Diarrhoea is the occurrence of a watery or loose faeces. While it often clears itself up, persistent diarrhoea lasts for 2 to 4 weeks and needs to be treated by a doctor. Diarrhoea itself is not uncommon and typically is not concerning to people. However, persistent diarrhoea is a cause for concern, particularly in young children and older adults. It can put people at risk of severe complications if it goes untreated.
Aside from a loose or watery faeces, the main symptoms of persistent diarrhoea include:
These symptoms can progress into indicators of a more severe problem if persistent diarrhoea goes untreated. Severe symptoms include:
People experiencing persistent diarrhoea are at a higher risk for dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration in people with persistent diarrhoea include:
At-risk groups, like older people and young children, should seek medical help for diarrhoea that does not improve within a day. Adults should seek medical help if their diarrhoea does not improve in 2 days. Seeking medical help as soon as possible for persistent diarrhoea helps prevent worsening symptoms and dehydration.
The most common cause of persistent diarrhoea is a viral infection of the bowel. Other common causes include a bacterial infection, eating food that does not agree with the digestive system, food allergies or food intolerances, certain medications, radiation therapy, and an inability of the digestive tract to fully absorb food.
While many cases of diarrhoea clear themselves up, those experiencing persistent diarrhoea need help from a medical professional to address the cause.
Travel is a risk factor for diarrhoea. Travellers are more likely to get diarrhoea due to being in a new environment. They may be exposed to viruses and bacteria that they are not exposed to at home, particularly if they are travelling to a country where sanitation and hygiene practices do not ensure that food is properly cooked and water is clean.
Persistent diarrhoea requires medical attention. A doctor will ask you about your medical history, any recent travel, current symptoms, and medical conditions that you have. Some tests that can be done to confirm the cause of persistent diarrhoea include:
Complications of persistent diarrhoea include dehydration, organ damage, and kidney failure. These complications are unlikely unless one does not seek treatment for their persistent diarrhoea.
Treatment for persistent diarrhoea is determined based on the cause. Treatment options include:
Your healthcare provider may also recommend over the counter antidiarrheal medications for immediate relief and will give you instructions on how to replace the fluids lost to persistent diarrhoea.