Diarrhea is a symptom in which watery, loose stools occur more than three times a day. This eMedTV article presents an overview of diarrhea, including details about its possible causes, how it may lead to dehydration, and when to see a doctor for it.
Viral infections, bacterial infections, and parasites can all cause diarrhea. This eMedTV article discusses these and other causes of the condition, such as Crohn's disease, lactose intolerance, and medications such as digoxin.
When people have diarrhea, symptoms that may accompany it may include nausea, bloating, and fever. This eMedTV article identifies other symptoms that may occur along with diarrhea, including those that may indicate a serious health problem.
If your diarrhea does not go away on its own, you may need to have it diagnosed. This eMedTV Web page looks at the process of diagnosing diarrhea, which can involve a physical exam, a stool culture, blood tests, and other tests.
Over-the-counter drugs such as Pepto-Bismol may help stop diarrhea in many cases. However, as this eMedTV article explains, such medications will only prolong health problems in people whose diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection or a parasite.
For people trying to treat or prevent diarrhea, diet is an important consideration. This eMedTV segment provides dietary tips for people recovering from acute diarrhea and offers suggestions for preventing traveler's diarrhea when traveling abroad.
How long does diarrhea last? As explained in this eMedTV article, most cases of diarrhea last one to three days; however, diarrhea can last for several months -- or even longer.
If your infant has diarrhea, it's important to prevent him or her from becoming dehydrated. This eMedTV segment discusses infant diarrhea, including information about the risks of dehydration and how to know when to take your child to the doctor.
When it occurs in a toddler, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. This eMedTV article covers the causes and signs of diarrhea in toddlers, and offers information about how to keep your toddler from becoming dehydrated if he or she has diarrhea.
Children can become dehydrated quickly when they have diarrhea, which may lead to serious health problems. This eMedTV article discusses diarrhea in children, including details about what may cause it and tips on how to identify signs of dehydration.
In most cases, the best cure for diarrhea is time. However, as explained in this portion of the eMedTV archives, there is no cure when the problem is a result of Crohn's disease; the condition may cause intermittent diarrhea throughout a lifetime.
If you are a pregnant woman who has diarrhea, it is important to avoid becoming dehydrated. This eMedTV resource explains why diarrhea may occur while you are expecting, and includes tips for avoiding dehydration in the event that it happens to you.
People with diabetes are more likely to experience chronic diarrhea than other people. This section of the eMedTV library explores diabetic diarrhea, its possible causes, other symptoms that may accompany it, and short- and long-term treatment options.
