Diarrhea: Fast Facts
Reviewed By:
David Friedel, M.D., AGA
- Diarrhea is a medical term used to describe an increase in the
fluidity or volume of stool or the frequency of bowel
movements.
- Diarrhea is usually described as loose, watery stools.
- People with diarrhea may also experience abdominal pain,
abdominal cramping, fever, nausea or blood in the stool.
- Diarrhea is a common problem that usually lasts a few days and
typically does not require treatment.
- Diarrhea can become life-threatening when it causes severe
dehydration.
- Different processes in the body may promote diarrhea, including
a failure of the intestines to absorb adequate nutrients and fluids
during digestion, the release of too much fluid into the digestive
tract or complications as the result of intestinal disorders.
- Diarrhea can be short-term or long-term, with each type ranging
widely in severity.
- Acute diarrhea can be defined as lasting less than four weeks,
chronic diarrhea as lasting more than four weeks.
- The most common cause of acute diarrhea is a viral infection or
bacteria or parasites consumed through contaminated food or
water.
- Chronic diarrhea may indicate a more serious problem, such as
irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Diarrhea can also be a side effect of many medications,
especially antibiotics.
- Caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners and dairy products may
also cause diarrhea.
- Because diarrhea is a symptom of other problems, treatment
options will depend on what is causing the diarrhea.
- In people with a viral infection, the diarrhea is usually left
untreated and resolves itself within a few days.
- When the diarrhea is caused by certain foodborne bacteria or
parasites, antibiotics may be required to treat the
infection.
- For chronic conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome,
specific medical treatment may be required.
- The symptoms of diarrhea can sometimes be relieved with
over-the-counter and prescription medications.
- Some antidiarrheals may interfere with other medications or
prolong any infection that might be the cause of the
diarrhea.
- If you are dehydrated as a result of diarrhea, lost fluids and
electrolytes will need to be replaced.
- Lifestyle changes may help prevent or reduce the severity of
diarrhea.
- Certain foods can promote diarrhea, and avoiding them can
lessen the severity of diarrhea episodes.
- People with chronic diarrhea may also lessen the frequency of
their episodes with dietary changes.
- While traveling, you may want to eat only hot, well-cooked
foods and drink only bottled water to avoid contaminated food or
water that may cause diarrhea.
- Good hygiene can also help prevent the spread of diarrhea
caused by bacteria or viruses.
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