Chronic Diarrhea: Causes, Management, and What Works

When chronic diarrhea, persistent loose or watery stools lasting more than four weeks. Also known as long-term diarrhea, it's not just an inconvenience—it's a signal your gut is out of balance. Unlike short-term bouts from food poisoning or a virus, chronic diarrhea sticks around because something deeper is wrong. It could be linked to how your body absorbs nutrients, how your immune system reacts to food, or even the bacteria living in your intestines.

Many people with chronic diarrhea also deal with intestinal inflammation, swelling in the lining of the gut that disrupts normal digestion. Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis fall under this category. Others struggle with digestive health, the overall function of the stomach and intestines in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients issues tied to food intolerances—lactose, gluten, or FODMAPs. Then there’s the gut microbiome: if the good bacteria are out of whack, bad ones can take over and trigger ongoing loose stools. Even certain medications, like antibiotics or acid blockers, can throw your system off for months.

Stool consistency, frequency, and accompanying symptoms like weight loss, bloating, or abdominal pain all matter. If you’ve had diarrhea for more than a month, it’s not "just stress"—it’s your body asking for answers. Some people find relief with dietary changes, others need targeted tests or prescriptions. The good news? There are proven ways to get control. Below, you’ll find real-world guides on what’s behind persistent digestive issues, how to spot hidden triggers, and what treatments actually work—not just what’s marketed.