What Is It?

Diarrhea is more frequent and more liquid bowel movements than normal. There are many causes, but diarrhea often is caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses or a parasite. Bacteria cause diarrhea either by invading the intestine or by producing a toxin that makes the intestine secrete more water. Food poisoning is caused by the ingestion of food contaminated with a parasite or bacterium, or the toxin produced by bacteria. Other causes of acute diarrhea include medication, inflammation of the lowest part of the intestine (ulcerative colitis) and stress, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome. Some common medications that cause diarrhea are antibiotics, antacids with magnesium and laxatives.

Symptoms

People with diarrhea usually have loose, watery stools. Less commonly, people pass frequent, small amounts of loose stool with mucous and blood. Other symptoms can include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Chills

• Bloody stools

• Lack of bowel control

Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration (abnormally low levels of body water) if too much fluid is lost from the body. Signs of dehydration include:

• Dry mouth

• Thirst

• Dry eyes

• Infrequent urination