- Chronic Care
Diarrhea
Diarrhea treatment available online today
In order to treat your diarrhea, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to get a prescription to get rid of diarrhea. Get a new prescription to treat diarrhea or refill an existing prescription today.*
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of diarrhea. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Learn about diarrhea
Diarrhea occurs when your stools are loose and watery. If you have diarrhea, you may also feel the urge to have bowel movements multiple times a day.
Diarrhea can be acute or chronic. While acute diarrhea lasts 1–2 days, chronic diarrhea can persist for several weeks. When diarrhea symptoms persist, it usually indicates other health problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or a more serious disorder.
Diarrhea causes
Diarrhea can occur as a symptom of several conditions or circumstances. Some potential causes of diarrhea include:
Viral infections, including rotavirus and viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
Bacterial infections, including Salmonella and E. coli infection
Parasitic infections, including Cryptosporidium enteritis
Digestive tract problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Food sensitivities and allergies
Adverse reactions to medications
Taking antibiotics (antibiotic-associated diarrhea)
Gallbladder or stomach surgery
Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute diarrhea worldwide. In the United States, most people develop diarrhea due to food poisoning from eating contaminated foods, according to the CDC.
Diarrhea symptoms
The characteristic symptom of diarrhea is frequent, loose, and watery stools. Diarrhea may also cause frequent urges to have a bowel movement.
The symptoms of diarrhea vary from person to person, and a person's symptoms will depend on the specific cause of their diarrhea. Common diarrhea symptoms include:Nausea or upset stomach
Abdominal pain
Cramping
Bloating
Lost fluids (dehydration)
A frequent urge to have a bowel movement
A large volume of stools
When the body loses water due to frequent bowel movements, you may experience dehydration. Dehydration can be a serious side effect of diarrhea. Symptoms include:Feeling thirsty
Having a dry mouth and nostrils
Fatigue and lightheadedness
Fast heart rate
Not urinating as often
Sunken soft spot on a baby's head
How to treat diarrhea
Treatment for diarrhea depends on its cause. If your diarrhea doesn't go away in a few days, talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause of your diarrhea and start an appropriate treatment plan.
Treating diarrhea usually involves:
Rehydration therapy: In most cases, treating diarrhea involves rehydrating. In other words, you'll need to drink bottled water or electrolyte drinks to replace lost fluids. If you have severe dehydration, you may get fluids through intravenous (IV) therapy.
Over-the-counter medication: If you have mild acute diarrhea, over-the-counter medications can help. For example, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate) can help ease symptoms.
Home treatments: Make sure to drink plenty of water and other electrolyte-balanced fluids, such as broths, fruit juices, and sports drinks. Instead of consuming fatty or fried foods, follow a bland diet (such as the BRAT diet) until your symptoms improve to avoid making diarrhea worse.
Prescription medication: If your diarrhea is caused by a viral, parasitic, or bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications.
Diarrhea medications
Most cases of acute diarrhea can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate).
If your symptoms don't improve in a few days with OTC treatment, talk to your doctor. If your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial or parasitic infection, you'll need to see your healthcare provider for treatment.
Depending on the cause of your diarrhea, your doctor may prescribe:
Antibiotics
If you have a bacterial infection or parasite, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to combat the infection.
Medications for specific conditions
Chronic diarrhea may be related to other health conditions, including Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and intestinal tract problems. Once your doctor reviews your medical history, they can prescribe medication to manage and prevent diarrhea.
Probiotics
Probiotic supplements can help re-establish the balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria in your gut biome. Always talk to your doctor before starting probiotics or other supplements.
How to prevent diarrhea
Diarrhea can happen for several reasons, and it's not always possible to prevent it. However, you can lower your risk of developing diarrhea by taking preventive measures:
Wash your cooking and food preparation areas frequently.
Serve food immediately after preparing it.
Always thaw frozen food in the refrigerator.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
When you're traveling, make sure everything you eat and drink is safe to avoid traveler's diarrhea, especially if you travel to developing countries. Travel safety tips include:
Avoid drinking tap water or using it to brush your teeth.
Don't drink milk that hasn't been pasteurized.
Avoid eating raw fruits unless you wash and peel them.
Make sure meat and shellfish are hot when served.
Avoid eating foods from food trucks and street vendors.
When to see a doctor for diarrhea
Most cases of acute diarrhea improve within a few days. However, if your diarrhea symptoms persist for longer than two days, you should seek medical attention. Persistent diarrhea can significantly increase your risk of dehydration.
Diarrhea can also be a symptom of serious medical conditions. Seek medical attention if you experience diarrhea with any of the following symptoms:
Frequent vomiting
Bloody stools, or stools that look black or tarry
Six or more loose stools in 24 hours
Severe abdominal or rectal pain
Dehydration symptoms
Fever of 102 °F (38.9 °C) or higher
Diarrhea treatment FAQs
What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
The most common symptom of diarrhea is watery, loose stool. If you have diarrhea, you may also experience a frequent urge to empty your bowels.
The symptoms of diarrhea vary depending on the specific cause of diarrhea. Some common symptoms include:A frequent urge to use the bathroom
Loss of body fluids (dehydration)
Abdominal pain or cramps
Nausea (upset stomach)
Swelling or bloating
Feeling unable to control your bowels (incontinence)
Persistent diarrhea can also cause dehydration, which can turn into a serious medical condition. Dehydration is especially dangerous in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
How long is too long for diarrhea?
If you experience diarrhea for more than two days, seek medical attention. While most cases of acute diarrhea improve within a few days, persistent symptoms can lead to dehydration. If left untreated, dehydration can be life-threatening.
If your diarrhea gets worse or symptoms don't improve with over-the-counter medications, talk to your doctor. Chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of a medical condition, such as IBS.
If your diarrhea is caused by a parasitic or bacterial infection, you'll need prescription medication to treat the infection. A PlushCare doctor can provide you with these prescriptions when necessary.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience diarrhea with:Severe abdominal or rectal pain
A fever higher than 102 °F (38.9 °C)
Bloody stool, or stool that appears black and tarry
Dehydration symptoms
Six or more loose stools in the last 24 hours
Why do I have diarrhea?
In the United States, a common cause of diarrhea is food poisoning from eating contaminated foods. You can get food poisoning from eating:
Fresh, raw produce that hasn't been washed
Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs
Unpasteurized dairy products and fruit juices
Processed and ready-to-eat meals, such as hot dogs
Foods that aren't properly handled during preparation
There are several other potential causes of diarrhea, including:Dietary intolerances or sensitivities to certain foods (i.e., lactose intolerance or celiac disease)
Eating foods that upset your stomach, such as fried or fatty foods
Viral infections, including rotavirus and viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
Bacterial infections, including Salmonella and E. coli infection
Parasitic infections
Side effects of certain medications, such as antibiotics
Gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
3 simple steps to get treated for diarrhea today
Step 1
Book a diarrhea treatment appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your diarrhea symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up a prescription for diarrhea.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Related conditions to diarrhea
Celiac disease
Crohn's disease
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Ulcerative colitis (UC)
Diarrhea treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request diarrhea treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Diarrhea treatment resources:
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Burden of Foodborne Illness: Overview. Accessed on July 29, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/estimates-overview.html
Cleveland Clinic. Diarrhea. Accessed on July 29, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea
John Hopkins Medicine. Diarrhea. Accessed on July 29, 2022. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diarrhea
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & Causes of Diarrhea. Accessed on July 29, 2022. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/symptoms-causes
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.