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Diarrhea
What is Diarrhea ?
Diarrhea--loose, watery stools occurring more than three times in one day--is a common problem that usually lasts a day or two and goes away on its own without any special treatment.
However, prolonged diarrhea can be a sign of other problems. People with diarrhea may pass more than a quart of stool a day.
Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea may be caused by a temporary problem, like an infection, or a chronic problem, like an intestinal disease. A few of the more common causes of diarrhea are
Some people develop diarrhea after stomach surgery or removal of the gallbladder.
Symptoms of Diarrhea
Diarrhea may be accompanied by cramping abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or an urgent need to use the bathroom. Depending on the cause, a person may have a fever or bloody stools.
Diarrhea can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). The acute form, which lasts less than 4 weeks, is usually related to a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. Chronic diarrhea lasts more than 4 weeks and is usually related to functional disorders like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel diseases like celiac disease
Diagnose of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is diagnosed by history, physical exam, and by examining the stool. If there is blood or pus in the diarrhea, or if the diarrhea is not improving as expected, stool studies may be performed to determine the specific cause. These might include stool cultures, viral studies, and tests for parasites.
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