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Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration

	Diarrhea can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org for tips on rehydration drinks.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org for expert advice and top-rated treatments for diarrhea.

Adult diarrhea is an extremely common condition, effecting between 211 and 375 million adults every year in the U.S. alone. Consumer Reports Health can help explain the different types of diarrhea and give expert advice on the treatment options and how to stay hydrated.

Key points about adult diarrhea

• Doctors say you have diarrhea if you have watery stools and you need to go to the bathroom more than three times a day.
• Diarrhea is caused by an infection with bacteria or with a virus.
• Between 2 and 5 people in every 10 people traveling to a foreign country get diarrhea (called Travelers’ diarrhea).
• Because you lose water in your stools when you have diarrhea, be sure to stay hydreated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• It’s important to wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing food to stop the spread of diarrhea.

Medicines that slow down bowel movements, also known as antimotility drugs, may help clear up your diarrhea more quickly. Diarrhea is caused by an infection with bacteria or with a virus. Antibiotics can help if your diarrhea is caused by bacteria. If your diarrhea is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help.

We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about Diarrhea. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you.