Runny poop (loose stools or diarrhea) typically isn't a cause for concern. It may be caused by eating certain foods, taking certain medications, infections, and digestive problems.
It is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis of the cause of runny poop in order to determine if medical treatment is needed.
See a doctor if you have runny poop and:
- It lasts more than two days
- Dehydration
- Malabsorption
- Bloating
- Gas
- Changes in appetite
- Loose, greasy, foul-smelling bowel movements
- Weight loss
- Inability to keep food or water down
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blood in stool
- A fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
What Are Symptoms of Runny Poop?
Runny poop (diarrhea) is a symptom of many different conditions. Signs of runny poop may include:
- Loss of control of bowel movements
- Urgent need to use the bathroom
- Abdominal cramps/pain
Symptoms that may accompany runny poop include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
What Causes Runny Poop?
There are many possible causes of runny poop (diarrhea), including:
- Eating certain foods
- Infections
- Viral infections, including COVID-19
- Bacterial infections
- Parasitic infections
- Digestive problems and diseases
- Celiac disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Some medications
- Antibiotics
- Antacids containing magnesium
- Cancer medications
- Long-term use of medications
- Laxative use
- Alcohol use
- Caffeine intake
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Complications of past abdominal surgeries
How Is Runny Poop Diagnosed?
Runny poop (diarrhea) is diagnosed with a patient history and a physical examination. Tests used to help determine the cause of runny poop may include:
- Stool testing
- Blood tests
- Hydrogen breath test
- Fasting tests
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy
What Is the Treatment for Runny Poop?
Treatment for runny poop (diarrhea) depends on the cause. Dietary changes and home remedies are usually sufficient and runny poop will go away on its own with rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and a bland diet.
Foods that are easy-to-digest and binding may help stop runny poop, such as:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Crackers
- Bananas
- Oatmeal
- Potatoes
Other home remedies for runny poop include:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Liquids with sugar and salt, such as juice and broth, are the best choices
- Eat salty foods to help prevent dehydration
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medicines
- Take probiotics
- Increase fiber intake
- Avoid food and drinks that are triggers such as milk or eggs
When medical treatment is needed for runny poop, it may include:
- Prescription anti-diarrheal medications
- Antibiotics, if runny poop is caused by certain bacterial infections
- Intravenous (IV) fluids to treat and prevent dehydration
- Treating any underlying medical condition
- Stopping or changing medications
- Do not stop or change any medications without first talking to your doctor
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https://iffgd.org/lower-gi-disorders/diarrhea/common-causes.htm
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https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea