What is chronic diarrhea?

The symptoms of chronic diarrhea include frequent loose stools. You may also have belly cramps and strong sudden urges to have a bowel movement. Some people also get dehydrated or lose weight. In some cases, chronic diarrhea includes a feeling of not completely emptying your bowels.

There are many ways to treat chronic diarrhea, depending on what's causing it. It's best to work with a doctor to look for a specific cause and avoid problems like dehydration and malnutrition. If no cause is found, your doctor may recommend prescription medicines or nutritional supplements to help you feel better.

Chronic diarrhea is having watery stools every day for more than 4 weeks. It's different from temporary diarrhea, which happens to everyone from time to time.

Your doctor will look for a specific cause of chronic diarrhea. This can include infection or certain illnesses. It can also include medicines, foods, or structural problems in your bowels. Sometimes, no cause is found. In that case, your doctor may diagnose you with a type of irritable bowel syndrome.