🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 98 (from laksa102)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa098.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/chronic-diarrhea\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/chronic-diarrhea\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/chronic-diarrhea","crawl_time":1775084147,"first_indexed_time":1506390926,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,healthline!www,\/health\/diarrhea\/chronic-diarrhea s443","src_root_hash":"11478817528691466898","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Chronic Diarrhea: Treatment Options, Symptoms, and Causes","meta_descriptions":["If you’re experiencing constant diarrhea after a week, it may be chronic diarrhea. Learn more here."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Diarrhea is a digestive condition that causes loose or watery stools. Many people experience diarrhea at some point. These bouts are often acute and resolve in a couple of days with no complications. Other people, however, live with diarrhea that persists for more than\ntwo to four weeks\n. This is called chronic diarrhea.\nAcute, or short-term,\ndiarrhea\nusually isn’t serious. But chronic loose, watery stools can lead to problems if left untreated. So it’s important to understand the cause of this type of diarrhea and treat any underlying condition.\nThe main symptom of chronic diarrhea is loose or watery stools that persist for weeks. These stools may or may not be accompanied by a sense of urgency. You may have other symptoms as well, such as:\nabdominal cramps\nbloating\nnausea\nChronic diarrhea is sometimes caused by an underlying medical condition. See your doctor if diarrhea doesn’t respond to at-home care. If you’re concerned about your diarrhea and don’t already have a primary care provider, you can view doctors in your area through the\nHealthline FindCare tool\n.\nDuring your appointment, your doctor may conduct a physical examination and ask about your symptoms. For example, how often do you have loose stools? Do you have any other symptoms? Is there a personal or family history of digestive problems? Based on your physical exam and your symptoms, your doctor may order a complete blood count or a stool sample to check for infections or inflammation.\nA stool sample, which examines feces, may reveal elevated white blood cells. This can be a sign of inflammation in your body or bacteria or parasites in your stool. The latter can also cause loose stools. This sample may also reveal fat in your stool, which can indicate chronic\npancreatitis\n(damage to the pancreas from prolonged inflammation) or celiac disease.\nYour diet can also play a role in chronic diarrhea. Certain ingredients speed up the rate of digestion, causing food to pass rapidly through the colon. Common culprits include milk and artificial sweeteners (sorbitol and fructose).\nOther causes of chronic diarrhea may include:\nmedications — NSAIDs, antibiotics, antacids\ndiabetes\ngluten insensitivity\nalcohol abuse\nIf a blood test or a stool sample can’t identify the cause of diarrhea, your doctor may suggest an ultrasound or CT scan of your abdomen, but only if you have other symptoms like pain or bloody stools. These imaging tests will check your organs for problems. Your doctor may also recommend a colonoscopy to examine your bowels for abnormalities. This tool can diagnose problems with the lining of your intestines, pancreas, and colon.\nSometimes, the cause of chronic diarrhea is unknown. If diagnostic tests don’t reveal an abnormality, your doctor may attribute chronic diarrhea to\nirritable bowel syndrome (IBS)\n.\nThis condition affects the large intestines and causes a variety of symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. IBS can be chronic, but it doesn’t damage the large intestines.\nAnti-diarrheal medications\ncan relieve diarrhea, but these medications aren’t recommended as a long-term therapy.\nTreatment for chronic diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you’re diagnosed with a medical condition like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, or celiac disease, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you and recommend the best course of action. Treatment might include prescription medications like an immunosuppressant or a corticosteroid.\nDiarrhea may improve as your health improves.\nAdditional treatment options for chronic diarrhea include:\nLifestyle and diet\nKeep a food journal to help determine whether diet is an underlying factor in chronic diarrhea. Record all your meals and snacks, and make a note of any worsening of symptoms.\nAfter a few weeks, you may be able to identify possible trigger foods. If so, eliminate these foods from your diet to see if your symptoms improve. For example, diarrhea may stop or significantly improve after stopping your intake of gluten, artificial sweeteners, or dairy products. Or your condition may improve after removing certain vegetables, fruits, and beans from your diet.\nLifestyle changes to help resolve chronic diarrhea include:\navoiding caffeine and alcoholic beverages\neating low fiber foods\ndrinking clear fluids to prevent dehydration\ncontrolling food portions to avoid overeating\nMedication\nIf bacteria or a parasite causes chronic diarrhea, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Prescription medications containing codeine may also provide relief because they increase the time it takes stools to pass through the digestive tract, resulting in bulkier stools. However, there’s the risk of addiction with these medications, so your doctor may not recommend codeine as a long-term therapy.\nOver-the-counter medications such as bismuth (\nPepto-Bismol\n) and loperamide (\nImodium\n) also slow the transit of stool, but they should only be taken on a short-term basis. Talk to your doctor before using these medications to treat chronic diarrhea.\nHome remedies and natural remedies\nChronic diarrhea may develop after taking a prescription medication such as an antibiotic. Talk to your doctor about alternative drugs. If one isn’t available, incorporate\nprobiotics\ninto your diet to restore stool bulk. These are available in\nyogurt\nand capsule form.\nFiber supplements are associated with relieving constipation. But certain fiber supplements can also relieve chronic diarrhea because of its water-holding effect. Taking psyllium (\nMetamucil\n) on a daily basis can produce bulkier stools and lessen or eliminate diarrhea caused by IBS or medication.\nChronic diarrhea caused by an underlying medical condition isn’t always preventable. But you can prevent chronic diarrhea due to infection by taking steps to keep your food and water supply clean. For example:\nDrink from a clean water source or filter your water.\nThoroughly clean meat before cooking.\nCook meat thoroughly.\nWash your hands after handling food.\nClean kitchen surfaces to prevent contamination.\nWash fruits and vegetables before consuming them.\nWash your hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or attending to a sick person.\nAcute diarrhea can be harmless. But with chronic diarrhea, there’s the risk of dehydration due to loss of fluid.\nDehydration\nis when your body doesn’t have enough water. This can be life-threatening, so drink plenty of fluids. This includes water, broth, and unsweetened and decaffeinated tea. Signs of dehydration include:\ndark urine\nexcessive thirst\ndizziness\nfatigue\nvomiting\nfever\nSee a doctor if you show signs of dehydration.