10 days: Infectious diarrhea due to viruses or bacteria usually lasts 2 to 10 days. Most cases do not need to be treated with antibiotics in healthy people. Small children, the elderly, and patients with chronic diseases should see their physician for diarrhea that lasts more than a few days. Anyone should seek medical attention for symptoms of dehydration or for diarrhea that lasts more than 10 days.
Answered 11/6/2012
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Depends on the cause: Diarrhea from viral infections should only last for a few days. Diarrhea from food sensitivities last for a much shorter period of time (a day or two). Prolonged diarrhea is concerning for bacterial or parasitic infection, or disease of the bowel from other causes.
Answered 10/6/2014
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A doctor has provided 1 answer
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
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