 Diarrhea is the sudden onset of unusually loose and watery stools. If you have diarrhea, you may also experience weakness, gas, pain and fever, or vomiting. There are many different causes of diarrhea, including viral, bacterial, or food-borne infections. Diarrhea may also result as a side effect of a medicine or as a symptom of a medical illness. Some people are more at risk for serious problems from diarrhea. Children under 3 years, pregnant women, and persons with AIDS, diabetes, or heart disease should see a doctor when they have diarrhea. Also, if any of the following conditions apply, you should see your doctor:
diarrhea lasts more than two days
you have a fever of 101 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher
you are dehydrated
you experience weight loss equal to 5 percent of total body weight
you have bloody stools
you have moderate to severe stomach crampingIf you get diarrhea, drink plenty of water and fluids to prevent dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, the absence of tears, infrequent urination (for example, none in eight hours), and dark urine. You can buy fluids especially made for hydration, such as Pedialyte. You can also dilute ginger ale, apple juice, chicken broth, tea, or Gatorade to one-half strength with water. Choose the proper foods to help you get better. In cases of severe diarrhea, avoid solid foods for at least 12 hours, and drink clear liquids. Once the diarrhea episodes end, begin eating clear soup with crackers or toast. Slowly begin to add rice, potatoes, chicken soup, bananas, or applesauce. Avoid foods such as coffee, alcohol, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and sugary or fatty foods while you have active diarrhea. Sources:
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Aranda-Michel, J., R.A. Giannella. "Acute Diarrhea: A Practical Review," The American Journal of Medicine 106 (1999).
Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc 1999.
Schiller, L.R., "Diarrhea," Medical Clinics of North America, 84 (2000).
Kroser, J.A., "Evaluation of the adult patient with diarrhea," Primary Care; Clinics in Office Practice, 26 (1996).
Digestive Diseases, "Diarrhea." http://www.niddk.nih.gov. National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. Last accessed 11/9/2006.
Diseases & Conditions. "Diarrhea." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 11/9/2006.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
This answer prepared 17/13/2001.
This information updated 11/9/2006.
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