But certain fruit juices, such as apple juice, might make diarrhea worse. If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your healthcare professional might give you IV fluids. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won't help. Most bacterial causes of diarrhea do not need treatment in most people. But certain fruit juices, such as apple juice, might make diarrhea worse.The intestines take nutrients from the foods.Antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines might help treat diarrhea caused by certain bacteria or parasites.You can help protect your infant from rotavirus, the most common cause of viral diarrhea in children, with one of two approved vaccines.Diarrhea commonly affects people who travel to countries with poor sanitation and contaminated food.Your healthcare professional likely will advise you to replace the fluids and salts that you lose when you have diarrhea.Undigested food in stool isn't a problem unless it occurs with lasting diarrhea, weight loss or other changes in your bowel habits.You might start by seeing a member of your primary healthcare team. What to expect from your doctor Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.For children, ask your doctor about using an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, to prevent dehydration or replace lost fluids.In children, particularly young children, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration.If your healthcare professional determines that an antibiotic caused your diarrhea, you might be given a lower dose or a different medicine.Sometimes, you may see undigested food fragments in stool.At times, undigested food is a sign of poor chewing and fast eating.You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.If you have such signs and symptoms, talk to your health care provider. Treatment If your diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, your healthcare professional works to control that condition. If your healthcare professional determines that an antibiotic caused your diarrhea, you might be given a lower dose or a different medicine. Your healthcare professional likely will advise you to replace the fluids and salts that you lose when you have diarrhea. If your diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, your healthcare professional works to control that condition.To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you.Find possible causes of diarrhea based on specific factors.Make sure that you chew your food well.If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your healthcare professional might give you IV fluids.Luckily, diarrhea is usually short-lived, lasting no more than a few days.If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. About Mayo Clinic Antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines might help treat diarrhea caused by certain bacteria or parasites. Most cases of sudden diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. Diarrhea commonly affects people who travel to countries with poor sanitation and contaminated food. Follow Mayo Clinic The small intestine and colon are parts of the digestive tract, which processes the foods you eat. But certain fruit juices, such as apple juice, might make diarrhea worse.You might start by seeing a member of your primary healthcare team.Most bacterial causes of diarrhea do not need treatment in most people.Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated.Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.Your healthcare professional likely will advise you to replace the fluids and salts that you lose when you have diarrhea.Ask your baby's doctor about having your baby vaccinated. Treatment to replace fluids Your health professional may order tests to determine what's causing your diarrhea. Your healthcare professional will likely ask about your medical history, review the medicines you take and conduct a physical exam. You can help protect your infant from rotavirus, the most common cause of viral diarrhea in children, with one of two approved vaccines. We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. You can help protect your infant from rotavirus, the most common cause of viral diarrhea in children, with one of two approved vaccines.The intestines take nutrients from the foods.If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices.If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your healthcare professional might give you IV fluids.Your healthcare professional will likely ask about your medical history, review the medicines you take and conduct a physical exam.Find possible causes of diarrhea based on specific factors.Undigested food in stool isn't a problem unless it occurs with lasting diarrhea, weight loss or other changes in your bowel habits.Make sure that you chew your food well.Diarrhea commonly affects people who travel to countries with poor sanitation and contaminated food.Antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines might help treat diarrhea caused by certain bacteria or parasites. Symptoms of dehydration in adults Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Luckily, diarrhea is usually short-lived, lasting no more than a few days. The intestines take nutrients from the foods. When to seek medical advice Ask your baby's doctor about having your baby vaccinated. Wash your hands to prevent the spread of infectious diarrhea. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Mayo Clinic Press Most bacterial causes of diarrhea do not need treatment in most people.Your health professional may order tests to determine what's causing your diarrhea.If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won't help.Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated.Wash your hands to prevent the spread of infectious diarrhea.Ask your baby's doctor about having your baby vaccinated.The small intestine and colon are parts of the digestive tract, which processes the foods you eat.If you have lasting diarrhea, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the digestive system, called a gastroenterologist. If you have such signs and symptoms, talk to your health care provider. For children, ask your doctor about using an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, to prevent dehydration or replace lost fluids. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. If your healthcare professional determines that an antibiotic caused your diarrhea, you might be given a lower dose or a different medicine.At times, undigested food is a sign of poor chewing and fast eating.If you have such signs and symptoms, talk to your health care provider.If your diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, your healthcare professional works to control that condition.Find possible causes of diarrhea based on specific factors.To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you.If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your healthcare professional might give you IV fluids. Make sure that you chew your food well. At times, undigested food is a sign of poor chewing and fast eating. Sometimes, you may see undigested food fragments in stool. Find possible causes of diarrhea based on specific factors. You might start by seeing a member of your primary healthcare team. Symptoms of dehydration in infants and young children If you have symptoms of serious dehydration, seek medical help. In children, particularly young children, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. Undigested food in stool isn't a problem unless it occurs with lasting diarrhea, weight loss or other changes in your bowel habits. If you have lasting diarrhea, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the digestive system, called a gastroenterologist. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you.