A profuse, frequent and loose discharge from the bowels.
Abnormal frequency and liquidity of faecal discharges.
Frequent passage of loose watery stools, commonly the result of intestinal infection; rarely as a result of adverse reaction to foods or disaccharide intolerance.
Abnormally frequent discharge of watery stools.
Abnormally frequent discharge of watery stool (more than 3 times per day).
A condition in which someone frequently passes liquid faeces.
Diarrhoea or looseness of the bowels is increased frequency, fluidity or volume of bowel movements compared to usual. Most people have occasional attacks of acute diarrhoea, usually caused by contaminated food or water or excessive alcohol consumption. Such attacks normally clear up within a day or two, whether or not they are treated. Chronic diarthoea, on the other hand, may be the result of a serious intestinal disorder or of more general disease.
An increase in the fluidity, frequency, or volume of bowel movements, as compared to the usual pattern for a particular individual. Diarrhoea may be acute or chronic. The condition can be very serious in infants and in elderly people because of the risk of severe, potentially fatal, dehydration.
Acute diarrhea typically arises from the consumption of food or water contaminated with specific bacteria or viruses. Infectious gastroenteritis, which can be acquired through droplet infection, is another common cause of diarrhea. Additionally, acute diarrhea may stem from factors such as anxiety, although less frequently, it can also result from amoebiasis, shigellosis, typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, drug toxicity, food allergy, and food intolerance. It is crucial to identify the underlying cause accurately in order to administer appropriate treatment and manage symptoms effectively.
Chronic diarrhea typically manifests as recurrent episodes of acute diarrhea. This pattern of sustained disruption may stem from underlying intestinal disorders, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, or irritable bowel syndrome. When diarrhea persists for more than a week, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by the presence of blood, it necessitates medical investigation. Timely medical assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis, appropriate management, and addressing any potential underlying conditions.
To prevent dehydration, it is essential to replenish the water and electrolytes (salts) lost during a severe bout of diarrhea. Ready-made powders containing electrolyte mixtures can be readily obtained from pharmacies, providing a convenient solution for rehydration therapy. In cases where diarrhea causes significant impairment, antidiarrheal medications like diphenoxylate and loperamide may offer relief. However, it is important to note that these drugs should not be administered to children to manage episodes of diarrhea. Seeking appropriate medical advice and care is paramount when addressing diarrhea in pediatric cases.