Diarrhea in Elderly

Common Causes

• Infections — Weaker immune systems might let viruses or bacteria cause severe diarrhea. Norovirus spreads easily in groups.
• Multiple medications — Older adults often take several pills that could upset the gut, like laxatives or blood pressure drugs.
• Chronic gut diseases — Conditions like Crohn's disease (inflammation in bowels) or celiac (gluten trouble) may worsen with age.
• Malabsorption issues — The gut might not absorb nutrients well, leading to ongoing loose stools. This could tie to past surgeries.

Learn More

For a full overview of this symptom, including home remedies and when to see a doctor, read our complete guide on Diarrhea.