Diarrhea and Loss of Appetite for 2 Weeks: What to Know

Loose or watery stools can occur when the intestine moves contents too quickly, cannot absorb fluid normally, or is irritated by an infection, food, medicine, or another condition. Eating less may follow nausea, abdominal discomfort, changes in taste, or feeling unwell; ongoing poor intake can then contribute to weakness and dehydration.

Possible causes include an infection such as gastroenteritis, or inflammation affecting the stomach, liver, or upper digestive tract. Diarrhea and appetite loss can also occur with COVID-19 or influenza, while depression may reduce interest in food. These symptoms do not identify one cause on their own, so an examination and a review of medicines, recent travel, food exposures, and other symptoms may be needed.

Arrange a medical appointment because symptoms continuing for two weeks deserve review. Until then, take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If you can eat, choose small portions of simple foods that you tolerate, and return gradually to your usual diet. Avoid alcohol and note whether dairy, very fatty foods, or other items make symptoms worse.

Keep track of stool frequency and appearance, urine output, fever, pain, vomiting, weight change, and what you manage to drink. Tell the clinician about recent antibiotics, new medicines, travel, untreated water, sick contacts, and medical conditions. Do not start an anti-diarrhea medicine if you have blood in the stool or a fever without first getting medical advice.

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot keep fluids down, are faint or confused, pass very little urine, have severe or worsening abdominal pain, or notice blood or black stool. A high fever, marked weakness, or signs of significant dehydration also need prompt attention.

Contact a clinician promptly if appetite remains low, you are losing weight, diarrhea wakes you at night, or symptoms are becoming more frequent. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system or a long-term illness may need earlier advice.

Ask what may be causing the diarrhea and appetite change, whether you need stool or blood tests, and how to replace fluids safely. You can also ask which foods and medicines to avoid, what warning signs should prompt urgent care, and when your symptoms should be reviewed again.