Diarrhea usually resolves in a couple of days, but it can sometimes continue for weeks. Persistent diarrhea can be a sign of an allergy or a chronic condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It may also occur after an infection.
Diarrhea is the medical term for passing loose, watery stools at least three times a day. Acute, or short-term diarrhea may have different causes from chronic or persistent diarrhea. They may need different treatments.
This article provides information on how long diarrhea usually lasts and explores what causes this condition to persist for more than a week. We also outline home and medical treatments for diarrhea and offer advice on when to see a doctor.
Most cases of diarrhea last 1–2 days, though some may last longer. The exact duration depends on the underlying cause.
The
- Acute diarrhea: Lasts for 1–2 days and goes away without medical treatment.
- Persistent diarrhea: Diarrhea that persists for 2–4 weeks.
- Chronic diarrhea: Continual or intermittent diarrhea lasting for more than 4 weeks.
Acute diarrhea
When a person first experiences diarrhea, they may not know whether the condition will be acute, persistent, or chronic. People with diarrhea from an infection may experience additional symptoms, such as:
According to the
Causes of persistent diarrhea
Below are the most common causes of persistent diarrhea.
Infections
Persistent diarrhea can occur as a result of viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections.
The table below shows the different types of pathogens that commonly cause diarrhea and how they may enter the body.
| Pathogen type | Example | How it can enter the body |
| Virus | Norovirus Rotavirus Viral gastroenteritis | By touching a surface that has come into contact with infected droplets, then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth |
| Bacteria | Campylobacter Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) Salmonella Shigella | Through contaminated food or water |
| Parasite | Cryptosporidium enteritis Entamoeba histolytica Giardia lamblia | Through contaminated food or water |
Travelers’ diarrhea
Travelers’ diarrhea (TD) is the medical term for diarrhea that results from consuming food or water contaminated with viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
Its name originates from the fact that it typically develops when people travel to countries with poor sanitation.
According to the
Medication side effects
Certain medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Examples include:
- antibiotics
- antacids containing magnesium
- high blood pressure medications
- anticancer drugs
Causes of chronic diarrhea
We explore potential triggers for chronic diarrhea below.
Infections
Without treatment, certain bacterial and parasitic infections may cause chronic diarrhea.
Following an infection, people may experience problems digesting certain carbohydrates and proteins. This can prolong the duration of diarrhea.
Food allergies and intolerances
Chronic diarrhea can sometimes indicate an underlying food allergy or intolerance. Food intolerance is when a person has difficulty digesting a particular food. This may lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Some common types of food intolerance include:
- Lactose intolerance: Lactose intolerance is the inability to properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.
- Fructose intolerance: Fructose intolerance is when the body cannot properly digest fructose, a sugar in fruits, fruit juices, some vegetables, and honey.
- Gluten intolerance: Gluten intolerance is when a person has symptoms after eating gluten-containing foods.
In addition to the above, some people may have difficulty breaking down types of sugar alcohol in some sugar-free products. Examples include:
- sorbitol
- mannitol
- xylitol
Digestive conditions
Chronic diarrhea can sometimes indicate an underlying issue within the digestive tract.
Some digestive conditions that may cause chronic diarrhea include:
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- celiac disease
- inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease
Abdominal surgery
A person may develop chronic diarrhea after surgery on the following organs:
- stomach
- appendix
- gallbladder
- small or large intestine
- liver
- pancreas
- spleen
Long-term antibiotic use
Long-term antibiotic use can also change the balance of good and bad gut bacteria. This can make a person
Below are some remedies that may ease diarrhea and its associated symptoms.
Over-the-counter medication
There are
- Loperamide: This drug is available under the brand name Imodium. It works by slowing down digestion so that the body can draw more water from the intestines. This helps firm up stools and reduces the frequency of bowel movements.
- Bismuth subsalicylate: This medication is available as Pepto Bismol. It works by coating and killing some of the gut bacteria that trigger diarrhea.
Changing the diet
People with diarrhea may find that eating bland and easily digestible foods could provide nutrition while settling the stomach and alleviating symptoms.
One such diet is the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Other foods that a person can eat while experiencing stomach upset include:
- steamed or boiled vegetables
- scrambled eggs
- broth
- chicken or turkey without the skin
- white bread
- white rice
- saltine crackers
- oatmeal
People should also avoid foods that could worsen gastric upset and diarrhea, such as:
Drinking plenty of fluids
Diarrhea can cause a person to lose fluids and essential electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration.
Drinking plenty of fluids will help reduce this risk. These fluids include:
- plain water
- low-sugar fruit juices
- low-sugar sports drinks
- clear broths
Treatments for persistent or chronic diarrhea depend on the underlying cause.
Infections
A healthcare professional may prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat a lingering bacterial infection, or an antiparasitic medication to manage a parasitic infection.
Food allergies and intolerances
If a person suspects they have a food allergy or intolerance, a healthcare professional may recommend keeping a food diary.
An individual can use their diary to record the foods they eat on a day-to-day basis and the symptoms they experience. Over time, this will help them detect foods that may trigger their diarrhea.
Treatment for a food allergy or intolerance typically involves avoiding known trigger foods.
Digestive conditions
The treatment for a digestive issue depends on the type of condition. Depending on the cause, it may involve one or more of the following:
- avoiding certain foods
- taking medications to control the underlying condition
- taking medications to alleviate diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms
- surgery to help treat the underlying condition
The
A person should also seek medical attention for the following symptoms:
- fever
- frequent vomiting
- stools that are black, tarry, or contain blood
- severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
- signs of dehydration
The following are answers to some questions people frequently ask about diarrhea.
When should you go to the ER for diarrhea?
A person should seek immediate medical attention if they have diarrhea and experience blood in their stool or they begin vomiting blood. They should also seek urgent care if they faint, have diarrhea that lasts longer than 7 days, or experience vomiting lasting more than 2 days.
How long is too long with diarrhea?
If diarrhea lasts more than a
Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week may be persistent or chronic.
Persistent diarrhea lasts for up to 4 weeks. This condition is typically the result of a bacterial or parasitic infection or a side effect of medication.
Chronic diarrhea refers to diarrhea that lasts for 4 weeks or more. There are many potential triggers for this issue, including untreated infections, food allergies and intolerances, and underlying digestive conditions.
Anyone who experiences diarrhea that persists for more than 2 days should visit their doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment.