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Chronic Diarrhea: When Should You Worry?
Published: Dec 12, 2023
Chronic diarrhea affects up to 7% of people and can seriously impact quality of life. But when is it cause for concern?
What Exactly is Chronic Diarrhea?
Chronic diarrhea means having loose, watery stools at least 3 times a day for 4 weeks or more. It's different from short-term diarrhea caused by a stomach bug. Chronic diarrhea can be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs medical attention.
Common Causes to Know
There are many potential causes of chronic diarrhea. Some of the most common include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and infections. Certain medications can also trigger ongoing diarrhea as a side effect.
Red Flags to Watch For
While chronic diarrhea is often harmless, certain 'alarm' symptoms warrant immediate medical care. These include blood in the stool, unintended weight loss, fever, or diarrhea that wakes you up at night. New onset of chronic diarrhea after age 50 should also be evaluated promptly.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose the cause, your doctor will likely start with blood tests and stool samples. Further testing like colonoscopy may be needed. Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include dietary changes, medications to slow digestion, or therapies for specific conditions like IBD.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be if left untreated, potentially leading to dehydration and malnutrition.
It lasts 4+ weeks, while acute diarrhea typically resolves within a few days.
Yes, stress can trigger or worsen symptoms in some people.
No, but it should be evaluated to rule out concerning causes.
Often yes, especially avoiding trigger foods and staying hydrated.
The Bottom Line
While often harmless, chronic diarrhea shouldn't be ignored - see your doctor if it persists or you have concerning symptoms.
References
- Schiller LR, Pardi DS, Sellin JH. Chronic Diarrhea: Diagnosis and Management. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 15:182.
- Arasaradnam RP, Brown S, Forbes A, et al. Guidelines for the investigation of chronic diarrhoea in adults: British Society of Gastroenterology, 3rd edition. Gut 2018; 67:1380.
- Singh P, Mitsuhashi S, Ballou S, et al. Demographic and Dietary Associations of Chronic Diarrhea in a Representative Sample of Adults in the United States. Am J Gastroenterol 2018; 113:593.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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