digestive disorders center

Why Do I Have Diarrhea When I’m Not Sick?

Reviewed on 6/6/2022
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Causes of diarrhea that are not due to acute illness include eating certain foods, food allergies and intolerances, some medications, caffeine intake, laxative use, alcohol use, digestive problems and diseases (celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth [SIBO]), and complications from past abdominal surgeries.

Diarrhea is characterized by loose stools occurring three or more times in a day. Chronic diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts from two to four weeks. 

It is possible to have diarrhea even when you are not sick. Causes of diarrhea that are not due to acute illness include: 

Infections that can cause diarrhea include:

What Are Symptoms of Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is not an illness in itself, but is a symptom of many different conditions. Signs of diarrhea may include: 

  • Urgent need to use the bathroom
  • Abdominal cramps/pain
  • Loss of control of bowel movements 

Symptoms that may accompany diarrhea include: 

Diarrhea may cause: 

  • Dehydration
    • Thirst
    • Dry mouth
    • Tiredness 
    • Urinating less than usual
    • Dark-colored urine
    • Decreased skin turgor
    • Lightheadedness or fainting
    • Sunken eyes or cheeks
  • Malabsorption
    • Loose, greasy, foul-smelling bowel movements
    • Gas
    • Bloating
    • Changes in appetite
    • Weight loss 

How Do You Get Rid of Diarrhea?

Dietary changes can often help treat diarrhea, whether you are sick or not. Foods that may help relieve diarrhea are easy-to-digest and binding, such as:

  • Rice
  • Crackers
  • Pasta
  • Bananas
  • Oatmeal
  • Potatoes

Additional home remedies for diarrhea 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
  • Consume soups
  • Take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medicines
  • Increase fiber intake
  • Take probiotics
  • Avoid food and drinks that may trigger diarrhea, such as milk or eggs

Treatment for diarrhea depends on the cause. Dietary changes and home remedies are usually sufficient and diarrhea will go away on its own with rest, hydration, and a bland diet. 

When medical treatment is needed for diarrhea, it may include: 

  • Anti-diarrheal medications
  • Antibiotics, if diarrhea is caused by certain bacterial infections
  • Treating any underlying medical condition 
  • Intravenous (IV) fluids to treat and prevent dehydration
  • Stopping or changing medications 
    • Do not stop or change any medications without first talking to your doctor

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Reviewed on 6/6/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Images

https://iffgd.org/lower-gi-disorders/diarrhea/common-causes.htm

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diarrhea-in-adolescents-and-adults-the-basics?search=diarrhea&source=search_result&selectedTitle=4~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=4

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/symptoms-causes