Diarrhea
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FAQ
Acute onset of diarrhea is most commonly caused by an intestinal infection, consuming a contaminated food or drink, or a dietary allergy or intolerance. It can also be a side effect of some medications and a symptom of digestive tract disorders.
Most of the time, diarrhea comes on suddenly and lasts less than a week. But some people have chronic diarrhea that can last for months and may come and go.
Talk to your doctor if diarrhea lasts more than two days, your stool is bloody or black, you have a high fever or severe abdominal pain, or you become dehydrated. Call right away about an infant with diarrhea.
Doctors recommend bland, easy-to-digest foods until your appetite comes back. The main thing is to stay hydrated and replace electrolytes by drinking plenty of water, broth, and sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions.
You can avoid infectious diarrhea by washing your hands often, cooking food thoroughly, and drinking clean water. It's recommended that babies be vaccinated against rotavirus, a leading cause of diarrhea in infants.

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- Diarrhea. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. September 2024.