What Causes Irregular Bowel Movement After Recovering From Viral Diarrhoea?

Posted on Tue, 3 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 3 Feb 2015 Answered on

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I just got over viral diahrea. After 3 days of clear broth, all I passed was water. It's been 3 day now and I still have not had a regular bowel movement even though I've been eating normally. Is something wrong? I don't have any cramps, sore stomach, just no urges to defacate. I'm getting worried that something else may be wrong. How long does it take to recover from severe diarrhea?
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
does not mean there are other problems

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

During diarrhea ,especially if it is severe, the contents of the intestines are completely emptied.
The walls of the intestines are also slightly altered due to the infection.

Even though you have resumed your normal diet, it can sometimes take up to a week to 10 days for bowel movements to completely return to normal.
This is because of the complete evacuation of the bowel during the diarrhea and the wall changes mentioned above.

It does not mean that there are any additional problems.

At this point you can monitor. Bowel movements should return on their own.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar