Usually infection: Sudden diarrhea for up to 2 week duration is usually due to viral, and more rarely bacterial, infection. The key is to stay hydrated and wait it out. Warning signs that should prompt more urgent evaluation are signs of dehydration and inability to rehydrate, bloody diarrhea, moderate-severe abdominal pain, persistent fever, joint pain, rash or enlarged lymph nodes. Get better!
Answered 5/17/2015
2.8k views
Gastroenteritis: The most common cause of diarrhea in adults in the U.S. is viral gastroenteritis due to Norovirus which is contracted thru person to person contact, infected food or water and contaminated surfaces. Rotavirus spread person to person(fecal-oral route) is the next most common. Lastly is bacterial gastroenteritis, usually due to contaminated food. Imodium AD is quite effective in stopping diarrhea.
Answered 5/15/2015
2.8k views
A doctor has provided 1 answer
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A doctor has provided 1 answer
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your question