Overview
Diarrhoea is a symptom, not a diagnosis — causes range from a passing infection to IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, food sensitivities, or, in India, intestinal tuberculosis. Most short episodes settle on their own. Diarrhoea lasting more than two weeks, or accompanied by blood, fever, or significant weight loss, always needs proper evaluation.
Common symptoms
- Loose or watery stools more than three times a day
- Abdominal cramping or pain
- Urgent need to pass stools
- Bloating and nausea
- Blood or mucus in stools
- Signs of dehydration — dry mouth, dizziness, dark or reduced urine
When to see a doctor
See us if diarrhoea has lasted more than 3–4 days, is associated with blood in stools, fever, severe pain, or signs of dehydration. Chronic diarrhoea (more than 4 weeks) always needs evaluation. Travellers' diarrhoea that doesn't settle, or onset after antibiotics, also warrants prompt review.
How we help
We characterise the diarrhoea — frequency, consistency, blood, weight loss, recent antibiotic use, travel — and choose the right tests. These can include stool studies (for infections, parasites, C. difficile, inflammation markers), blood work, and colonoscopy with biopsies for chronic or bloody diarrhoea. Treatment matches the cause — infections, IBD, IBS, microscopic colitis, and intestinal TB all have very different management.
This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your case, please consult Dr. Ch. Saikumar or another qualified specialist.