When Is Diarrhea a Medical Concern?

We’ve all experienced the sudden urge to go to the restroom. It can happen to anyone, but what if the problem doesn’t resolve on its own? Or what if it is so persistent that it leads to dehydration? Are there any other signs that could indicate a much more serious issue?

Our experts at Carolina Digestive Health Associates clarify your concerns by explaining the role of diarrhea in the body, its possible causes, and when you should see a medical provider for your symptoms.

Diarrhea causes

Diarrhea is the rapid evacuation of potential threats from the digestive system. These can include viruses, bacteria, parasites, or toxins. When the body detects danger, diarrhea serves as a defense mechanism. 

When this mechanism successfully eliminates the threat, the diarrhea resolves on its own. That’s the usual bout of diarrhea that causes no issues. 

However, when it persists, it could mean that the threat is ongoing or that you are suffering from a chronic condition that continually irritates your gut.

Some conditions don’t directly irritate the gut but can still cause diarrhea. These include endocrine disorders, such as thyroid disorders or diabetes. Certain medications can also cause loose stools; for example, antibiotics and metformin (a diabetes medication) are known to cause diarrhea.

Regardless of the cause, diarrhea can become dangerous if too much fluid is expelled. This happens because of the delicate balance of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes control nervous system transmission and even heartbeats, and a severe imbalance could lead to cardiac arrest.

Signs your diarrhea needs medical attention

Duration (lasting more than a couple of days) is one of the telltale signs that you may need to see a medical provider, but it isn’t the only one. Other symptoms accompanying diarrhea that may indicate something more serious include:

• Vomiting
• Bloody or black stools
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, headaches)
• Recurring episodes (diarrhea that is short in duration but keeps coming back)

While acute diarrhea lasting a couple of days is often nothing to worry about, there are key situations when expert care becomes crucial. If you have an underlying medical condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or celiac disease, any change in your bowel habits should be discussed with a medical provider.

Get rid of diarrhea for good

Treating only the symptoms of diarrhea might provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t address the underlying issue. 

Our experts have extensive experience treating digestive problems, and depending on what is causing your symptoms, medications, dietary modifications, or a combination of these approaches may be used to eliminate the underlying cause.

If you have diarrhea that persists or is accompanied by any of the symptoms mentioned above, get peace of mind by scheduling an appointment at one of our offices in Belmont, NC (Belmont Office) or Charlotte/Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina.