About Diarrhea
Diarrhea involves loose or watery stools and can occur for many reasons. Duration and severity are important.
Infections, food-related illness, medications, dietary factors and other conditions can contribute.
Hydration
Frequent loose stools can increase fluid loss. Appropriate fluid replacement is important, especially when symptoms are significant.
Monitor symptoms
Pay attention to duration, frequency, fever, pain, blood and signs of dehydration. When to seek care Seek medical advice for severe or persistent diarrhea, significant dehydration, blood in stool, severe pain or other concerning symptoms.
What should you consider?
- How long the symptom or concern has been present.
- How severe or disruptive it is.
- Whether it is improving, stable or getting worse.
- Whether other symptoms are occurring at the same time.
- Age, medications, existing health conditions and individual circumstances.
When should you seek professional advice?
Consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional when a health concern is persistent, worsening, severe, unusual or interfering with normal daily activities. Urgent or life-threatening symptoms require appropriate emergency medical care.