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diarrhea Definition Diarrhea is a condition in which loose, watery stools are passed more often than normal. What is going on in the body? Diarrhea occurs when the colon or large intestine becomes irritated. This can be caused by many things, including infection, chemical toxins, inflammation, stress, or anxiety. The colon responds to this irritation in these ways: The amount of water and mucus in the stool is increased. The amount of water the colon reabsorbs from the stool is decreased. The intestine empties the stools from the body more often. What are the signs and symptoms of the condition? The key symptom of diarrhea is frequent bouts of loose, watery stools. There also may be abdominal pain and cramping. The person may have loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Stools that contain blood or pus may be a sign of a more serious health problem. What are the causes and risks of the condition? Viruses cause most episodes of diarrhea. Other common causes are as follows: a bacterial infection, such as traveler's diarrhea certain medicines, including antibiotics diet, including an excess of fruit or fruit juice inflammatory bowel disorders, such as Crohn''s disease or ulcerative colitis intestinal obstruction, or blockage, in the lower part of the bowel irritable bowel syndrome, a condition in which the intestines are abnormally sensitive to stimuli What can be done to prevent the condition? Frequent hand-washing with soap and warm water is the best way to prevent diarrhea. This is especially important if a person has been exposed to anyone who has diarrhea or has used a public restroom. It is often hard to prevent diarrhea in children who attend day care. However, frequent hand-washing at the day care center may reduce the risks of diarrhea. To help prevent traveler's diarrhea it is recommended that individuals avoid contaminated water and food. They should also avoid uncooked vegetables or fresh salads. How is the condition diagnosed? Diagnosis of diarrhea begins with a medical history and physical exam. If there is severe pain or blood in the stool, a healthcare provider will generally examine the abdomen. Occasionally, the provider may order one or more of the following tests: abdominal X-rays blood tests colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, which involves placing a lighted tube into the bowel cultures of stool specimens to look for certain organisms urine tests What are the treatments for the condition? Dehydration is common in people with severe diarrhea. That is why getting plenty of fluids is very important in treating diarrhea. If diarrhea leads to dehydration, intravenous fluids may be given through a tube in a vein in the hand or arm. People who have diarrhea should try to keep eating their normal diet. Adults and children should have regular meals three times a day. It is important that infants continue to drink formula or milk. There are oral electrolyte solutions, like Pedialyte, that replace lost minerals in infants with diarrhea. Over-the-counter medicines, such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, can help control diarrhea in adults. These medicines should not be used for children, and should not be used for more than 2 to 3 days in adults. If bacteria or certain parasites are found in the person's stool sample, antibiotics or other prescription medicines may be used. What are the side effects of the treatments? Over-the-counter medicines for diarrhea may cause: bloating constipation drowsiness nausea Antibiotics and other medicines may cause stomach upset, allergic reactions, and rash. What happens after treatment for the condition? Diarrhea usually ends in 2 to 3 days, if not sooner. Generally, diarrhea that lasts a few days is not a cause for concern. If the diarrhea lasts longer, it's important to contact the healthcare provider. Any new or worsening symptoms should also be reported to the provider.

Author: James Broomfield, MD Date Written: 12/17/99 Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN Date Reviewed: 08/29/01 Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request