\nThe outlook for chronic diarrhea depends on the cause. If you’re able to treat an inflammatory bowel disorder, infection, or other digestive problem, your stools should gradually return to normal. If you don’t have a medical condition, keeping a food journal, watching your diet, and making lifestyle changes may also provide relief. The important thing is that you don’t ignore the problem. The sooner you speak with your doctor, the sooner you can get relief.","attrs_markdown":"- Health Conditions\n  Health Conditions\n  \n  [All](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/directory\/topics)\n  \n  - [Breast Cancer](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/breast-cancer)\n  - [Cancer Care](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/cancer-care)\n  - [Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/alzheimers-disease)\n  - [Chronic Kidney Disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/ckd)\n  - [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/copd)\n  - [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/digestive-health)\n  - [Eye Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/eye-health)\n  - [Heart Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/heart-health)\n  - [Menopause](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/menopause)\n  - [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/mental-health)\n  - [Migraine](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/migraine)\n  - [Multiple Sclerosis (MS)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/multiple-sclerosis)\n  - 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Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.\n  \n  [All](https:\/\/www.bezzy.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=nav-bar-connections)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bezzy-Inflammatory-Bowel-Disease.png) Inflammatory Bowel Disease](https:\/\/www.bezzyibd.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bezzy-Multiple-Sclerosis.png) Multiple Sclerosis](https:\/\/www.bezzyms.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Bezzy-DEP-Icon-Circle.png) Depression](https:\/\/www.bezzydepression.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bezzy-MIG-Icon-Circle.png) Migraine](https:\/\/www.bezzymigraine.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Bezzy-T2D-Icon-Circle.png) Type 2 Diabetes](https:\/\/www.bezzyt2d.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Bezzy-PsO.png) Psoriasis](https:\/\/www.bezzypsoriasis.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  \n  Follow us on social media\n  \n  Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health.\n\nSubscribe\n\nWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. [Here’s our process](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/brand-and-product-vetting)\n\n# Chronic Diarrhea\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/elaine-luo.png?w=105&h=105)\n\n[Medically reviewed]() by [Elaine K. Luo, M.D.]() — Written by [Valencia Higuera]() —  [Updated on March 8, 2019]()\n\n- [Symptoms](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/chronic-diarrhea#Symptoms)\n- [Causes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/chronic-diarrhea#Causes)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/chronic-diarrhea#Treatment)\n- [Prevention](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/chronic-diarrhea#prevention)\n- [Complications](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/chronic-diarrhea#Complications)\n- [Outlook](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/chronic-diarrhea#Outlook)\n\n##\nDiarrhea is a digestive condition that causes loose or watery stools. Many people experience diarrhea at some point. These bouts are often acute and resolve in a couple of days with no complications. Other people, however, live with diarrhea that persists for more than [two to four weeks](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthywater\/hygiene\/disease\/chronic_diarrhea.html). This is called chronic diarrhea.\n\nAcute, or short-term, [diarrhea](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/diarrhea) usually isn’t serious. But chronic loose, watery stools can lead to problems if left untreated. So it’s important to understand the cause of this type of diarrhea and treat any underlying condition.\n\n## [Symptoms of chronic diarrhea]()\nThe main symptom of chronic diarrhea is loose or watery stools that persist for weeks. These stools may or may not be accompanied by a sense of urgency. You may have other symptoms as well, such as:\n\n- abdominal cramps\n- bloating\n- nausea\n\n## [Causes of chronic diarrhea]()\nChronic diarrhea is sometimes caused by an underlying medical condition. See your doctor if diarrhea doesn’t respond to at-home care. If you’re concerned about your diarrhea and don’t already have a primary care provider, you can view doctors in your area through the [Healthline FindCare tool](https:\/\/care.healthline.com\/find-care\/specialty\/primary-care-doctors?ref=global).\n\nDuring your appointment, your doctor may conduct a physical examination and ask about your symptoms. For example, how often do you have loose stools? Do you have any other symptoms? Is there a personal or family history of digestive problems? Based on your physical exam and your symptoms, your doctor may order a complete blood count or a stool sample to check for infections or inflammation.\n\nInflammatory conditions that can cause loose, watery stools include [ulcerative colitis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/ulcerative-colitis) and [Crohn’s disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/crohns-disease). These conditions can also cause [bloody stools](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/digestive-health\/red-diarrhea) and abdominal pain.\n\nA stool sample, which examines feces, may reveal elevated white blood cells. This can be a sign of inflammation in your body or bacteria or parasites in your stool. The latter can also cause loose stools. This sample may also reveal fat in your stool, which can indicate chronic [pancreatitis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/chronic-pancreatitis) (damage to the pancreas from prolonged inflammation) or celiac disease.\n\nYour diet can also play a role in chronic diarrhea. Certain ingredients speed up the rate of digestion, causing food to pass rapidly through the colon. Common culprits include milk and artificial sweeteners (sorbitol and fructose).\n\nOther causes of chronic diarrhea may include:\n\n- medications — NSAIDs, antibiotics, antacids\n- diabetes\n- gluten insensitivity\n- alcohol abuse\n\nIf a blood test or a stool sample can’t identify the cause of diarrhea, your doctor may suggest an ultrasound or CT scan of your abdomen, but only if you have other symptoms like pain or bloody stools. These imaging tests will check your organs for problems. Your doctor may also recommend a colonoscopy to examine your bowels for abnormalities. This tool can diagnose problems with the lining of your intestines, pancreas, and colon.\n\nSometimes, the cause of chronic diarrhea is unknown. If diagnostic tests don’t reveal an abnormality, your doctor may attribute chronic diarrhea to [irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/irritable-bowel-syndrome).\n\nThis condition affects the large intestines and causes a variety of symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. IBS can be chronic, but it doesn’t damage the large intestines.\n\n## [Treatment options for chronic diarrhea]()\n[Anti-diarrheal medications](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-to-get-rid-of-diarrhea-fast) can relieve diarrhea, but these medications aren’t recommended as a long-term therapy.\n\nTreatment for chronic diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you’re diagnosed with a medical condition like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, or celiac disease, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you and recommend the best course of action. Treatment might include prescription medications like an immunosuppressant or a corticosteroid.\n\nDiarrhea may improve as your health improves.\n\nAdditional treatment options for chronic diarrhea include:\n\n### Lifestyle and diet\nKeep a food journal to help determine whether diet is an underlying factor in chronic diarrhea. Record all your meals and snacks, and make a note of any worsening of symptoms.\n\nAfter a few weeks, you may be able to identify possible trigger foods. If so, eliminate these foods from your diet to see if your symptoms improve. For example, diarrhea may stop or significantly improve after stopping your intake of gluten, artificial sweeteners, or dairy products. Or your condition may improve after removing certain vegetables, fruits, and beans from your diet.\n\nLifestyle changes to help resolve chronic diarrhea include:\n\n- avoiding caffeine and alcoholic beverages\n- eating low fiber foods\n- drinking clear fluids to prevent dehydration\n- controlling food portions to avoid overeating\n### Medication\nIf bacteria or a parasite causes chronic diarrhea, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Prescription medications containing codeine may also provide relief because they increase the time it takes stools to pass through the digestive tract, resulting in bulkier stools. However, there’s the risk of addiction with these medications, so your doctor may not recommend codeine as a long-term therapy.\n\nOver-the-counter medications such as bismuth ([Pepto-Bismol](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=pepto+bismol&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null)) and loperamide ([Imodium](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=imodium&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null)) also slow the transit of stool, but they should only be taken on a short-term basis. Talk to your doctor before using these medications to treat chronic diarrhea.\n\n### Home remedies and natural remedies\nChronic diarrhea may develop after taking a prescription medication such as an antibiotic. Talk to your doctor about alternative drugs. If one isn’t available, incorporate [probiotics](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=probiotics&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null) into your diet to restore stool bulk. These are available in [yogurt](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/yogurt-for-yeast-infection) and capsule form.\n\nFiber supplements are associated with relieving constipation. But certain fiber supplements can also relieve chronic diarrhea because of its water-holding effect. Taking psyllium ([Metamucil](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=Metamucil&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null)) on a daily basis can produce bulkier stools and lessen or eliminate diarrhea caused by IBS or medication.\n\n## [Preventing chronic diarrhea]()\nChronic diarrhea caused by an underlying medical condition isn’t always preventable. But you can prevent chronic diarrhea due to infection by taking steps to keep your food and water supply clean. For example:\n\n- Drink from a clean water source or filter your water.\n- Thoroughly clean meat before cooking.\n- Cook meat thoroughly.\n- Wash your hands after handling food.\n- Clean kitchen surfaces to prevent contamination.\n- Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them.\n- Wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or attending to a sick person.\n\n## [Complications of chronic diarrhea]()\nAcute diarrhea can be harmless. But with chronic diarrhea, there’s the risk of dehydration due to loss of fluid. [Dehydration](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/dehydration) is when your body doesn’t have enough water. This can be life-threatening, so drink plenty of fluids. This includes water, broth, and unsweetened and decaffeinated tea. Signs of dehydration include:\n\n- dark urine\n- excessive thirst\n- dizziness\n- fatigue\n- vomiting\n- fever\n\nSee a doctor if you show signs of dehydration.\n\n## [Outlook for chronic diarrhea]()\nThe outlook for chronic diarrhea depends on the cause. If you’re able to treat an inflammatory bowel disorder, infection, or other digestive problem, your stools should gradually return to normal. If you don’t have a medical condition, keeping a food journal, watching your diet, and making lifestyle changes may also provide relief. The important thing is that you don’t ignore the problem. The sooner you speak with your doctor, the sooner you can get relief.\n\n### How we reviewed this article:\nSources\n\nHistory\n\nHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/process).\n\n- Antibiotics and diarrhea. (2015).  \n  <https:\/\/iffgd.org\/lower-gi-disorders\/diarrhea\/antibiotics-diarrhea.html>\n- Chronic diarrhea. (2011).  \n  <https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthywater\/hygiene\/disease\/chronic_diarrhea.html>\n- Common causes of chronic diarrhea. (2016).  \n  <https:\/\/iffgd.org\/lower-gi-disorders\/diarrhea\/common-causes.html>\n\nShare this article\n\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/elaine-luo.png?w=105&h=105)\n\n[Medically reviewed]() by [Elaine K. Luo, M.D.]() — Written by [Valencia Higuera]() —  [Updated on March 8, 2019]()\n\n## related stories\n- [The 5 Most Effective Diarrhea Remedies](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/digestive-health\/most-effective-diarrhea-remedies?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Why Do I Get Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea-after-drinking-alcohol?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Can Ginger Treat Diarrhea?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/ginger-for-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Can Diarrhea be a Symptom of Pneumonia?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pneumonia\/diarrhea-and-pneumonia?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Is Diarrhea a Symptom of a Concussion?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-a-concussion-give-you-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n\n### Read this next\n- [The 5 Most Effective Diarrhea Remedies](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/digestive-health\/most-effective-diarrhea-remedies?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [We've all experienced unfortunate cases of diarrhea at some point in our lives. Read on for some of the most effective ways to relieve a case of the…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/digestive-health\/most-effective-diarrhea-remedies?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/digestive-health\/most-effective-diarrhea-remedies?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Why Do I Get Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea-after-drinking-alcohol?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [Drinking can be a fun way to socialize, but few people talk about a very common aftereffect of sipping adult beverages: diarrhea. We'll tell you what…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea-after-drinking-alcohol?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea-after-drinking-alcohol?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Can Ginger Treat Diarrhea?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/ginger-for-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [Ginger warms the stomach and is a tonic for the digestive system. It also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial properties.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/ginger-for-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/ginger-for-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Can Diarrhea be a Symptom of Pneumonia?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pneumonia\/diarrhea-and-pneumonia?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [Learn about how diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms can occur if you have pneumonia, or as a result of taking medications for this lung…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pneumonia\/diarrhea-and-pneumonia?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/pneumonia\/diarrhea-and-pneumonia?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Is Diarrhea a Symptom of a Concussion?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-a-concussion-give-you-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [Concussions may cause several types of symptoms that begin immediately or hours to days later. Here's what research shows about the connection between…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-a-concussion-give-you-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-a-concussion-give-you-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [When Is Diarrhea a Symptom of a Medical Emergency?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/when-to-go-to-hospital-for-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [Diarrhea is often a symptom of a brief illness that you can treat with rest, drinking water, or taking over-the-counter medications. But sometimes, it…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/when-to-go-to-hospital-for-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/when-to-go-to-hospital-for-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Can Heatstroke Cause Diarrhea?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea-from-heat-stroke?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [Several symptoms distinguish heatstroke from other heat-related illnesses. These include confusion, high body temperature, increased pulse and…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea-from-heat-stroke?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea-from-heat-stroke?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Can Using a Hot Tub Cause Diarrhea?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/hot-tub-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [When kept clean and maintained, hot tubs can be an enjoyable way to relax. But they can also be breeding grounds for diarrhea-causing germs.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/hot-tub-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/hot-tub-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [How Can Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cause Diarrhea?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-hand-foot-and-mouth-cause-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Karen Gill, M.D.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [Hand, foot, and mouth disease can cause diarrhea, but the main symptoms are fever and painful sores affecting the mouth, hands, and feet.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-hand-foot-and-mouth-cause-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-hand-foot-and-mouth-cause-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Does Having Diarrhea Mean You’re Too Sick to Go into Work?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/can-i-go-to-work-with-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [If you're experiencing diarrhea along with other symptoms of a contagious illness, you may need to stay home from work until you have recovered.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/can-i-go-to-work-with-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/diarrhea\/can-i-go-to-work-with-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext)\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/contact-us)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/privacy-policy)\n- Privacy Settings\n- [Advertising Policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/advertising-policy)\n- [Health Topics](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/directory\/topics)\n\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sitemap)\n- [Medical Affairs](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n- [Content Integrity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/content-integrity)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/newsletter-signup)\n- © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n[About](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=about)[Careers](https:\/\/rvohealth.com\/careers)[Advertise with us](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/advertise?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=advertise)\n\nOUR BRANDS\n\n[Healthline](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/)[Medical News Today](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/)[Greatist](https:\/\/greatist.com\/)[Psych Central](https:\/\/psychcentral.com\/)[Bezzy](https:\/\/bezzy.com\/)\n\n![](http:\/\/b.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=38584006&cv=3.9&cj=1&comscorekw=main)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Diarrhea is a digestive condition that causes loose or watery stools. Many people experience diarrhea at some point. These bouts are often acute and resolve in a couple of days with no complications. Other people, however, live with diarrhea that persists for more than [two to four weeks](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthywater\/hygiene\/disease\/chronic_diarrhea.html). This is called chronic diarrhea.\n\nAcute, or short-term, [diarrhea](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/diarrhea) usually isn’t serious. But chronic loose, watery stools can lead to problems if left untreated. So it’s important to understand the cause of this type of diarrhea and treat any underlying condition.\n\nThe main symptom of chronic diarrhea is loose or watery stools that persist for weeks. These stools may or may not be accompanied by a sense of urgency. You may have other symptoms as well, such as:\n\n- abdominal cramps\n- bloating\n- nausea\n\nChronic diarrhea is sometimes caused by an underlying medical condition. See your doctor if diarrhea doesn’t respond to at-home care. If you’re concerned about your diarrhea and don’t already have a primary care provider, you can view doctors in your area through the [Healthline FindCare tool](https:\/\/care.healthline.com\/find-care\/specialty\/primary-care-doctors?ref=global).\n\nDuring your appointment, your doctor may conduct a physical examination and ask about your symptoms. For example, how often do you have loose stools? Do you have any other symptoms? Is there a personal or family history of digestive problems? Based on your physical exam and your symptoms, your doctor may order a complete blood count or a stool sample to check for infections or inflammation.\n\nA stool sample, which examines feces, may reveal elevated white blood cells. This can be a sign of inflammation in your body or bacteria or parasites in your stool. The latter can also cause loose stools. This sample may also reveal fat in your stool, which can indicate chronic [pancreatitis](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/chronic-pancreatitis) (damage to the pancreas from prolonged inflammation) or celiac disease.\n\nYour diet can also play a role in chronic diarrhea. Certain ingredients speed up the rate of digestion, causing food to pass rapidly through the colon. Common culprits include milk and artificial sweeteners (sorbitol and fructose).\n\nOther causes of chronic diarrhea may include:\n\n- medications — NSAIDs, antibiotics, antacids\n- diabetes\n- gluten insensitivity\n- alcohol abuse\n\nIf a blood test or a stool sample can’t identify the cause of diarrhea, your doctor may suggest an ultrasound or CT scan of your abdomen, but only if you have other symptoms like pain or bloody stools. These imaging tests will check your organs for problems. Your doctor may also recommend a colonoscopy to examine your bowels for abnormalities. This tool can diagnose problems with the lining of your intestines, pancreas, and colon.\n\nSometimes, the cause of chronic diarrhea is unknown. If diagnostic tests don’t reveal an abnormality, your doctor may attribute chronic diarrhea to [irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/irritable-bowel-syndrome).\n\nThis condition affects the large intestines and causes a variety of symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. IBS can be chronic, but it doesn’t damage the large intestines.\n\n[Anti-diarrheal medications](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-to-get-rid-of-diarrhea-fast) can relieve diarrhea, but these medications aren’t recommended as a long-term therapy.\n\nTreatment for chronic diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you’re diagnosed with a medical condition like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, or celiac disease, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you and recommend the best course of action. Treatment might include prescription medications like an immunosuppressant or a corticosteroid.\n\nDiarrhea may improve as your health improves.\n\nAdditional treatment options for chronic diarrhea include:\n\nLifestyle and diet\n\nKeep a food journal to help determine whether diet is an underlying factor in chronic diarrhea. Record all your meals and snacks, and make a note of any worsening of symptoms.\n\nAfter a few weeks, you may be able to identify possible trigger foods. If so, eliminate these foods from your diet to see if your symptoms improve. For example, diarrhea may stop or significantly improve after stopping your intake of gluten, artificial sweeteners, or dairy products. Or your condition may improve after removing certain vegetables, fruits, and beans from your diet.\n\nLifestyle changes to help resolve chronic diarrhea include:\n\n- avoiding caffeine and alcoholic beverages\n- eating low fiber foods\n- drinking clear fluids to prevent dehydration\n- controlling food portions to avoid overeating\n\nMedication\n\nIf bacteria or a parasite causes chronic diarrhea, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Prescription medications containing codeine may also provide relief because they increase the time it takes stools to pass through the digestive tract, resulting in bulkier stools. However, there’s the risk of addiction with these medications, so your doctor may not recommend codeine as a long-term therapy.\n\nOver-the-counter medications such as bismuth ([Pepto-Bismol](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=pepto+bismol&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null)) and loperamide ([Imodium](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=imodium&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null)) also slow the transit of stool, but they should only be taken on a short-term basis. Talk to your doctor before using these medications to treat chronic diarrhea.\n\nHome remedies and natural remedies\n\nChronic diarrhea may develop after taking a prescription medication such as an antibiotic. Talk to your doctor about alternative drugs. If one isn’t available, incorporate [probiotics](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=probiotics&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null) into your diet to restore stool bulk. These are available in [yogurt](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/yogurt-for-yeast-infection) and capsule form.\n\nFiber supplements are associated with relieving constipation. But certain fiber supplements can also relieve chronic diarrhea because of its water-holding effect. Taking psyllium ([Metamucil](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=Metamucil&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null)) on a daily basis can produce bulkier stools and lessen or eliminate diarrhea caused by IBS or medication.\n\nChronic diarrhea caused by an underlying medical condition isn’t always preventable. But you can prevent chronic diarrhea due to infection by taking steps to keep your food and water supply clean. For example:\n\n- Drink from a clean water source or filter your water.\n- Thoroughly clean meat before cooking.\n- Cook meat thoroughly.\n- Wash your hands after handling food.\n- Clean kitchen surfaces to prevent contamination.\n- Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them.\n- Wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or attending to a sick person.\n\nAcute diarrhea can be harmless. But with chronic diarrhea, there’s the risk of dehydration due to loss of fluid. [Dehydration](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/symptom\/dehydration) is when your body doesn’t have enough water. This can be life-threatening, so drink plenty of fluids. This includes water, broth, and unsweetened and decaffeinated tea. Signs of dehydration include:\n\n- dark urine\n- excessive thirst\n- dizziness\n- fatigue\n- vomiting\n- fever\n\nSee a doctor if you show signs of dehydration.\n\nThe outlook for chronic diarrhea depends on the cause. If you’re able to treat an inflammatory bowel disorder, infection, or other digestive problem, your stools should gradually return to normal. If you don’t have a medical condition, keeping a food journal, watching your diet, and making lifestyle changes may also provide relief. The important thing is that you don’t ignore the problem. The sooner you speak with your doctor, the sooner you can get relief.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Diarrhea is a digestive condition that causes loose or watery stools. Many people experience diarrhea at some point. These bouts are often acute and resolve in a couple of days with no complications. Other people, however, live with diarrhea that persists for more than two to four weeks . This is called chronic diarrhea. Acute, or short-term, diarrhea usually isn’t serious. But chronic loose, watery stools can lead to problems if left untreated. So it’s important to understand the cause of this type of diarrhea and treat any underlying condition. The main symptom of chronic diarrhea is loose or watery stools that persist for weeks. These stools may or may not be accompanied by a sense of urgency. You may have other symptoms as well, such as: abdominal cramps bloating nausea Chronic diarrhea is sometimes caused by an underlying medical condition. See your doctor if diarrhea doesn’t respond to at-home care. If you’re concerned about your diarrhea and don’t already have a primary care provider, you can view doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool . During your appointment, your doctor may conduct a physical examination and ask about your symptoms. For example, how often do you have loose stools? Do you have any other symptoms? Is there a personal or family history of digestive problems? Based on your physical exam and your symptoms, your doctor may order a complete blood count or a stool sample to check for infections or inflammation. A stool sample, which examines feces, may reveal elevated white blood cells. This can be a sign of inflammation in your body or bacteria or parasites in your stool. The latter can also cause loose stools. This sample may also reveal fat in your stool, which can indicate chronic pancreatitis (damage to the pancreas from prolonged inflammation) or celiac disease. Your diet can also play a role in chronic diarrhea. Certain ingredients speed up the rate of digestion, causing food to pass rapidly through the colon. Common culprits include milk and artificial sweeteners (sorbitol and fructose). Other causes of chronic diarrhea may include: medications — NSAIDs, antibiotics, antacids diabetes gluten insensitivity alcohol abuse If a blood test or a stool sample can’t identify the cause of diarrhea, your doctor may suggest an ultrasound or CT scan of your abdomen, but only if you have other symptoms like pain or bloody stools. These imaging tests will check your organs for problems. Your doctor may also recommend a colonoscopy to examine your bowels for abnormalities. This tool can diagnose problems with the lining of your intestines, pancreas, and colon. Sometimes, the cause of chronic diarrhea is unknown. If diagnostic tests don’t reveal an abnormality, your doctor may attribute chronic diarrhea to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) . This condition affects the large intestines and causes a variety of symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. IBS can be chronic, but it doesn’t damage the large intestines. Anti-diarrheal medications can relieve diarrhea, but these medications aren’t recommended as a long-term therapy. Treatment for chronic diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you’re diagnosed with a medical condition like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, or celiac disease, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you and recommend the best course of action. Treatment might include prescription medications like an immunosuppressant or a corticosteroid. Diarrhea may improve as your health improves. Additional treatment options for chronic diarrhea include: Lifestyle and diet Keep a food journal to help determine whether diet is an underlying factor in chronic diarrhea. Record all your meals and snacks, and make a note of any worsening of symptoms. After a few weeks, you may be able to identify possible trigger foods. If so, eliminate these foods from your diet to see if your symptoms improve. For example, diarrhea may stop or significantly improve after stopping your intake of gluten, artificial sweeteners, or dairy products. Or your condition may improve after removing certain vegetables, fruits, and beans from your diet. Lifestyle changes to help resolve chronic diarrhea include: avoiding caffeine and alcoholic beverages eating low fiber foods drinking clear fluids to prevent dehydration controlling food portions to avoid overeating Medication If bacteria or a parasite causes chronic diarrhea, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Prescription medications containing codeine may also provide relief because they increase the time it takes stools to pass through the digestive tract, resulting in bulkier stools. However, there’s the risk of addiction with these medications, so your doctor may not recommend codeine as a long-term therapy. Over-the-counter medications such as bismuth ( Pepto-Bismol ) and loperamide ( Imodium ) also slow the transit of stool, but they should only be taken on a short-term basis. Talk to your doctor before using these medications to treat chronic diarrhea. Home remedies and natural remedies Chronic diarrhea may develop after taking a prescription medication such as an antibiotic. Talk to your doctor about alternative drugs. If one isn’t available, incorporate probiotics into your diet to restore stool bulk. These are available in yogurt and capsule form. Fiber supplements are associated with relieving constipation. But certain fiber supplements can also relieve chronic diarrhea because of its water-holding effect. Taking psyllium ( Metamucil ) on a daily basis can produce bulkier stools and lessen or eliminate diarrhea caused by IBS or medication. Chronic diarrhea caused by an underlying medical condition isn’t always preventable. But you can prevent chronic diarrhea due to infection by taking steps to keep your food and water supply clean. For example: Drink from a clean water source or filter your water. Thoroughly clean meat before cooking. Cook meat thoroughly. Wash your hands after handling food. Clean kitchen surfaces to prevent contamination. Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or attending to a sick person. Acute diarrhea can be harmless. But with chronic diarrhea, there’s the risk of dehydration due to loss of fluid. Dehydration is when your body doesn’t have enough water. This can be life-threatening, so drink plenty of fluids. This includes water, broth, and unsweetened and decaffeinated tea. Signs of dehydration include: dark urine excessive thirst dizziness fatigue vomiting fever See a doctor if you show signs of dehydration. The outlook for chronic diarrhea depends on the cause. If you’re able to treat an inflammatory bowel disorder, infection, or other digestive problem, your stools should gradually return to normal. If you don’t have a medical condition, keeping a food journal, watching your diet, and making lifestyle changes may also provide relief. The important thing is that you don’t ignore the problem. The sooner you speak with your doctor, the sooner you can get relief.
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Connect with us for all things health. Subscribe We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. [Here’s our process](https://www.healthline.com/about/brand-and-product-vetting) # Chronic Diarrhea ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/elaine-luo.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Elaine K. Luo, M.D.]() — Written by [Valencia Higuera]() — [Updated on March 8, 2019]() - [Symptoms](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/chronic-diarrhea#Symptoms) - [Causes](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/chronic-diarrhea#Causes) - [Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/chronic-diarrhea#Treatment) - [Prevention](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/chronic-diarrhea#prevention) - [Complications](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/chronic-diarrhea#Complications) - [Outlook](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/chronic-diarrhea#Outlook) ## Diarrhea is a digestive condition that causes loose or watery stools. Many people experience diarrhea at some point. These bouts are often acute and resolve in a couple of days with no complications. Other people, however, live with diarrhea that persists for more than [two to four weeks](https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/chronic_diarrhea.html). This is called chronic diarrhea. Acute, or short-term, [diarrhea](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/diarrhea) usually isn’t serious. But chronic loose, watery stools can lead to problems if left untreated. So it’s important to understand the cause of this type of diarrhea and treat any underlying condition. ## [Symptoms of chronic diarrhea]() The main symptom of chronic diarrhea is loose or watery stools that persist for weeks. These stools may or may not be accompanied by a sense of urgency. You may have other symptoms as well, such as: - abdominal cramps - bloating - nausea ## [Causes of chronic diarrhea]() Chronic diarrhea is sometimes caused by an underlying medical condition. See your doctor if diarrhea doesn’t respond to at-home care. If you’re concerned about your diarrhea and don’t already have a primary care provider, you can view doctors in your area through the [Healthline FindCare tool](https://care.healthline.com/find-care/specialty/primary-care-doctors?ref=global). During your appointment, your doctor may conduct a physical examination and ask about your symptoms. For example, how often do you have loose stools? Do you have any other symptoms? Is there a personal or family history of digestive problems? Based on your physical exam and your symptoms, your doctor may order a complete blood count or a stool sample to check for infections or inflammation. Inflammatory conditions that can cause loose, watery stools include [ulcerative colitis](https://www.healthline.com/health/ulcerative-colitis) and [Crohn’s disease](https://www.healthline.com/health/crohns-disease). These conditions can also cause [bloody stools](https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/red-diarrhea) and abdominal pain. A stool sample, which examines feces, may reveal elevated white blood cells. This can be a sign of inflammation in your body or bacteria or parasites in your stool. The latter can also cause loose stools. This sample may also reveal fat in your stool, which can indicate chronic [pancreatitis](https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-pancreatitis) (damage to the pancreas from prolonged inflammation) or celiac disease. Your diet can also play a role in chronic diarrhea. Certain ingredients speed up the rate of digestion, causing food to pass rapidly through the colon. Common culprits include milk and artificial sweeteners (sorbitol and fructose). Other causes of chronic diarrhea may include: - medications — NSAIDs, antibiotics, antacids - diabetes - gluten insensitivity - alcohol abuse If a blood test or a stool sample can’t identify the cause of diarrhea, your doctor may suggest an ultrasound or CT scan of your abdomen, but only if you have other symptoms like pain or bloody stools. These imaging tests will check your organs for problems. Your doctor may also recommend a colonoscopy to examine your bowels for abnormalities. This tool can diagnose problems with the lining of your intestines, pancreas, and colon. Sometimes, the cause of chronic diarrhea is unknown. If diagnostic tests don’t reveal an abnormality, your doctor may attribute chronic diarrhea to [irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)](https://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome). This condition affects the large intestines and causes a variety of symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. IBS can be chronic, but it doesn’t damage the large intestines. ## [Treatment options for chronic diarrhea]() [Anti-diarrheal medications](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-diarrhea-fast) can relieve diarrhea, but these medications aren’t recommended as a long-term therapy. Treatment for chronic diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you’re diagnosed with a medical condition like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, or celiac disease, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you and recommend the best course of action. Treatment might include prescription medications like an immunosuppressant or a corticosteroid. Diarrhea may improve as your health improves. Additional treatment options for chronic diarrhea include: ### Lifestyle and diet Keep a food journal to help determine whether diet is an underlying factor in chronic diarrhea. Record all your meals and snacks, and make a note of any worsening of symptoms. After a few