Diarrhea

Diarrhea means that you have loose, watery stools more than three times in one day. You may also have cramps, bloating, nausea and an urgent need to have a bowel movement.

Causes of diarrhea include bacteria, viruses or parasites, certain medicines, food intolerances and diseases that affect the stomach, small intestine or colon. In many cases, no cause can be found.

Although usually not harmful, diarrhea can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. You should talk to your doctor if you have a strong pain in your abdomen or rectum, a fever, blood in your stools, severe diarrhea for more than three days or symptoms of dehydration. If your child has diarrhea, do not hesitate to call the doctor for advice. Diarrhea can be dangerous in children.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Diarrhea on Wikipedia

'''Diarrhea''' in American English, (spelled '''diarrhoea''' in other anglophone countries) is a condition in which the sufferer has frequent and watery or loose bowel movements (from the ancient Greek language word διαρροή = leakage; lit. "to run through").

Introduction

This condition can be a symptom of injury, disease or foodborne illness and is usually accompanied by abdominal pain, and often nausea and vomiting. There are other conditions which involve some but not all of the symptoms of diarrhea, and so the formal medical definition of diarrhea involves defecation of more than 200 grams per day (though formal weighing of stools to determine a diagnosis is never actually carried out). It occurs when insufficient fluid is absorbed by the colon. As part of the digestion process, or due to fluid intake, food is mixed with large amounts of water. Thus, digested food is essentially liquid prior to reaching the colon. The colon absorbs water, leaving the remaining material as a semisolid stool. If the colon is damaged or inflamed, however, absorption is inhibited, and watery stools result. Diarrhea is most commonly caused by myriad virus (biology) infections but is also often the result of bacteriuml toxins and sometimes even infection. In sanitary living conditions and with ample food and water available, an otherwise healthy patient typically recovers from the common viral infections in a few days and at most a week. However, for ill or malnourished individuals diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration and can become life-threatening without treatment. It can also be a symptom of more serious diseases, such as dysentery, cholera, or botulism and can also be indicative of a chronic syndrome such as Crohn's disease. It is also an effect of severe radiation sickness. It can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, especially in someone ... [ Read More ]

External Resources

Shaman.com - Stool formula for relief from diarrhea.

Probio Health - Probiotics are friendly bacteria to strengthen the immune system and reduce symptoms of diarrhea, flatulence, constipation and help to prevent serious intestinal disease.

ZEO Health Ltd. - Supplement designed for removing toxins from the body, stopping diarrhea and sour stomach, and preventing hangovers if taken before drinking alcohol.

Biofiber-Damino - Produces a dietary supplement for the treatment of diarrhea in sheep, lambs, and kids.

UCLA Center for Neurovisceral Science and Women's Health - Information about IBS, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, GERD and other GI disorders. Also includes information about clinical trials

NeuroGastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Motility - Promotes research, education and care of visceral dysfunctions, such as : nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea in patients with nervous system alterations.

Diarrhea: AIDS Related Conditions - Includes numerous articles and resources on AIDS-related diarrhea conditions, from The Body. Other infections and complications

Diarrhea FAQ - Publication from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, an information dissemination service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Guidelines for Treatment of Dehydration - Information for parents. Why diarrhea is important and guidelines and recommendations for treatment of infants of 3 months old to children over 2 years old.

Management of Acute Diarrhea in Children - CDC - The development of oral therapy for the rehydration and maintenance of children with dehydrating diarrhea has become the worldwide mainstay of national diarrheal control programs.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea on Wikipedia

Introduction

External Resources

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