Constant diarrhea is defined as having loose stools regularly for more than four weeks, which is known as chronic diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea can be watery, fatty, or inflammatory. It is not normal to have diarrhea all day every day, and it may indicate an underlying health problem. Some possible causes of chronic diarrhea include:

• Infections: Some infections from bacteria and parasites that cause diarrhea do not go away quickly without treatment. Also, after an infection, people may have problems digesting carbohydrates such as lactose or proteins in foods such as cow’s milk, milk products, or soy. Problems digesting carbohydrates or proteins can prolong diarrhea.

• Food allergies and intolerances: Some food allergies and intolerances can cause chronic diarrhea.

• Digestive tract problems: Digestive tract problems that may cause chronic diarrhea include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

• Abdominal surgery: Chronic diarrhea may develop after abdominal surgery.

• Long-term use of medicines: Medicines that must be taken for a long time may cause chronic diarrhea.

• Other causes: Chronic diarrhea may also be caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more serious disorder, including ongoing infection, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) .

It is important to see a doctor if you have chronic diarrhea that lasts beyond two days with no improvement, you become dehydrated, you have severe abdominal or rectal pain, you have bloody or black stools, or you have a fever above 102 F (39 C) .