weeks, you may be able to identify possible trigger foods. If so, eliminate these foods from your diet to see if your symptoms improve. For example, diarrhea may stop or significantly improve after stopping your intake of gluten, artificial sweeteners, or dairy products. Or your condition may improve after removing certain vegetables, fruits, and beans from your diet. Lifestyle changes to help resolve chronic diarrhea include: - avoiding caffeine and alcoholic beverages - eating low fiber foods - drinking clear fluids to prevent dehydration - controlling food portions to avoid overeating ### Medication If bacteria or a parasite causes chronic diarrhea, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Prescription medications containing codeine may also provide relief because they increase the time it takes stools to pass through the digestive tract, resulting in bulkier stools. However, there’s the risk of addiction with these medications, so your doctor may not recommend codeine as a long-term therapy. Over-the-counter medications such as bismuth ([Pepto-Bismol](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pepto+bismol&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null)) and loperamide ([Imodium](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=imodium&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null)) also slow the transit of stool, but they should only be taken on a short-term basis. Talk to your doctor before using these medications to treat chronic diarrhea. ### Home remedies and natural remedies Chronic diarrhea may develop after taking a prescription medication such as an antibiotic. Talk to your doctor about alternative drugs. If one isn’t available, incorporate [probiotics](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=probiotics&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null) into your diet to restore stool bulk. These are available in [yogurt](https://www.healthline.com/health/yogurt-for-yeast-infection) and capsule form. Fiber supplements are associated with relieving constipation. But certain fiber supplements can also relieve chronic diarrhea because of its water-holding effect. Taking psyllium ([Metamucil](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Metamucil&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null)) on a daily basis can produce bulkier stools and lessen or eliminate diarrhea caused by IBS or medication. ## [Preventing chronic diarrhea]() Chronic diarrhea caused by an underlying medical condition isn’t always preventable. But you can prevent chronic diarrhea due to infection by taking steps to keep your food and water supply clean. For example: - Drink from a clean water source or filter your water. - Thoroughly clean meat before cooking. - Cook meat thoroughly. - Wash your hands after handling food. - Clean kitchen surfaces to prevent contamination. - Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them. - Wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or attending to a sick person. ## [Complications of chronic diarrhea]() Acute diarrhea can be harmless. But with chronic diarrhea, there’s the risk of dehydration due to loss of fluid. [Dehydration](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/dehydration) is when your body doesn’t have enough water. This can be life-threatening, so drink plenty of fluids. This includes water, broth, and unsweetened and decaffeinated tea. Signs of dehydration include: - dark urine - excessive thirst - dizziness - fatigue - vomiting - fever See a doctor if you show signs of dehydration. ## [Outlook for chronic diarrhea]() The outlook for chronic diarrhea depends on the cause. If you’re able to treat an inflammatory bowel disorder, infection, or other digestive problem, your stools should gradually return to normal. If you don’t have a medical condition, keeping a food journal, watching your diet, and making lifestyle changes may also provide relief. The important thing is that you don’t ignore the problem. The sooner you speak with your doctor, the sooner you can get relief. ### How we reviewed this article: Sources History Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process). - Antibiotics and diarrhea. (2015). <https://iffgd.org/lower-gi-disorders/diarrhea/antibiotics-diarrhea.html> - Chronic diarrhea. (2011). <https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/chronic_diarrhea.html> - Common causes of chronic diarrhea. (2016). <https://iffgd.org/lower-gi-disorders/diarrhea/common-causes.html> Share this article ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/elaine-luo.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Elaine K. Luo, M.D.]() — Written by [Valencia Higuera]() — [Updated on March 8, 2019]() ## related stories - [The 5 Most Effective Diarrhea Remedies](https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/most-effective-diarrhea-remedies?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Why Do I Get Diarrhea After Drinking Alcohol?](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea-after-drinking-alcohol?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Can Ginger Treat Diarrhea?](https://www.healthline.com/health/ginger-for-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Can Diarrhea be a Symptom of Pneumonia?](https://www.healthline.com/health/pneumonia/diarrhea-and-pneumonia?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Is Diarrhea a Symptom of a Concussion?](https://www.healthline.com/health/can-a-concussion-give-you-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext) ### Read this next - [The 5 Most Effective Diarrhea Remedies](https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/most-effective-diarrhea-remedies?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team) [We've all experienced unfortunate cases of diarrhea at some point in our lives. 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But sometimes, it…](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/when-to-go-to-hospital-for-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/when-to-go-to-hospital-for-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Can Heatstroke Cause Diarrhea?](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea-from-heat-stroke?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team) [Several symptoms distinguish heatstroke from other heat-related illnesses. These include confusion, high body temperature, increased pulse and…](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea-from-heat-stroke?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea-from-heat-stroke?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Can Using a Hot Tub Cause Diarrhea?](https://www.healthline.com/health/hot-tub-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext) [When kept clean and maintained, hot tubs can be an enjoyable way to relax. But they can also be breeding grounds for diarrhea-causing germs.](https://www.healthline.com/health/hot-tub-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/hot-tub-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext) - [How Can Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cause Diarrhea?](https://www.healthline.com/health/can-hand-foot-and-mouth-cause-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Karen Gill, M.D.](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team) [Hand, foot, and mouth disease can cause diarrhea, but the main symptoms are fever and painful sores affecting the mouth, hands, and feet.](https://www.healthline.com/health/can-hand-foot-and-mouth-cause-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/can-hand-foot-and-mouth-cause-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Does Having Diarrhea Mean You’re Too Sick to Go into Work?](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/can-i-go-to-work-with-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext) [If you're experiencing diarrhea along with other symptoms of a contagious illness, you may need to stay home from work until you have recovered.](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/can-i-go-to-work-with-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea/can-i-go-to-work-with-diarrhea?utm_source=ReadNext) © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. 