What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools (bowel movements). The exact cause is often hard to find. Sometimes diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of what caused an upset stomach. Viruses, food poisoning, and many medicines can cause diarrhea. Some people get diarrhea in response to emotional stress, anxiety, or certain foods.

Almost everyone has diarrhea now and then. It usually isn't serious, and your stools will return to normal soon. The important thing to do is replace the fluids you have lost, so you can prevent dehydration.

The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

• Watch for signs of dehydration, which means your body has lost too much water. Dehydration is a serious condition and should be treated right away. Signs of dehydration are:
  • Increasing thirst and dry eyes and mouth.
  • Feeling faint or lightheaded.
  • A smaller amount of urine than normal.
• To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• When you feel like eating, start with small amounts of food.
• The doctor may recommend that you take over-the-counter medicine, such as loperamide (Imodium). Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not use this medicine if you have bloody diarrhea, a high fever, or other signs of serious illness. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.

Severe diarrhea increases your risk of dehydration by causing your body to lose large amounts of fluid quickly. Be sure to increase your intake of fluids, such as water or a rehydration drink, and to watch for symptoms of dehydration.

Diarrhea is described as an increase in the frequency of bowel movements or a decrease in the consistency of stools that causes the discharge of watery, loose stools. The severity of diarrhea is determined by the size and number of stools passed within a period of time.

• Severe diarrhea means having more than 10 loose, watery stools in a single day (24 hours).
• Moderate diarrhea means having more than a few but not more than 10 diarrhea stools in a day.
• Mild diarrhea means having a few diarrhea stools in a day.

Severe diarrhea has many causes. A stomach infection (gastroenteritis) or food poisoning may cause severe diarrhea. Drinking untreated water that contains the Giardia lamblia parasite can cause diarrhea that develops 1 to 4 weeks later.

Persistent diarrhea can have many causes, including dietary changes, stress, irritable bowel syndrome, and certain medicines. Occasionally, persistent diarrhea can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a chronic infection, inflammatory bowel disease, a malabsorption syndrome, or colorectal cancer.