Young children have it an average of twice a year. On average, adults In the United States have acute diarrhea once a year. If your diarrhea goes away within a few days, finding the cause is usually not necessary. Some people also get diarrhea after stomach surgery, because sometimes the surgeries can cause food to move through your digestive system more quickly. Problems with how the colon functions, such as irritable bowel syndrome.Diseases that affect the stomach, small intestine, or colon, such as Crohn's disease.Food intolerances and sensitivities, which are problems digesting certain ingredients or foods.Medicines such as antibiotics, cancer drugs, and antacids that contain magnesium.Parasites, which are tiny organisms found in contaminated food or water.Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute diarrhea in children. Viruses such as the flu, norovirus, or rotavirus.Bacteria from contaminated food or water.The most common causes of diarrhea include: Chronic diarrhea symptoms may be continual, or they may come and go. Chronic diarrhea - diarrhea that lasts at least four weeks - can be a symptom of a chronic disease. Then it goes away on its own.ĭiarrhea lasting more than a few days may be a sign of a more serious problem. It usually lasts about one or two days, but it may last longer. Acute diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts a short time. You have diarrhea if you have loose stools three or more times in one day. Diarrhea is loose, watery stools (bowel movements).