Should I see a doctor if I've had diarrhea for 3 days?

The signs to see a doctor for acute diarrhea: Lasts longer than two days. You're dehydrated and cannot keep food or water down. Severe abdominal pain.
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Should I be worried if I have diarrhea for 3 days?

Schedule a doctor's visit for an adult with these symptoms:

Diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement. Excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark-colored urine, which could indicate dehydration.
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What happens if you have diarrhea for over 3 days?

But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days into weeks, it usually indicates that there's another problem — such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more serious disorder, including persistent infection, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
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How long is too long for diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.
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Why do I have diarrhea but not sick?

Why Do I Have Diarrhea When I'm Not Sick?: Causes of diarrhea that are not due to acute illness include eating certain foods, food allergies and intolerances, some medications, caffeine intake, laxative use, alcohol use, digestive problems and diseases (celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], Crohn's disease, ...
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When Should You See a Doctor about Diarrhea?



What helps diarrhea go away?

Drink plenty of liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.
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What kind of diarrhea lasts for at least three days?

Long-term diarrhoea

Conditions that can cause persistent diarrhoea include: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a poorly understood condition that affects the normal functions of the bowel. inflammatory bowel disease – conditions that cause the gut to become inflamed, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
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Should I eat if I have diarrhea?

Water is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, soup, and sports drinks.
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When should I worry about diarrhea?

When to See Your Doctor
  • Diarrhea that lasts more than two days.
  • Diarrhea accompanied by a fever of 102 degrees F or higher.
  • Six or more loose stools in 24 hours.
  • Severe, unbearable pain in the abdomen or rectum.
  • Bloody stools or stools that are black and tarry or contain pus.
  • Diarrhea accompanied by frequent vomiting.
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How long should diarrhea last before seeing a doctor?

The signs to see a doctor for acute diarrhea: Lasts longer than two days. You're dehydrated and cannot keep food or water down. Severe abdominal pain.
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What are the 4 types of diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be classified into four types:
  • Osmotic diarrhea. Water absorption in the intestines depends on the proper absorption of solutes, which is hindered if there are too many solutes in the intestinal lumen, which leads to diarrhea. ...
  • Secretory diarrhea. ...
  • Inflammatory or infectious diarrhea. ...
  • Motility-related diarrhea.
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Should you just let diarrhea run its course?

Since diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate) Loperamide (Imodium)
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What should I drink when I have diarrhea?

The most important treatment for diarrhea is to drink fluids that contain water, salt, and sugar, such as oral rehydration solution (ORS). Sports drinks (eg, Gatorade) may be acceptable if you are not dehydrated and are otherwise healthy.
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Is Pepto Bismol good for diarrhea?

Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can treat diarrhea and relieve other symptoms, like heartburn, indigestion, and nausea.
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What foods worsen diarrhea?

Other foods that can irritate the bowels during diarrhea include:
  • most processed, packaged food.
  • legumes, which include chickpeas, beans, peas, and lentils.
  • foods that produce gas in the intestines, such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
  • fatty meats, including sardines, pork, and veal.
  • dairy products.
  • nuts.
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Why do I suddenly have watery diarrhea?

Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. It can be serious if it causes dehydration. Keep an eye out for blood in the stool, and be sure to drink water and fluids with electrolytes.
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Why has my stomach been hurting for 3 days and I have diarrhea?

If your stomach cramps have started recently and you also have diarrhoea, the cause may be a tummy bug (gastroenteritis). This means you have a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and bowel. It should get better without treatment after a few days.
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What causes diarrhea that will not go away?

Some infections, food allergies and intolerances, digestive tract problems, abdominal surgery, and long-term use of medicines can cause chronic diarrhea. Some infections from bacteria and parasites that cause diarrhea do not go away quickly without treatment.
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Should I let diarrhea run its course or take Imodium?

It's best to treat it early. Although acute diarrhea usually resolves on its own within a few days, you can get relief faster with IMODIUM products. IMODIUM products contain an active ingredient called Loperamide which works to help restore your body's natural rhythm so you can start to feel like yourself again.
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Is it normal for diarrhea to last 4 days?

Call your doctor right away if you have: Blood in your diarrhea or black, tarry stools. A fever that is high (above 101 F) or that lasts more than 24 hours. Diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days.
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How can you tell if diarrhea is viral or bacterial?

The type of gastrointestinal symptoms is a clue to the type of infection. Viral infection generally produces diarrhea without blood or mucus and watery diarrhea is a prominent symptom. Conversely, a person is more likely to have diarrhea with mucus and blood in bacterial diarrhea.
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What is the #1 cause of diarrhea?

The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects your bowel (“viral gastroenteritis”). The infection usually lasts a couple of days and is sometimes called “intestinal flu.” Other possible causes of diarrhea can include: Infection by bacteria.
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How do I know if I have a virus or diarrhea?

Viral gastroenteritis
  • Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection.
  • Nausea, vomiting or both.
  • Stomach cramps and pain.
  • Occasional muscle aches or headache.
  • Low-grade fever.
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How to tell difference between food poisoning and stomach bug?

However, the key distinction is time: The symptoms of a stomach bug will take 12 to 48 hours to develop, while the symptoms of food poisoning typically develop much faster, usually with 6 hours of consuming an infected dish. Another common difference between the two is the length of illness.
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