Acute Diarrhea vs Chronic Diarrhea: How to Tell the Difference

Diarrhea can be classified into two main types: acute and chronic, each with distinct characteristics including duration, causes, and symptoms. Understanding the difference between these two types is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Acute diarrhea typically lasts less than two weeks. It often begins suddenly and is commonly caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Consuming contaminated food or water, or experiencing an imbalance in gut flora due to excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, can lead to this condition. Symptoms usually include abdominal pain, increased frequency of bowel movements, and in some cases, fever, nausea, or vomiting. If the cause is bacterial infection like dysentery, the stool may contain mucus or blood.

On the other hand, chronic diarrhea persists for more than two months. It can be further categorized into infectious and non-infectious causes. Infectious chronic diarrhea is relatively rare nowadays due to improved healthcare awareness and timely medical intervention. However, certain conditions like intestinal tuberculosis can still result in long-term loose stools. Non-infectious causes are far more common and include functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and even multiple colon polyps. Some patients may not consider their symptoms serious and delay seeking help, which can allow the condition to progress unnoticed. Additionally, colorectal tumors might also present with prolonged changes in bowel habits without obvious discomfort, leading to overlooked chronic diarrhea. Recognizing these signs early and consulting a healthcare professional is essential for effective management.