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Alternative names Return to top
Stools - watery; Frequent bowel movements; Loose bowel movementsDefinition Return to top
Diarrhea is loose, watery, and frequent stools. Diarrhea is considered chronic (ongoing or prolonged) when you have had loose or frequent stools longer than 4 weeks.
Considerations Return to top
Diarrhea in adults is usually mild and resolves quickly without complication. In infants and children (especially under age 3), diarrhea is more concerning. Children can become dehydrated fairly quickly.
Common Causes Return to top
The most common cause of diarrhea is a mild viral infection that resolves on its own within a few days. This is called viral gastroenteritis or "stomach flu." Viral gastroenteritis often appears in mini-epidemics in schools, neighborhoods, or families.
Food poisoning and traveler's diarrhea are two other common causes. They occur from eating food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria or parasites.
Certain medical conditions can also lead to diarrhea, such as:Medications can also cause diarrhea, especially antibiotics, laxatives containing magnesium, and chemotherapy for cancer treatment.
Other less common causes of diarrhea include:Home Care Return to top
If you have a chronic form of diarrhea, like irritable bowel syndrome, try adding bulk to your diet to thicken the stool and regulate bowel movements. Such foods include rice, bananas, and fiber from whole-wheat grains and bran. Psyllium-containing products such as Metamucil or similar products can add bulk to stools.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
Call your doctor if:
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
Your doctor will take a complete medical history and do a physical examination, paying careful attention to your abdomen.Your doctor will ask you to obtain one or more stool samples in special containers to test for signs of inflammation and infection and to identify the organism causing infection.
If there are signs of dehydration in addition to the diarrhea, your doctor may order:Prevention Return to top
When traveling to underdeveloped areas, follow the steps below to avoid diarrhea:
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |