Diarrhea is a common digestive condition marked by the passage of loose, watery stools, typically three or more times in 24 hours. While often short-lived and caused by infections or dietary changes, diarrhea can sometimes signal a more serious underlying issue. Mild cases resolve on their own, but severe or persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and require medical attention. Knowing when to seek help and how to manage symptoms is key to maintaining your health.
What is Diarrhea?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diarrhea is defined as having three or more loose or watery stools within 24 hours. It is a common digestive condition that may be mild and short-term, or persistent and linked to a more serious issue.
Diarrhea is typically classified by duration:
- Acute diarrhea: Lasts less than 14 days
- Persistent diarrhea: Lasts 2–4 weeks
- Chronic diarrhea: Lasts longer than 4 weeks
While most cases resolve on their own, severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which requires medical attention.
Types of Diarrhea
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that diarrhea may be categorized by its underlying mechanism:
- Osmotic: Water is drawn into the intestines by undigested substances
- Secretory: The body secretes excessive fluids into the intestines
- Exudative: Associated with inflammation, and includes blood or mucus in stool
- Motility-related: Caused by the rapid movement of food through the intestines
Causes of Diarrhea
According to MedlinePlus and the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea can be caused by various factors:
Infections
- Viral: Norovirus, rotavirus
- Bacterial: Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella
- Parasitic: Giardia lamblia
Food Sensitivities
- Lactose intolerance
- Gluten sensitivity or celiac disease
Medications
- Antibiotics
- Antacids with magnesium
- Chemotherapy agents
Digestive Disorders
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
Other Factors
- Stress and anxiety
- Overuse of laxatives
- Contaminated food or water during travel
Symptoms to Watch For
Diarrhea may be accompanied by other symptoms, including:
- Frequent, loose, or watery stools
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating or excess gas
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, dark urine)
- Blood or mucus in the stool
What Your Poop Color Could Mean
Stool color is often an overlooked but important clue to your digestive health. While most variations are harmless and diet-related, some colors may signal an underlying issue that needs medical attention.
According to health authorities such as the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic, here’s what different stool colors might indicate:
If you notice red, black, yellow, or pale/white stools, especially if accompanied by diarrhea, pain, or other symptoms, seek medical care promptly.
MyerleeMD’s digestive health team can assess these symptoms during your telehealth consultation and guide you on whether further testing is needed.
When to See a Doctor in Florida?
According to the Mayo Clinic, seek medical help if you experience:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours without improvement
- Severe dehydration symptoms (dizziness, minimal urine output)
- Bloody or black-colored stools
- High fever
- Intense abdominal or rectal pain
Treatment Options
1. Self-Care at Home
- Drink fluids regularly—water, broths, or oral rehydration solutions
- Follow a bland diet such as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, dairy, spicy, and fatty foods
2. Medications
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Options
- Loperamide (Imodium): Slows down gut movement and reduces stool frequency. Often used for short-term symptom relief.
- Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): Helps relieve diarrhea, nausea, and intestinal inflammation. Useful for travel-related digestive issues.
OTC medications are generally safe for adults but not always appropriate for children, older adults, or individuals with infection-related diarrhea. Always consult a healthcare provider first.
Prescription Medications
For persistent, severe, or chronic diarrhea, a provider may prescribe medications based on the underlying cause:
- Diphenoxylate-atropine (Lomotil): A stronger anti-diarrheal used to slow intestinal movement. It’s typically prescribed when OTC medications are not effective.
- Antibiotics: Prescribed when diarrhea is caused by bacterial infections such as Clostridioides difficile, Salmonella, or Campylobacter.
- Antiparasitics: Medications like metronidazole or nitazoxanide are used to treat parasitic infections such as Giardia lamblia.
- Bile acid binders: Such as cholestyramine, used for diarrhea related to bile acid malabsorption.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: For diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), drugs such as mesalamine or corticosteroids may be prescribed.
- Immunosuppressants or Biologics: Used in severe chronic cases of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
A telehealth consultation with a licensed provider is essential before starting prescription treatments. The right medication depends on the root cause of your diarrhea, which can be assessed by your provider online.
Schedule an online consultation with a board-certified provider in Florida today.
3. Treating Underlying Conditions
Chronic or infection-related diarrhea may require targeted treatments such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or long-term care for autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
Prevention Tips
To reduce your risk of diarrhea:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Drink clean, treated water and eat well-cooked foods
- Avoid street food and unwashed fruits when traveling
- Identify and manage food intolerances
- Use medications as directed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is diarrhea always caused by infection?
No, it can be caused by food intolerances, medications, or chronic conditions as well.
What should I eat during diarrhea?
Stick to bland, low-fiber foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet).
Can I take antidiarrheal medications right away?
It’s best to consult with a provider, especially if diarrhea is caused by bacteria or accompanied by fever.
Convenient Care for Digestive Health at MyerleeMD
At MyerleeMD, we put you first. Our approach is simple: We Listen First, Treat Second. Every patient receives a care plan tailored to their symptoms and lifestyle.
Whether your digestive issues are acute or chronic, our team is here to help through:
- 1-on-1 Video Telehealth Visits: Receive expert care from licensed providers without leaving your home—no waiting rooms or commute.
- Professional, Affordable Care: Access high-quality medical services without the need for insurance. Our care is personal, effective, and accessible.
Start Your Online Consultation Today
Embrace a healthier life. Start your journey by scheduling an online consultation. Our care team is ready to support your needs.
Step 1: Medical Forms
Fill out a short medical history form so your provider can create a treatment plan tailored just for you. It’s quick and free.
Step 2: Online Visit
Meet with a physician or nurse practitioner through a secure video call.
Step 3: Receive Medication
Receive Medication from your favorite pharmacy near your place.