Diarrhea describes bowel movements that are loose and watery. It is common and often not serious. Many people will have diarrhea once or twice each year. Sometimes diarrhea is a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome or other chronic digestive conditions.
Symptoms of diarrhea can be broken down into uncomplicated (non-serious) and complicated, which may be a sign of a more serious illness.
Symptoms of uncomplicated diarrhea include:
In addition to the above, the symptoms of complicated diarrhea include:
The most common cause of diarrhea is a GI virus. The infection is sometimes called "stomach flu." Occasional diarrhea may also be caused by:
Diarrhea can also indicate a digestive condition, especially when it's persistent and/or occurs with other symptoms like bloody stools and unexplained weight loss. Potential gastrointestinal conditions that can cause persistent diarrhea include:
Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, and certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of experiencing diarrhea. Some common risk factors include:
It's important to note that the risk factors for diarrhea can vary depending on the specific cause. Diarrhea is often a symptom rather than a standalone condition, so addressing the underlying cause is key to effective management. If someone experiences persistent or severe diarrhea, it's advisable to seek medical attention for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
If you have a mild case of diarrhea, you can just let it run its course and manage symptoms with over-the-counter medicine. You should drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day. Chicken broth, tea with honey, and sports drinks are also good choices. Instead of drinking liquids with your meals, drink liquids between meals.