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Diarrhea
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<span class="alsocalled">Also called: Dysentery, The runs, The trots</span>
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<div id="topic-summary" class="syndicate"><h3>What is diarrhea?</h3>
<p>Diarrhea is loose, watery stools (bowel movements). You have diarrhea if you have loose stools three or more times in one day. Acute diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts a short time. It is a common problem. It usually lasts about one or two days, but it may last longer. Then it goes away on its own.</p>
<p>Diarrhea lasting more than a few days may be a sign of a more serious problem. Chronic diarrhea -- diarrhea that lasts at least four weeks -- can be a symptom of a chronic disease. Chronic diarrhea symptoms may be continual, or they may come and go.</p>
<h3>What causes diarrhea?</h3>
<p>The most common causes of diarrhea include:</p><ul>
<li>Bacteria from <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/foodborneillness.html">contaminated food</a> or water</li>
<li>Viruses such as the <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/flu.html">flu</a>, <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/norovirusinfections.html">norovirus</a>, or <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/rotavirusinfections.html">rotavirus </a>. Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute diarrhea in children.</li>
<li>Parasites, which are tiny organisms found in contaminated food or water</li>
<li>Medicines such as antibiotics, cancer drugs, and antacids that contain magnesium</li>
<li>Food intolerances and sensitivities, which are problems digesting certain ingredients or foods. An example is <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lactoseintolerance.html">lactose intolerance</a>.</li>
<li>Diseases that affect the stomach, small intestine, or colon, such as <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/crohnsdisease.html">Crohn's disease</a></li>
<li>Problems with how the colon functions, such as <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/irritablebowelsyndrome.html">irritable bowel syndrome</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Some people also get diarrhea after stomach surgery, because sometimes the surgeries can cause food to move through your digestive system more quickly.</p>
<p>Sometimes no cause can be found. If your diarrhea goes away within a few days, finding the cause is usually not necessary.</p>
<h3>Who is at risk for diarrhea?</h3>
<p>People of all ages can get diarrhea. On average, adults In the United States have acute diarrhea once a year. Young children have it an average of twice a year.</p>
<p>People who visit developing countries are at risk for <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/travelershealth.html">traveler's diarrhea</a>. It is caused by consuming contaminated food or water.</p>
<h3>What other symptoms might I have with diarrhea?</h3>
<p>Other possible symptoms of diarrhea include:</p><ul>
<li>Cramps or pain in the abdomen</li>
<li>An urgent need to use the bathroom</li>
<li>Loss of bowel control</li>
</ul>
<p>If a virus or bacteria is the cause of your diarrhea, you may also have a fever, chills, and bloody stools.</p>
<p>Diarrhea can cause <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html">dehydration</a>, which means that your body does not have enough fluid to work properly. Dehydration can be serious, especially for children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.</p>
<h3>When do I need to see a health care provider for diarrhea?</h3>
<p>Although it is usually not harmful, diarrhea can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. Contact your health care provider if you have:</p><ul>
<li>Signs of dehydration</li>
<li>Diarrhea for more than 2 days, if you are an adult. For children, contact the provider if it lasts more than 24 hours.</li>
<li>Severe pain in your abdomen or rectum (for adults)</li>
<li>A fever of 102 degrees or higher</li>
<li>Stools containing blood or pus</li>
<li>Stools that are black and tarry</li>
</ul>
<p>If children have diarrhea, parents or caregivers should not hesitate to call a health care provider. Diarrhea can be especially dangerous in newborns and infants.</p>
<h3>How is the cause of diarrhea diagnosed?</h3>
<p>To find the cause of diarrhea, your health care provider may:</p><ul>
<li>Do a physical exam</li>
<li>Ask about any medicines you are taking</li>
<li>Test your stool or blood to look for bacteria, parasites, or other signs of disease or infection</li>
<li>Ask you to stop eating certain foods to see whether your diarrhea goes away</li>
</ul>
<p>If you have chronic diarrhea, your health care provider may perform other tests to look for signs of disease.</p>
<h3>What are the treatments for diarrhea?</h3>
<p>Diarrhea is treated by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Depending on the cause of the problem, you may need medicines to stop the diarrhea or treat an infection.</p>
<p>Adults with diarrhea should drink water, fruit juices, sports drinks, sodas without caffeine, and salty broths. As your symptoms improve, you can eat soft, bland food.</p>
<p>Children with diarrhea should be given oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.</p>
<h3>Can diarrhea be prevented?</h3>
<p>Two types of diarrhea can be prevented - rotavirus diarrhea and traveler's diarrhea. There are vaccines for rotavirus. They are given to babies in two or three doses.</p>
<p>You can help prevent traveler's diarrhea by being careful about what you eat and drink when you are in developing countries:</p><ul>
<li>Use only bottled or purified water for drinking, making ice cubes, and brushing your teeth</li>
<li>If you do use tap water, boil it or use iodine tablets</li>
<li>Make sure that the cooked food you eat is fully cooked and served hot</li>
<li>Avoid unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables</li>
</ul>
<p class="attribution">NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases</p></div>
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<li>
