cause chronic diarrhea. Some infections from bacteria and parasites that cause diarrhea do not go away quickly without treatment.

How long does watery diarrhea last?


What should I eat if I have watery diarrhea?


Does diarrhea clean you out?


How do I stop liquid diarrhea?

Lifestyle and home remediesDrink plenty of clear liquids, including water, broths and juices. … Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. … Avoid certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days.More items…•

What are the stages of diarrhea?

Mild, Moderate, or Severe DiarrheaSevere 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.

When should I be worried about diarrhea?


What would cause diarrhea for 5 days?

The most common cause is a viral infection, or gastroenteritis. In children, rotavirus is the most common culprit. Norovirus is more common in adults. Bacterial and parasitic infections are also possible causes of acute diarrhea.

What can I eat to harden my stool?

Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast These bland foods are low-fiber, which will help firm your stool and calm your stomach.

Does diarrhea make you lose weight?

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.

Is having diarrhea for 5 days bad?

But, when diarrhea lasts for weeks, it usually indicates that’s there’s another problem. If you have diarrhea for weeks or longer, you may have a condition such as irritable bowel disorder, or a more serious disorder, such as a persistent infection or inflammatory bowel disease.

Is it better to stop diarrhea or let it go?

You may have heard it’s better to let diarrhea run its course rather than treating it. But except in a few cases where you should see your doctor (see “How to find diarrhea relief” for more information), you can treat your diarrhea at home with nonprescription medications.

What is watery diarrhea a sign of?

Bacteria that cause diarrhea-producing infections include salmonella and E. coli. Contaminated food and fluids are common sources of bacterial infections. Rotavirus, norovirus, and other kinds of viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as “stomach flu,” are among the viruses that can cause explosive diarrhea.

How do I fix diarrhea fast?
