What happens if you have diarrhea for more than 4 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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Is 4 days too long to have 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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How many days of diarrhea is too much?

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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Should I see a doctor after 4 days of diarrhea?

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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How do I stop diarrhea for 4 days?

Adults can take an over-the-counter medicine such as bismuth subsalicylate or loperamide, which you can get as liquids or tablets. You also need to stay hydrated. You should drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of fluids each day. Choose electrolyte replacement drinks or soda without caffeine.
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What is Diarrhea? Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.



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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What is best drink for 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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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 can you be hospitalized if you have diarrhea?

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible for diarrhea with these symptoms: Diarrhea lasting more than two days. Blood or pus in the stool. 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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When should I go to the ER for diarrhea and stomach pain?

If the pain is sudden, severe or does not ease within 30 minutes, seek emergency medical care. Sudden abdominal pain is often an indicator of serious intra-abdominal disease, such as a perforated ulcer or a ruptured abdominal aneurysm, although it could also result from a benign disease, such as gallstones.
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What gives you diarrhea out of nowhere?

Diarrhea can often come out of nowhere and is frequently a symptom of food poisoning, a virus, or even stress. Diarrhea is one of the most commonly occurring health problems affecting all ages. Most adults will have at least four episodes of diarrhea each year.
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Why have I had diarrhea for over a week?

It's usually a sign of an infection, food poisoning, lactose intolerance, or gastroenteritis. Chronic diarrhea can last much longer and can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or C. difficile infection.
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What is the main 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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Does Pepto Bismol stop diarrhea?

Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can treat diarrhea and relieve other symptoms, like heartburn, indigestion, and nausea.
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Is peanut butter good for diarrhea?

Eat BRAT diet foods

Liquids: cranberry, apple and grape juice, tea (without caffeine), water. Snacks: canned peaches, pears, sweet potatoes, crackers, cream of wheat, eggs, gelatin, oatmeal, creamy peanut butter.
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Is Sprite good for diarrhea?

Sports drinks with electrolytes are the best way to prevent dehydration. If you're having trouble keeping liquids down, try sucking on ice chips and taking small sips of water. You can also drink noncaffeinated sodas, such as Sprite, 7UP or ginger ale.
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How do I make my poop more solid?

Fiber's ability to absorb water helps make stools more solid. And by slowing transit time, fiber gives the large intestines a chance to absorb additional water. Fiber also helps bulk up the contents of the large intestines, binding indigestible food together.
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Should I take Imodium for diarrhea or let it run its course?

Over-the-Counter

Since diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course.
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How serious is diarrhea 5 days in a row?

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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Why have I still got diarrhea after 5 days?

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.
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