Diarrhea Causes and Symptoms in Adults & Children | When to Seek Care

Diarrhea is one of the most common digestive issues, affecting people of all ages. It can be caused by infections, food poisoning, medications, or chronic digestive conditions. While many cases are mild and pass within a few days, others may require medical care to prevent dehydration or identify underlying illness.

At iCare ER & Urgent Care, our medical teams in Frisco, Fort Worth, and Forney, Texas, treat everything from mild stomach bugs to serious gastrointestinal infections. Because iCare combines urgent and emergency care in one facility, patients receive the right level of care quickly—whether it’s IV fluids, lab testing, or advanced imaging.

What Causes Diarrhea?

Diarrhea happens when your digestive system moves waste through the intestines too quickly, preventing the absorption of water. The result is loose, watery stools that may be accompanied by abdominal cramps, bloating, or nausea.

Common causes include:

• Viral infections such as norovirus or rotavirus

• Bacterial infections like E. coli, Salmonella, or Campylobacter

• Foodborne illness from contaminated or undercooked food

• Medications, especially antibiotics and magnesium-based antacids

• Stress and anxiety, which can disrupt the gut-brain connection

• Digestive disorders such as IBS, celiac disease, or lactose intolerance

Short-term diarrhea (acute) typically lasts a few days, while chronic diarrhea lasts for more than two weeks and may signal an underlying condition that needs further evaluation.

For a detailed overview of causes, visit the Mayo Clinic’s diarrhea guide.

How to Tell If Diarrhea Is Viral, Bacterial, or Foodborne

Not all diarrhea is the same, and understanding the difference between viral, bacterial, and food-related causes can help determine when to seek care.

Viral diarrhea (stomach flu)

Viral gastroenteritis is caused by viruses such as norovirus or rotavirus. It spreads through close contact or contaminated food and surfaces. Symptoms often include watery stools, nausea, vomiting, mild fever, and muscle aches. Most cases improve within a few days with rest and fluids.

Bacterial diarrhea

Bacterial infections often come from undercooked meat, unwashed produce, or contaminated water. Symptoms may include fever, stomach cramps, and sometimes blood or mucus in stool. Bacterial diarrhea may require lab testing and antibiotics to prevent complications.

Foodborne illness

Food poisoning develops when bacteria or toxins contaminate food. Symptoms typically appear within a few hours after eating and may include severe cramps, vomiting, and fatigue. While most people recover with rest, persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

If symptoms last longer than three days, include blood, or are accompanied by fever or dehydration, it’s best to visit iCare ER & Urgent Care for evaluation and treatment.

Dehydration from Diarrhea: Signs and Prevention

One of the most serious complications of diarrhea is dehydration. When your body loses fluids and electrolytes faster than they can be replaced, dehydration can occur quickly—especially in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Signs of dehydration include:

• Dry mouth and excessive thirst

• Dark or low urine output

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Fatigue or confusion

• Sunken eyes or dry skin

• In children, lack of tears or dry diapers

Mild dehydration can often be managed at home by drinking plenty of fluids and electrolyte drinks. More severe cases may require IV hydration, which is available at all iCare ER & Urgent Care locations. IV fluids restore electrolytes quickly and safely to help patients recover faster.

For general prevention, stay hydrated during illness by sipping small amounts of fluids frequently rather than drinking large amounts all at once.

Learn more about dehydration warning signs from the Cleveland Clinic.

When Is Diarrhea an Emergency?

While most cases resolve without complications, some symptoms indicate that diarrhea may be severe or life-threatening.

Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:

• Bloody or black stool

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping

• High fever (over 102°F)

• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down

• Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness or confusion

• Diarrhea lasting more than three days

• Symptoms in infants, elderly adults, or immunocompromised individuals

At iCare ER & Urgent Care, our emergency physicians can provide on-site lab testing, imaging, and IV therapy. If the condition is critical, our team will stabilize the patient and transfer them to a hospital for advanced care.

Chronic Diarrhea and Long-Term Causes

If diarrhea lasts for more than two weeks, it may be chronic diarrhea, which often points to an underlying digestive or metabolic issue.

Common causes of chronic diarrhea include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

• Celiac disease or gluten intolerance

• Lactose intolerance

• Side effects from medications such as metformin or magnesium supplements

Chronic diarrhea may lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and fatigue. At iCare, our medical team can perform initial lab work and stool testing and refer patients to a gastroenterologist if ongoing management is needed.

Diarrhea in Children and Infants

Children and infants can become dehydrated more quickly than adults, so diarrhea in young patients requires special attention.

Common causes in children:

• Viral infections such as rotavirus

• Food allergies or lactose intolerance

• Antibiotics disrupting normal gut bacteria

• Contaminated food or poor hand hygiene

Parents should seek care if their child’s diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, includes blood, or is accompanied by a fever higher than 102°F. Warning signs of child dehydration include dry mouth, lack of tears, or fewer wet diapers.

For infants under three months old, any fever or persistent diarrhea warrants an immediate visit to the emergency room.

Diarrhea After Antibiotics

Some antibiotics can upset the balance of bacteria in the intestines, causing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Most cases are mild and resolve after finishing the medication, but sometimes a more serious infection called C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) develops.

Watch for:

• Frequent watery diarrhea

• Strong odor or mucus in stool

• Fever or abdominal tenderness

If these symptoms occur, visit iCare ER & Urgent Care for evaluation. Treatment may include probiotics, IV hydration, or antibiotics specifically targeting C. diff infection.

Traveler’s Diarrhea and Food Poisoning

Traveler’s diarrhea affects many people visiting countries where sanitation standards or water quality differ. It’s often caused by bacteria like E. coli or Shigella found in contaminated food or water.

Prevention tips:

• Drink bottled or sealed beverages only

• Avoid raw produce unless you can peel it yourself

• Wash hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer

If you develop symptoms while traveling or soon after returning, visit urgent care for rehydration and testing. Most cases resolve with fluids and rest, but some require medication.

For information on prevention, visit the CDC’s Traveler’s Diarrhea page.

What to Eat and Drink When You Have Diarrhea

During recovery, diet plays a big role in easing symptoms and restoring balance.

Recommended foods:

• The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)

• Plain crackers, oatmeal, and boiled potatoes

• Clear broths or soups for hydration

Avoid:

• Dairy products until fully recovered

• Spicy or greasy foods

• Caffeine and alcohol

• Sugary drinks

As your body heals, introduce bland foods slowly and continue drinking fluids with electrolytes to replace what’s lost.

Can Stress or Anxiety Cause Diarrhea?

Yes. Stress affects digestion by triggering the release of hormones that speed up bowel activity, leading to stress-related diarrhea.

If you experience recurring diarrhea without infection or food-related causes, stress may be a factor. Managing anxiety through rest, hydration, exercise, and relaxation techniques can help. If symptoms persist, our providers can evaluate for IBS or other gut-related conditions.

When to Go to Urgent Care or the ER for Diarrhea

At iCare ER & Urgent Care, patients don’t have to decide between urgent care and an emergency room. Both are located in the same facility, so our medical team can determine the right level of treatment immediately.

Visit urgent care for:

• Mild to moderate diarrhea lasting less than three days

• Suspected food poisoning or stomach flu

• Mild dehydration

• Fever under 102°F

Go to the ER for:

• Bloody or black stool

• Severe dehydration or dizziness

• High fever (102°F or higher)

• Persistent vomiting or abdominal pain

• Diarrhea in infants or older adults

Our facilities in Frisco, Fort Worth, and Forney are open extended hours and fully equipped with labs, imaging, and IV hydration to help you recover quickly.

How iCare ER & Urgent Care Can Help

Diarrhea is uncomfortable and sometimes unpredictable, but you don’t have to face it alone. iCare offers same-day testing, rehydration therapy, and medical evaluations to get you back on track quickly.

Our hybrid care model means you’ll receive personalized attention whether you need urgent treatment for dehydration or emergency stabilization for a severe infection. If a patient’s condition requires hospitalization, our ER team will stabilize and transfer them safely.

If you or your child has diarrhea that isn’t improving, shows signs of dehydration, or comes with fever or blood in the stool, don’t wait. Visit your nearest iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Fort Worth, or Forney for professional diagnosis and treatment.

References

• Mayo Clinic – Diarrhea: Symptoms & Causes

• Cleveland Clinic – Diarrhea Overview

• CDC – Traveler’s Diarrhea