Loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual is called diarrhea. It may be associated with abdominal cramps and a greater volume of stool.
Acute diarrhea usually is self-limiting and lasts for a few days and is typically caused by a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection. If the diarrhea is severe it can lead to dehydration of body. Tiredness, giddiness, decreased urine production should prompt you to seek medical help.
Diarrhea persisting for more than three weeks is usually called Chronic diarrhea. It can indicate a serious disorder, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, or a less serious condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome. It may cause weight loss and lack of appetite. You must seek medical advice promptly for chronic diarrhea.
- E. Coli
- Entamoeba histolytica infection
- Food intolerances
- Food poisoning
- Giardiasis
- Lactose intolerance
- Norovirus infection
- Rotavirus
- Salmonella infection
- Shigella infection
- Staph infections
- Stomach surgery
- Traveler’s diarrhea
- Colon cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery)
- Hepatitis
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Ischemic colitis
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Ulcerative colitis
- Whipple’s disease