Diarrheal
Diarrhea
Diarrhea (pronounced: /ˌdaɪəˈriːə/) is a common condition that involves the frequent passing of loose or watery stools. It is usually a symptom of a gastrointestinal infection, which can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral, or parasitic organisms.
Etymology
The term "diarrhea" comes from the Greek words "dia," meaning "through," and "rhein," meaning "to flow." Thus, it literally means "flowing through."
Causes
Diarrhea can be caused by many factors, including:
- Infections: This is the most common cause of diarrhea. It can be due to bacteria (like E. coli or Salmonella), viruses (like norovirus or rotavirus), or parasites (like Giardia).
- Food intolerances and allergies: Some people are sensitive to certain types of food, such as lactose or gluten, which can cause diarrhea.
- Medications: Certain drugs, such as antibiotics, can cause diarrhea.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is a chronic condition that can cause bouts of diarrhea.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which can cause diarrhea.
Symptoms
The main symptom of diarrhea is passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day. Other symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
- Fever (in some cases)
Treatment
Treatment for diarrhea typically involves replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Over-the-counter medicines like loperamide (Imodium) can also help reduce the frequency of diarrhea.
In some cases, diarrhea may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or a bacterial infection, and may require further medical treatment.
Related Terms
- Acute diarrhea: Diarrhea that lasts for less than two weeks.
- Chronic diarrhea: Diarrhea that lasts for four weeks or more.
- Traveler's diarrhea: Diarrhea that often occurs when someone travels to a country with different sanitation standards.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Diarrheal
- Wikipedia's article - Diarrheal
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