<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/calprotectin-stool-test/" data-sid="160001" data-org="NLM">Calprotectin Stool Test</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Library of Medicine)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/pruebas-de-laboratorio/prueba-de-calprotectina-fecal/" data-sid="160002">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/colonoscopy.html" data-sid="75657" data-org="NLM">Colonoscopy: MedlinePlus Health Topic</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Library of Medicine)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/colonoscopy.html" data-sid="76374">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://familydoctor.org/symptom/diarrhea/?adfree=true" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="18278" >Diarrhea</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (American Academy of Family Physicians)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://es.familydoctor.org/sintoma/diarrea/?adfree=true" data-sid="103591">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/lowergi" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="11012" >Lower GI X-Ray (Barium Enema)</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.radiologyinfo.org/es/info/lowergi" data-sid="57117">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ova-and-parasite-test/" data-sid="137770" data-org="NLM">Ova and Parasite Test</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Library of Medicine)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/pruebas-de-laboratorio/prueba-de-huevos-y-parasitos/" data-sid="137777">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/white-blood-cell-wbc-in-stool/" data-sid="134469" data-org="NLM">White Blood Cell (WBC) in Stool</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Library of Medicine)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/pruebas-de-laboratorio/globulos-blancos-en-las-heces/" data-sid="134474">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<a name="cat_93"></a>
<section id="cat_93_section">
<div class="section">
<div class="section-header">
<div class="section-title">
<h2>Prevention and Risk Factors
</h2>
</div>
<div class="section-button">
<button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit">
<span class="icon icon-section-action"></span>
</button>
</div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div>
</div>
<div id="section93" class="section-body">
<ul class="bulletlist">
<li>
<a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/preparing/water-disinfection" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="22812" >Travelers&#x27; Health: Water Disinfection</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)</span>
</span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<a name="cat_78"></a>
<section id="cat_78_section">
<div class="section">
<div class="section-header">
<div class="section-title">
<h2>Treatments and Therapies
</h2>
</div>
<div class="section-button">
<button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit">
<span class="icon icon-section-action"></span>
</button>
</div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div>
</div>
<div id="section78" class="section-body">
<ul class="bulletlist">
<li>
<a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-probiotics" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="110402" data-org="NCCIH">5 Things to Know about Probiotics</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)</span>
</span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://familydoctor.org/antidiarrheal-medicines-otc-relief-for-diarrhea/?adfree=true" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="55246" >Antidiarrheal Medicines: OTC Relief for Diarrhea</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (American Academy of Family Physicians)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://es.familydoctor.org/medicamentos-antidiarreicos-de-venta-libre/?adfree=true" data-sid="63141">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://familydoctor.org/brat-diet-recovering-from-an-upset-stomach/?adfree=true" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="107465" >BRAT Diet: Recovering from an Upset Stomach</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (American Academy of Family Physicians)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://es.familydoctor.org/dieta-brat-recuperacion-despues-de-un-malestar-estomacal/?adfree=true" data-sid="126111">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="65999" data-org="NCCIH">Chamomile</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)</span>
</span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<a name="cat_47"></a>
<section id="cat_47_section">
<div class="section">
<div class="section-header">
<div class="section-title">
<h2>Related Issues
</h2>
</div>
<div class="section-button">
<button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit">
<span class="icon icon-section-action"></span>
</button>
</div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div>
</div>
<div id="section47" class="section-body">
<ul class="bulletlist">
<li>
<a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/bowel-control-problems-fecal-incontinence" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="30910" data-org="NIDDK">Bowel Control Problems (Fecal Incontinence)</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/informacion-de-la-salud/enfermedades-digestivas/incontinencia-fecal" data-sid="113119">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholecystectomy/expert-answers/gallbladder-removal/FAQ-20058481?p=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="33314" >Chronic Diarrhea: A Concern after Gallbladder Removal?</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/tests-procedures/cholecystectomy/expert-answers/gallbladder-removal/faq-20058481?p=1" data-sid="131080">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="40376" data-org="NIDDK">Viral Gastroenteritis</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/informacion-de-la-salud/enfermedades-digestivas/gastroenteritis-viral" data-sid="147607">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<a name="cat_42"></a>
<section id="cat_42_section">
<div class="section">
<div class="section-header">
<div class="section-title">
<h2>Specifics
</h2>
</div>
<div class="section-button">
<button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit">
<span class="icon icon-section-action"></span>
</button>
</div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div>
</div>
<div id="section42" class="section-body">
<ul class="bulletlist">
<li>
<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antibiotic-associated-diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352231?p=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="11746" >Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/antibiotic-associated-diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352231?p=1" data-sid="129262">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travelers-diarrhea" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="18279" >Traveler&#x27;s Diarrhea</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travelers-diarrhea-es" data-sid="157670">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<a name="cat_46"></a>
<section id="cat_46_section">
<div class="section">
<div class="section-header">
<div class="section-title">
<h2>Genetics
</h2>
