Living with Chronic Diarrhea: Patient Tips

What is Chronic Diarrhea?

Chronic diarrhea means having loose or watery stools 3 or more times a day that last for 4 weeks or longer. It may have many causes, including certain medications, diet, or underlying conditions.

Common Symptoms

• Frequent loose or watery stools
• Stomach pain or bloating
• Urgency or accidents
• Feeling tired or weak
• Unexpected weight loss

Why It Matters

Chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration, poor nutrition, and unintended weight loss if not managed. It’s important to manage symptoms and stay in touch with your care team.

What You Can Do

• Drink 6–8 cups of water each day. Use electrolyte drinks if diarrhea is frequent.
• Keep a simple diary of your meals and bowel movements to notice patterns.
• Avoid foods that may trigger symptoms, such as very fatty foods, caffeine, or sugar substitutes.
• Eat smaller meals more often instead of large meals.
• Practice stress-reducing activities like short walks, deep breathing, or gentle stretching.
• Review your medications with your provider to see if any may contribute to diarrhea.

When to Call Your Doctor

• Blood in your stool
• Severe or sudden weight loss
• Fever or severe stomach pain
• Feeling dizzy or very weak from dehydration
• Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

Examples of Small Goals

• Write down meals and bowel movements each day for 2 weeks.
• Drink one extra glass of water with each meal daily for 4 weeks.
• Limit coffee or sugar-free drinks if they make symptoms worse.
• Practice 10 minutes of relaxation breathing 3 times per week for 4 weeks.

Remember: Small steps can make a big difference.

Medical Disclaimer

This resource is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information presented is general in nature and may not apply to every individual or health situation.

Individuals should consult their physician or another qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations related to their specific health conditions.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional medical advice because of information contained in this resource.

Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.