Diarrhea

Gut & Digestive

If this is an emergency, call 911 now. This tool is for general information, not emergency guidance. If you're having severe symptoms, don't read this — get help.

What the internet says

Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis. Colorectal cancer. C. difficile. Cholera.

What it probably actually is

A stomach bug (viral gastroenteritis) that will pass in 1-3 days. Food poisoning. Antibiotic use disrupting gut flora. Too much coffee or artificial sweeteners. Anxiety (gut-brain connection is very real). Lactose intolerance flaring.

🧠 The full picture

Acute diarrhea (comes on suddenly) resolves in the vast majority of cases within a week with no treatment except staying hydrated. Chronic diarrhea — lasting 4+ weeks — is when investigation makes sense. Most people self-diagnosing IBD based on a few days of loose stool are experiencing normal gut variation.

⚠️ When to actually call your doctor

These are real red flags. If any of these apply, don't wait.

Blood or mucus in stool
Significant dehydration signs (no urination in 8+ hours, extreme dizziness)
Persists more than 2 weeks
High fever with diarrhea
After a course of antibiotics — C. diff is possible
Steatorrhea — greasy, foul-smelling, floats (malabsorption)

📚 Sources

This information is based on guidance from:

CDC Foodborne IllnessAmerican College of GastroenterologyCrohn's & Colitis Foundation

Always verify important health decisions with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.

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