6 situations when diarrhea is something to worry about
Annoying? Yep. Cause for concern? It depends. Find out when diarrhea may need medical attention.
Mar, 2026
1 of 9
Slide 1
You feel that telltale, urgent impulse in your gut that tells you to get to the bathroom quick. It’s diarrhea, and you know you’re in for a long day.
But did you simply eat something that disagreed with you, or is that loose stool a sign of something more serious? Here’s when to see a healthcare provider (HCP) for your diarrhea.
Written byPatrick Sullivan.
Medically reviewed byMegan Burke, MD.
Sources: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & Facts for Diarrhea. Page last reviewed November 2016. + 9
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & Facts for Diarrhea. Page last reviewed November 2016.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & Causes of Diarrhea. Page last reviewed November 2016.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? Page last reviewed April 13, 2022.
- Mayo Clinic. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Page last reviewed September 3, 2022.
- Mayo Clinic. Irritable bowel syndrome. Page last reviewed May 12, 2023.
- Mayo Clinic. Celiac disease. Page last reviewed August 10, 2021.
- Mayo Clinic. Colon polyps. Page last reviewed March 2, 2023.
- Nguyen, Minhhuyen. Polyps of the Colon and Rectum. Merck Manual. Page last reviewed March 2021.
- Mayo Clinic. C. difficile infection. Page last reviewed August 27, 2021.
- Mayo Clinic. Dehydration. Page last reviewed October 14, 2021.
Recommended for you
How can I be more consistent?