Diarrhea is a very common problem that most people encounter every year. Your stool will be watery and loose when you have diarrhea. This condition usually disappears on its own after a couple of days if the cause is unknown. The reason for diarrhea can be bacterial. When diarrhea gets worse, it can lead to dehydration.
What is diarrhea?
Visiting the bathroom, experiencing a bowel movement, or pooping – whatever you call it, stool is a part of your daily routine. At times, though, this waste removal process changes. A watery or loose stool is called diarrhea. This condition can be resolved without intervention because it’s very common. (1)
Diarrhea can be caused by many factors, and it usually disappears on its own within a few days. Having diarrhea may cause you to run more frequently to the bathroom than normal. Additionally, you may feel bloated, have lower abdominal cramps, and sometimes feel nausea.
Most diarrheal illnesses are short-lived and only last a few days. However, when diarrhea lasts for more than a few days, there is usually another underlying cause – such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more severe condition, including gluten disease, chronic infection, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
How Long Diarrhea Last?
It is rare for diarrhea to last more than 2 weeks in children and usually passes within 5 to 7 days. Most adults recover from diarrhea within 2 to 4 days, although some infections last for a week or more.