Fast transit
Diarrhea: watery stool, urgency, and dehydration red flags.
Diarrhea usually means loose or watery stool more often than normal for you. It can follow viruses, food poisoning, medicine effects, food intolerance, stress, or chronic digestive conditions.
Common features
- Loose or watery stool, often three or more times a day.
- Urgency, cramping, nausea, or trouble holding stool.
- Fever, chills, vomiting, or bloody stool when infection is involved.
- Dehydration risk when fluid loss outpaces intake.
Bristol types 6 and 7 are the classic loose-to-watery end of the chart.
Watch hydration closely
Dehydration signs can include extreme thirst, dry mouth, urinating less, dark urine, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, sunken eyes or cheeks, or skin that does not flatten quickly after a gentle pinch. Children may have no tears when crying, drowsiness, or fewer wet diapers.
When diarrhea needs medical help
Talk with a doctor right away for black tarry stool, red blood or pus, severe abdominal or rectal pain, dehydration symptoms, frequent vomiting, high fever, confusion, unusual lack of energy, diarrhea lasting more than two days in adults, or diarrhea in an infant. Pregnant people, adults over 65, people taking antibiotics, and immunocompromised people should use a lower threshold.
What to do while monitoring mild cases
- Replace fluids.Take small, frequent sips if nausea makes drinking difficult.
- Consider oral rehydration solution.It can help replace both water and salts when diarrhea is more than mild.
- Keep hygiene tight.Wash hands after toilet use and before food, and disinfect bathroom touch points if others share the home.
- Track exposures.Note recent travel, questionable food, sick contacts, antibiotics, new medications, and whether others ate the same meal.