As of late August, more than 17,000 people across the US have had cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection often traced to contaminated produce. But tens of millions of diarrhea cases occur in the US every year, caused by lots of other factors. Some causes, such as cyclospora infection, benefit from antibiotic treatment.
But most episodes of diarrhea go away by themselves and don’t require treatment apart from staying hydrated, says Benjamin Levy, a gastroenterologist at the University of Chicago. Although it’s unpleasant, it’s usually manageable. Here’s how to know when to seek care, and how to take care of yourself at home.
The majority of diarrhea episodes go away by themselves after three or four days, says Levy. However, if you have diarrhea that has lasted longer than a week or is accompanied by fever or other concerning symptoms, seek care. These include a fever of 101F or higher, blood or mucus in your stool, severe abdominal pain, vomiting for more than two to three days, or feeling like you need to poop but not actually producing anything when you go to the bathroom.
Another important symptom to watch out for is dehydration. Thirst is its most well-known sign, but a more reliable indicator is a drop-off in urine production. If you’re drinking plenty of fluids but not absorbing enough to make urine at least every six hours, that’s concerning.
Symptoms can include lightheadedness, confusion and dark urine. If that’s you, see a clinician – and skip the walk-in “hydration spa” IV drips. If you’re dehydrated enough to need IV fluids, Levy says, “there may be something more serious going on”.
Some people should have a lower bar for seeking care. If you’re 65 or older, you may be less aware of thirst, so let your clinician know within a day of diarrheal symptoms. Do the same if you have kidney disease, a weakened immune system, or a recent hospitalization or course of antibiotics.
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