What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is loose, watery and possibly more-frequent bowel movements.
Luckily, diarrhea is usually short-lived, lasting no more than a few days. But, when diarrhea lasts for weeks, it usually indicates that's there's another problem. If you have diarrhea for weeks or longer, you may have a condition such as irritable bowel disorder, or a more serious disorder, such as a persistent infection or inflammatory bowel disease.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms associated with diarrhea may include:
- Loose, watery stools
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Blood in the stool
- Mucus in the stool
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Urgent need to have a bowel movement
When to see a doctor
If you're an adult, see your doctor if:
- Your diarrhea persists beyond a few days
- You become dehydrated
- You have severe abdominal or rectal pain
- You have bloody or black stools
- You have a fever above 39 C
In children, particularly young children, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration.
Call your doctor if your child's diarrhea doesn't improve within 24 hours or if your baby:
- Becomes dehydrated
- Has a fever
- Has bloody or black stools
Causes
A number of diseases and conditions can cause diarrhea, including
- Viruses.
- Bacteria and parasites.
- Medications.
- Lactose intolerance.
- Fructose.
- Artificial sweeteners.
- Surgery.
- Other digestive disorders. Chronic diarrhea has a number of other causes, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, microscopic colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can be life-threatening if untreated. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241
