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While many different things can cause diarrhea—including infections or a more serious gastrointestinal condition—in most cases, it will go away after a few days without the need for treatment.
Diarrhea (American English), also spelled diarrhoea or diarrhœa (British English), is the condition of having at least three loose, liquid, or watery bowel movements in a day. [2] It often lasts for a few days and can result in dehydration due to fluid loss. [2]
Dehydration can occur as a result of diarrhea, vomiting, water scarcity, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Management of dehydration (or rehydration) seeks to reverse dehydration by replenishing the lost water and electrolytes. Water and electrolytes can be given through a number of routes, including oral, intravenous, and rectal.
Loose, watery stool can be due to contaminated food, chronic diseases, or even the medications you take. Find out what could be causing your symptoms–and how to stay healthy.
The classic symptom is large amounts of watery diarrhea lasting a few days. [2] Vomiting and muscle cramps may also occur. [3] Diarrhea can be so severe that it leads within hours to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. [2] This may result in sunken eyes, cold skin, decreased skin elasticity, and wrinkling of the hands and feet. [5]
Therapy can include the use of zinc supplements to reduce the duration of diarrhea in infants and children under the age of 5. [1] Use of oral rehydration therapy has been estimated to decrease the risk of death from diarrhea by up to 93%. [2] Side effects may include vomiting, high blood sodium, or high blood potassium. [1]