Watery poop, or diarrhea, is a common problem with several potential causes. It happens when your colon doesn't absorb enough water from your stool, or when excessive fluid is secreted into the stool.
Common Causes of Watery Stool
Several factors can lead to watery bowel movements. The most frequent cause, according to multiple sources including Mount Sinai and Cleveland Clinic, is a viral infection like the stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis). This typically resolves on its own within a few days.
Other common causes include:
- Bacterial or parasitic infections: Consuming contaminated food or water can result in food poisoning, leading to diarrhea.
- Medications: Many medications, including antibiotics (as noted by Mayo Clinic which highlights the disruption of gut bacteria balance by antibiotics like amoxicillin and ampicillin) and others, list diarrhea as a potential side effect. MedlinePlus emphasizes that nearly all medications can cause diarrhea.
- Chronic conditions: Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, and other intestinal diseases can cause chronic watery diarrhea (as explained by Verywell Health and UpToDate).
Understanding Watery Stool
The color of your stool is usually brown due to bile and bilirubin. However, in cases of watery diarrhea, the liquid consistency alters the appearance. Healthline clarifies this point, stating the liquid in watery stool may not always be brown.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of diarrhea resolve without intervention, persistent or severe cases warrant medical attention. Seek advice if the diarrhea is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, severe abdominal pain, or blood in the stool.
