Diarrhea lasting a week or longer is considered prolonged. While acute diarrhea often resolves quickly, its persistence signals a need for attention. This condition is a common reason individuals seek medical advice, as it can disrupt daily life and lead to other health concerns. Understanding when to seek professional help and how to manage symptoms at home becomes important.
Urgent Signs for Medical Help
Certain symptoms accompanying prolonged diarrhea warrant immediate medical attention. These include signs of severe dehydration, such as reduced urination, extreme thirst, dry mouth, or dizziness upon standing. A high fever, typically above 102°F (39°C) with chills, also suggests a significant underlying infection. Severe abdominal pain or cramping that does not improve, or pain that worsens, can indicate a serious condition. The presence of blood in the stool (bright red or black and tarry) or persistent vomiting that prevents fluid intake also requires urgent medical evaluation. These indicators point to situations where medical assessment is necessary to prevent complications.
Managing Diarrhea at Home
While awaiting medical consultation or for less severe cases, home management strategies can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Maintaining hydration is paramount, as diarrhea leads to significant fluid and electrolyte loss. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are particularly effective, containing a balanced mix of water, salts, and sugars for optimal absorption. Clear broths, diluted fruit juices, and decaffeinated teas also contribute to fluid intake.
Adjusting dietary choices can also provide relief. Easily digestible foods, like the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), are mild and help bind stool. Avoid irritating foods such as dairy, fatty items, spicy dishes, and caffeine. Over-the-counter medications like loperamide can reduce bowel movements by slowing intestinal contractions. Use these with caution, especially if a bacterial infection is suspected or in young children, as they might mask symptoms or prolong infection.
Potential Reasons for Prolonged Diarrhea
Many factors can contribute to diarrhea lasting a week or more. Common causes include bacterial, viral (like norovirus), or parasitic infections (Giardia lamblia) from contaminated food or water. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, magnesium-containing antacids, and some chemotherapy drugs, can also induce prolonged diarrhea as a side effect. Food intolerances or allergies, like lactose intolerance or celiac disease, may lead to chronic digestive upset when trigger foods are consumed. Digestive tract conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, also frequently present with persistent diarrhea.
Professional Medical Approach
When prolonged diarrhea requires professional medical attention, a doctor will begin with a physical examination and review of medical history and symptoms. Diagnostic steps often include stool tests to identify infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites) or check for blood and inflammation markers. Blood tests may assess hydration, electrolyte balance, or inflammation signs. Based on initial findings, further investigations might be considered.
Imaging studies, such as abdominal X-rays or CT scans, can evaluate the digestive tract’s structure. In some cases, an endoscopy or colonoscopy might be performed to visually inspect the intestinal lining and obtain tissue biopsies, especially if inflammatory bowel disease is suspected. Treatment approaches are then tailored to the underlying diagnosis, ranging from antibiotics or anti-parasitic medications to specific therapies for inflammatory conditions or dietary modifications.