Diarrhea

Diarrhea means having a loose or watery stool (poop). It’s so common that most people flinch when they hear the word. The thought of thin, sickly-looking poop in the toilet bowl never stops feeling unpleasant. If you have diarrhea, not knowing what’s causing it or how long it’ll last only adds stress to the unpleasant feelings.

The good news is that diarrhea is usually mild (only a few bathroom trips a day) and goes away within a few days.

Sometimes, though, diarrhea is a sign of a serious condition. It can cause you to lose too much fluid (dehydration) or prevent you from getting enough nutrients. It’s important to know what to look out for so you know when to see a healthcare provider about diarrhea and when to wait it out.

Signs and symptoms of severe diarrhea

Severe cases of diarrhea may signal a medical condition, like a serious infection, that won’t get better without treatment from a healthcare provider.

Contact your provider if you have diarrhea with:

• Fever.

• Severe pain.

• Vomiting.

• Blood or mucus in your stool.

• Weight loss (this can be a sign that your body’s not absorbing enough nutrients).

Contact a provider if you’re experiencing symptoms of dehydration or noticing signs of dehydration in your child, including:

• Headache.

• Flushed, dry skin.

• Irritability and confusion.

• Severe nausea and vomiting.

• Light-headedness and dizziness.

• Fatigue (tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest).

• Dark pee, small amounts of pee or no peeing at all.

• Fewer than six wet diapers a day (infants).

• No wet diapers or peeing for eight hours (toddlers).

• No tears when crying (infants and toddlers).