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Readable Markdown	Diarrhea is a digestive condition that causes loose or watery stools. Many people experience diarrhea at some point. These bouts are often acute and resolve in a couple of days with no complications. Other people, however, live with diarrhea that persists for more than [two to four weeks](https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/chronic_diarrhea.html). This is called chronic diarrhea. Acute, or short-term, [diarrhea](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/diarrhea) usually isn’t serious. But chronic loose, watery stools can lead to problems if left untreated. So it’s important to understand the cause of this type of diarrhea and treat any underlying condition. The main symptom of chronic diarrhea is loose or watery stools that persist for weeks. These stools may or may not be accompanied by a sense of urgency. You may have other symptoms as well, such as: - abdominal cramps - bloating - nausea Chronic diarrhea is sometimes caused by an underlying medical condition. See your doctor if diarrhea doesn’t respond to at-home care. If you’re concerned about your diarrhea and don’t already have a primary care provider, you can view doctors in your area through the [Healthline FindCare tool](https://care.healthline.com/find-care/specialty/primary-care-doctors?ref=global). During your appointment, your doctor may conduct a physical examination and ask about your symptoms. For example, how often do you have loose stools? Do you have any other symptoms? Is there a personal or family history of digestive problems? Based on your physical exam and your symptoms, your doctor may order a complete blood count or a stool sample to check for infections or inflammation. A stool sample, which examines feces, may reveal elevated white blood cells. This can be a sign of inflammation in your body or bacteria or parasites in your stool. The latter can also cause loose stools. This sample may also reveal fat in your stool, which can indicate chronic [pancreatitis](https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-pancreatitis) (damage to the pancreas from prolonged inflammation) or celiac disease. Your diet can also play a role in chronic diarrhea. Certain ingredients speed up the rate of digestion, causing food to pass rapidly through the colon. Common culprits include milk and artificial sweeteners (sorbitol and fructose). Other causes of chronic diarrhea may include: - medications — NSAIDs, antibiotics, antacids - diabetes - gluten insensitivity - alcohol abuse If a blood test or a stool sample can’t identify the cause of diarrhea, your doctor may suggest an ultrasound or CT scan of your abdomen, but only if you have other symptoms like pain or bloody stools. These imaging tests will check your organs for problems. Your doctor may also recommend a colonoscopy to examine your bowels for abnormalities. This tool can diagnose problems with the lining of your intestines, pancreas, and colon. Sometimes, the cause of chronic diarrhea is unknown. If diagnostic tests don’t reveal an abnormality, your doctor may attribute chronic diarrhea to [irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)](https://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome). This condition affects the large intestines and causes a variety of symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. IBS can be chronic, but it doesn’t damage the large intestines. [Anti-diarrheal medications](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-diarrhea-fast) can relieve diarrhea, but these medications aren’t recommended as a long-term therapy. Treatment for chronic diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you’re diagnosed with a medical condition like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, or celiac disease, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you and recommend the best course of action. Treatment might include prescription medications like an immunosuppressant or a corticosteroid. Diarrhea may improve as your health improves. Additional treatment options for chronic diarrhea include: Lifestyle and diet Keep a food journal to help determine whether diet is an underlying factor in chronic diarrhea. Record all your meals and snacks, and make a note of any worsening of symptoms. After a few weeks, you may be able to identify possible trigger foods. If so, eliminate these foods from your diet to see if your symptoms improve. For example, diarrhea may stop or significantly improve after stopping your intake of gluten, artificial sweeteners, or dairy products. Or your condition may improve after removing certain vegetables, fruits, and beans from your diet. Lifestyle changes to help resolve chronic diarrhea include: - avoiding caffeine and alcoholic beverages - eating low fiber foods - drinking clear fluids to prevent dehydration - controlling food portions to avoid overeating Medication If bacteria or a parasite causes chronic diarrhea, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Prescription medications containing codeine may also provide relief because they increase the time it takes stools to pass through the digestive tract, resulting in bulkier stools. However, there’s the risk of addiction with these medications, so your doctor may not recommend codeine as a long-term therapy. Over-the-counter medications such as bismuth ([Pepto-Bismol](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pepto+bismol&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null)) and loperamide ([Imodium](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=imodium&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null)) also slow the transit of stool, but they should only be taken on a short-term basis. Talk to your doctor before using these medications to treat chronic diarrhea. Home remedies and natural remedies Chronic diarrhea may develop after taking a prescription medication such as an antibiotic. Talk to your doctor about alternative drugs. If one isn’t available, incorporate [probiotics](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=probiotics&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null) into your diet to restore stool bulk. These are available in [yogurt](https://www.healthline.com/health/yogurt-for-yeast-infection) and capsule form. Fiber supplements are associated with relieving constipation. But certain fiber supplements can also relieve chronic diarrhea because of its water-holding effect. Taking psyllium ([Metamucil](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Metamucil&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null)) on a daily basis can produce bulkier stools and lessen or eliminate diarrhea caused by IBS or medication. Chronic diarrhea caused by an underlying medical condition isn’t always preventable. But you can prevent chronic diarrhea due to infection by taking steps to keep your food and water supply clean. For example: - Drink from a clean water source or filter your water. - Thoroughly clean meat before cooking. - Cook meat thoroughly. - Wash your hands after handling food. - Clean kitchen surfaces to prevent contamination. - Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them. - Wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or attending to a sick person. Acute diarrhea can be harmless. But with chronic diarrhea, there’s the risk of dehydration due to loss of fluid. [Dehydration](https://www.healthline.com/symptom/dehydration) is when your body doesn’t have enough water. This can be life-threatening, so drink plenty of fluids. This includes water, broth, and unsweetened and decaffeinated tea. Signs of dehydration include: - dark urine - excessive thirst - dizziness - fatigue - vomiting - fever See a doctor if you show signs of dehydration. The outlook for chronic diarrhea depends on the cause. If you’re able to treat an inflammatory bowel disorder, infection, or other digestive problem, your stools should gradually return to normal. If you don’t have a medical condition, keeping a food journal, watching your diet, and making lifestyle changes may also provide relief. The important thing is that you don’t ignore the problem. The sooner you speak with your doctor, the sooner you can get relief.
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