How long does diarrhea last like water?
How long the diarrhea lasts like water depends on the cause of the disease. Infectious diarrhea is usually over after a few days to a week. Thus, in the case of an infection with the norovirus, an improvement of the symptoms can be expected after a maximum of 48 hours.
Rotavirus diseases are also usually over after a few days.Bacterial diarrheal diseases often heal within seven to ten days. In severe cases, antibiotics must be used to shorten the course of the disease. Even in cases of food poisoning, diarrhea usually lasts only a few days.
The infectious diarrheal diseases usually proceed without complications with sufficient fluid. In contrast, the chronic inflammatory bowel diseases can take a protracted course. Although they can be treated symptomatically with medication, they can always lead to complaints.
How contagious is diarrhea like water?
Diarrhoea like water is in most cases particularly infectious, as it is caused by bacteria or viruses. The pathogens can be transmitted via contaminated water or food. Infection through a smear infection is also possible, which is why strict adherence to hygienic measures is especially important in the case of infectious diarrhoea.
This includes frequent hand washing and, if necessary, disinfecting the hands. Affected persons are not allowed to visit community facilities (kindergarten, school, nursing homes), in hospital they have to be isolated. In many cases, this can prevent the spread of pathogens.
Diarrhea like water during pregnancy
In principle, most infectious diarrheal diseases, in which diarrhea occurs like water, are not particularly dangerous for the mother during pregnancy as long as there is a sufficient supply of liquid, sugar and electrolytes (blood salts). An infection of the unborn child does not usually occur either. A diarrhea illness can become dangerous during pregnancy if a lot of fluid is lost through diarrhea. This can especially lead to circulatory problems of the mother and thus also to a poor supply of the child.
