Is It Normal to Have Diarrhea for a Week Straight?

Diarrhea often improves within a few days, but symptoms lasting a week should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Possible causes include infections, medication side effects, and digestive conditions. Ongoing or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte problems. Prolonged diarrhea can cause substantial fluid and electrolyte loss, making dehydration an important concern. Common causes of week-long diarrhea include bacterial infections like C. difficile, parasitic infections, chronic conditions like Crohn's disease, or antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Contact a healthcare professional if diarrhea has lasted a week. Seek urgent care sooner if you have signs of dehydration, blood or black stool, severe abdominal pain, a high fever, confusion, fainting, or difficulty keeping fluids down.