Acute Diarrhea: What It Is and What to Do First
Acute diarrhea means loose or watery stools that start suddenly and usually last less than two weeks. It happens when your gut reacts to a bug, bad food, a medicine, or a short-term illness. Most people recover in a few days with simple self-care. The main danger is dehydration — losing too much fluid and salts.
Common Causes and Symptoms
Viruses (like norovirus or rotavirus) cause most cases. Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter) and parasites can also cause it, especially after bad food or travel. Medicines — especially antibiotics — may trigger diarrhea too.
Symptoms include frequent loose stools, stomach cramps, sometimes fever, nausea, vomiting, and rarely blood in the stool. Watch for signs you’re losing too much fluid: dry mouth, dark urine or almost no urine, lightheadedness, and fast heartbeat.
Home Treatment That Works
1. Rehydrate first. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are the best — they replace water, salt, and sugar in the right balance. Sip often. If you don’t have ORS, small sips of cool water with a pinch of salt and a little sugar can help temporarily.
2. Eat normally when you can. Avoid greasy, very sugary, or dairy-heavy foods for a short time. Light, plain foods are fine. For infants and toddlers, keep feeding breast milk or formula unless a doctor says otherwise.
3. Over-the-counter options for adults: loperamide (Imodium) reduces stool frequency and helps you feel better, but don’t use it if you have high fever or bloody stools — that can make some infections worse. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may help traveler’s diarrhea and nausea, but avoid it in children and if you’re allergic to aspirin.
4. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus or Saccharomyces boulardii can shorten symptoms in some cases. They’re safe for many people but check with a healthcare provider if you’re very ill or immunocompromised.
5. Avoid routine antibiotics. They only help when a specific bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed. A doctor will decide that based on symptoms and tests.
Red Flags — See a Doctor Now
Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you care for has: high fever (over 38.5°C / 101.3°F), bloody or black stools, severe belly pain, signs of severe dehydration (very little urine, fainting), persistent vomiting that prevents drinking, diarrhea lasting more than 48–72 hours, infants younger than 3 months with fever, or if you’re immunocompromised.
Prevention is simple: wash hands thoroughly, handle and store food safely, drink treated water when traveling, and keep vaccinations (like rotavirus for babies) up to date. If you travel frequently, ask your doctor about quick fixes and what to carry in your travel kit.
Acute diarrhea is common and often manageable at home. Rehydration, sensible eating, and watching for danger signs are the priorities. When in doubt, call a healthcare provider — quick action can prevent complications.
