Diarrhea means loose, watery stools three or more times a day. Most of the time it is short-lived and clears on its own, but when it lingers or keeps coming back, it is worth finding out why.
Doctors group diarrhea by how long it lasts. Acute diarrhea comes on suddenly and usually passes within a few days. Persistent diarrhea sticks around for two to four weeks. Chronic diarrhea lasts more than four weeks and often points to an underlying condition that we can identify and treat.
Our gastroenterologists in Akron and Massillon help people get to the bottom of ongoing or severe diarrhea, ease the symptoms, and protect against dehydration along the way.
Symptoms
Beyond frequent loose or watery stools, diarrhea can come with:
- Urgency, or a sudden need to use the bathroom
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Bloating and nausea
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- Fever in some cases
- Signs of dehydration, such as thirst, dark urine, fatigue, or lightheadedness
What causes it
Diarrhea has many possible triggers, including:
- Viruses, which are one of the most common causes
- Bacteria and parasites, often from contaminated food or water
- Lactose intolerance and other food sensitivities
- Side effects from medications, including some antibiotics
- Digestive conditions such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease
When diarrhea is ongoing, pinpointing the cause is the key to lasting relief.
How we diagnose it
We start with your history, your symptoms, and a physical exam. Depending on what we find, we may recommend stool testing, blood work, or other studies to check for infection, inflammation, food intolerance, or a digestive disorder. This step helps us treat the actual cause rather than just the symptom.
How we treat it
Treatment depends on what is driving your diarrhea. We use targeted medications when an infection or specific condition is involved, recommend fluids and electrolytes to correct or prevent dehydration, and offer dietary guidance to settle your system and reduce flare-ups. If a chronic condition is responsible, we build a longer-term plan to keep it under control.
When to see us
Call us if your diarrhea lasts more than two days, or sooner if you have a fever, significant abdominal pain, blood or mucus in your stool, or signs of dehydration. These can signal something that needs prompt attention.
To get answers and relief, request an appointment with The Gastroenterology Group or call us at (330) 869-0954. We welcome new patients in Akron and Massillon.