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Acute diarrhea

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What diarrhea does to the body

THE SHORT ANSWER

Diarrhea is the gut releasing more water than it takes back; most clears up on its own, and the danger is the water and salt lost with it, especially for children and older adults.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

Bloody or black stools, a persistent fever above 38.9°C, being unable to keep water down, little urine with a dry mouth and dizziness on standing, or diarrhea past 3 days: see a doctor.

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READ THE ORIGINAL

Diarrhea happens when the gut releases more water into its interior than it takes back. Normally the small intestine and colon keep drawing large amounts of water, together with salt, back into the blood; when viruses, bacteria or their toxins disrupt this, the direction reverses.

Most acute diarrhea clears up on its own. The real risk is not the diarrhea itself but the water and salt lost with it, and children and older adults have the least to spare. So the most important thing at this point is to replace the water and salt you lose.

Seek care now, rather than waiting at home, if you have bloody or black stools, a persistent high fever (above 38.9°C), vomiting so much you can't keep water down, much less urine, a dry mouth, dizziness when you stand up, or diarrhea lasting more than 3 days.

Educational content, not medical advice — consult a clinician.

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