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Diarrhea
Moderate
Diarrhea means passing loose or watery stools more often than is normal for a person. It can be sudden and short-lived or continue for several weeks. Common symptoms include frequent bowel movements, abdominal cramps, urgency, nausea, and sometimes fever or blood in the stool. The main concern with significant diarrhea is loss of water and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration.
Body System
Digestive System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical assessment for persistent or severe diarrhea, blood or black stools, high fever, significant abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Emergency care is needed for severe dehydration, fainting, confusion, or significant gastrointestinal bleeding.
Symptoms
2
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
4
Overview
Diarrhea means passing loose or watery stools more often than is normal for a person. It can be sudden and short-lived or continue for several weeks. Common symptoms include frequent bowel movements, abdominal cramps, urgency, nausea, and sometimes fever or blood in the stool. The main concern with significant diarrhea is loss of water and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration.
Symptoms 2
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite
Causes 1
Diarrhea can be caused by infections from viruses, bacteria, or parasites, contaminated food or water, food intolerances, and side effects of medicines. It can also occur with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or other disorders that affect digestion and absorption. Some cases follow changes in diet or stress, while persistent diarrhea may have a more specific underlying cause.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk factors include eating contaminated food, drinking unsafe water, traveling to areas where sanitation is limited, poor hand hygiene, and contact with someone who has an infectious illness. Antibiotic use can disturb normal intestinal bacteria and cause diarrhea. Certain digestive disorders, food intolerances, weakened immune function, and some medicines can also increase the likelihood of recurrent or persistent diarrhea.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Short-term diarrhea is often diagnosed from symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. Healthcare professionals assess duration, frequency, recent food or travel exposures, medicines, and signs of dehydration. Stool tests may be needed when diarrhea is severe, persistent, bloody, associated with fever, or suspected to be caused by an infection. Blood tests or other investigations may be used when an underlying digestive disorder is suspected.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Many infectious causes of diarrhea can be reduced through careful handwashing, safe preparation and storage of food, drinking treated or safe water, and avoiding contaminated food
Travelers should follow local food and water safety precautions
Appropriate vaccination can prevent some infections that cause diarrhea
Using antibiotics only when prescribed can also reduce certain medication-related complications
People with ongoing diarrhea should seek medical care when symptoms are severe or dehydration develops
Prevention Guidance
Many infectious causes of diarrhea can be reduced through careful handwashing, safe preparation and storage of food, drinking treated or safe water, and avoiding contaminated food. Travelers should follow local food and water safety precautions. Appropriate vaccination can prevent some infections that cause diarrhea. Using antibiotics only when prescribed can also reduce certain medication-related complications. People with ongoing diarrhea should seek medical care when symptoms are severe or dehydration develops.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 4
Recommended Foods
ORS
Helps prevent dehydration.
Banana
Easy to digest and replenishes nutrients.
Rice
Gentle on the digestive system.
Toast
Easy to digest.
Foods to Avoid
Spicy Foods
May worsen symptoms.
Fried Foods
Difficult to digest.
Sugary Drinks
May aggravate diarrhea.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Diarrhea is frequent passage of loose or watery stools.
Infections, contaminated food, and digestive disorders are common causes.
Loose stools, abdominal cramps, and dehydration may occur.
Hydration and treatment of the underlying cause are important.
Practice good hygiene and consume safe food and water.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.