Diarrhea

Definition

Diarrhea is loose , watery , and frequent stool. Diarrhea is considered chronic ( long-term) when you have had loose and frequent stools for more than 4

Alternative Names
Stools - watery ; Frequent bowel movements ; loose bowel  movements

considerations
Diarrhea in adults is usually  and goes away quickly without complications. in infants and children ( especially under age 3 ) , diarrhea can cause dangerous dehydration fairly quickly.


causes
the most common cause of diarrhea is viral gastroenteritis, a mild viral infection that goes away on its own within  a few days. This condition is often called the stomach flu. Viral gastroentritis often occurs in mini - epidemics in schools, neighborhoods , or familier.

Food poisoning and traveler's diarrhea are two other common causes of diarrhea. the occur as a result of eating food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria or parasites.

medications, especially antibiotics , laxatives containing magnesium , and chemotherapy for cancer treatment , can also cause diarrhea.

The Following medical conditions can also lead to diarrhea :

• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory bowel diseases ( Crohn's diasease and  ulcerative colitis )
• Irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS )
• Lactose intolerance
• Malabsorption syndromes ( such as lactose intolerance )

Other less common causes of diarrhea include :

• Carcinoid syndrome
• Nerve diasordes like autonomic neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy
• partial removal of the stomach ( gastrectomy )
• radiation therapy
• zollinger Ellison syndrome