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?
Contents
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.
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.
Key Takeaways
While often harmless, chronic diarrhea shouldn't be ignored - see your doctor if it persists or you have concerning symptoms.
Wondering if your digestive issues could be chronic diarrhea? Chat with Doctronic to learn more about your symptoms and treatment options.Related Articles
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.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.