Acute diarrhea typically lasts only a few days to 4 weeks and usually is caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. Chronic diarrhea is defined as diarrhea that lasts more than a month. It usually is a symptom of another condition such as celiac disease. According to the NIDDK, you should call your healthcare provider if:

• Your diarrhea continues for more than 2 days
• You pass 6 or more loose stools in 24 hours
• You have severe pain in your belly (abdomen) or rectum
• You have a fever of at least 102°F (39°C)
• You have blood in your stool or have black, tarry stools
• You have signs of dehydration

Also call the provider right away if:

• Your child does not get better within 24 hours of developing diarrhea
• Your child has severe pain in the belly or rectum
• Your child's stools contain blood or pus, or if they are black

Diarrhea can be dangerous in babies and young children because of the danger of dehydration. Don't give your child antidiarrhea medicine without checking with the provider first. Medicines for adults may be dangerous when given to children.