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What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is described as an increase in the frequency of bowel movements or a decrease in the consistency of stools that causes the discharge of watery, loose stools. The severity of diarrhea is determined by the size and number of stools passed within a period of time.
- Severe diarrhea means having more than 10 loose, watery stools in a single day (24 hours).
- Moderate diarrhea means having more than a few but not more than 10 diarrhea stools in a day.
- Mild diarrhea means having a few diarrhea stools in a day.
How can you care for yourself when you have diarrhea?
- Watch for signs of dehydration, which means your body has lost too much water. Dehydration is a serious condition and should be treated right away. Signs of dehydration are:
- Increasing thirst and dry eyes and mouth.
- Feeling faint or lightheaded.
- A smaller amount of urine than normal.
- To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- When you feel like eating, start with small amounts of food.
- The doctor may recommend that you take over-the-counter medicine, such as loperamide (Imodium). Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not use this medicine if you have bloody diarrhea, a high fever, or other signs of serious illness. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
Diarrhea: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- Your stools are maroon or very bloody.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
- Your stools are black and look like tar, or they have streaks of blood.
- You have new or worse belly pain.
- You have symptoms of dehydration, such as:
- Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
- Passing only a little urine.
- Cannot keep fluids down.
- You have a new or higher fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your diarrhea is getting worse.
- You see pus in the diarrhea.
- You are not getting better after 2 days (48 hours).
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.