</div>
<div class="section-button">
<button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit">
<span class="icon icon-section-action"></span>
</button>
</div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div>
</div>
<div id="section46" class="section-body">
<ul class="bulletlist">
<li>
<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/congenital-sucrase-isomaltase-deficiency" data-sid="124442" data-org="NLM">Congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency: MedlinePlus Genetics</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Library of Medicine)</span>
</span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/microvillus-inclusion-disease" data-sid="124857" data-org="NLM">Microvillus inclusion disease: MedlinePlus Genetics</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Library of Medicine)</span>
</span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/trichohepatoenteric-syndrome" data-sid="125188" data-org="NLM">Trichohepatoenteric syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Library of Medicine)</span>
</span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<a name="cat_65"></a>
<section id="cat_65_section">
<div class="section">
<div class="section-header">
<div class="section-title">
<h2>Test Your Knowledge
</h2>
</div>
<div class="section-button">
<button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit">
<span class="icon icon-section-action"></span>
</button>
</div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div>
</div>
<div id="section65" class="section-body">
<ul class="bulletlist">
<li>
<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/quiz/000121_48.htm" data-sid="159336" >Test Your Knowledge About Diarrhea in Kids</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/quiz/000121_103.htm" data-sid="159337">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<a name="cat_27"></a>
<section id="cat_27_section">
<div class="section">
<div class="section-header">
<div class="section-title">
<h2>Clinical Trials
</h2>
</div>
<div class="section-button">
<button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit">
<span class="icon icon-section-action"></span>
</button>
</div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div>
</div>
<div id="section27" class="section-body">
<ul class="bulletlist">
<li>
<a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=%22Diarrhea%22&amp;aggFilters=status:not%20rec" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="27014" data-org="NIH">ClinicalTrials.gov: Diarrhea</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Institutes of Health)</span>
</span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=%22Dysentery%22&amp;aggFilters=status:not%20rec" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="40717" data-org="NIH">ClinicalTrials.gov: Dysentery</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Institutes of Health)</span>
</span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<a name="cat_59"></a>
<section id="cat_59_section">
<div class="section">
<div class="section-header">
<div class="section-title">
<h2>Journal Articles
<span class="subheading">References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)</span>
</h2>
</div>
<div class="section-button">
<button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit">
<span class="icon icon-section-action"></span>
</button>
</div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div>
</div>
<div id="section59" class="section-body">
<ul class="bulletlist">
<li>
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39705040" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="3296" >Article: Understanding the Effectiveness of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Interventions: A Counterfactual...</a>
<span class="desc-text">
</span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39623830" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="3296" >Article: COMPARISON OF BACTERIAL PROBIOTICS (BIFIDOBACTERIUM AND LACTOBACILLUS) VERSUS FUNGAL PROBIOTICS (SACCHAROMYCES)...</a>
<span class="desc-text">
</span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39602188" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="3296" >Article: Liraglutide and Colesevelam Change Serum and Fecal Bile Acid Levels in...</a>
<span class="desc-text">
</span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%22Diarrhea%22%5Bmajr%3Anoexp%5D+AND+humans%5Bmh%5D+AND+english%5Bla%5D+AND+%22last+1+Year%22+%5Bedat%5D+AND+%28patient+education+handout%5Bpt%5D+OR+guideline%5Bpt%5D+OR+clinical+trial%5Bpt%5D%29++NOT+%28letter%5Bpt%5D+OR+case+reports%5Bpt%5D+OR+editorial%5Bpt%5D+OR+comment%5Bpt%5D%29+AND+free+full+text%5Bsb%5D+" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="3296" >Diarrhea -- see more articles</a>
<span class="desc-text">
</span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<a name="cat_83"></a>
<section id="cat_83_section">
<div class="section">
<div class="section-header">
<div class="section-title">
<h2>Find an Expert
</h2>
</div>
<div class="section-button">
<button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit">
<span class="icon icon-section-action"></span>
</button>
</div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div>
</div>
<div id="section83" class="section-body">
<ul class="bulletlist">
<li>
<a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="523" data-org="NIAID">National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
</span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="65" data-org="NIDDK">National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
</span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<a name="cat_8"></a>
<section id="cat_8_section">
<div class="section">
<div class="section-header">
<div class="section-title">
<h2>Children
</h2>
</div>
<div class="section-button">
<button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit">
<span class="icon icon-section-action"></span>
</button>
</div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div>
</div>
<div id="section8" class="section-body">
<ul class="bulletlist">
<li>
<a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/chronic-diarrhea-children" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="116482" data-org="NIDDK">Chronic Diarrhea in Children</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc">
<span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)</span>
</span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/stool-tests-done.html" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="159709" >Collecting a Stool Sample for Testing (For Parents)</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (Nemours Foundation)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://kidshealth.org/es/parents/stool-tests-done.html" data-sid="159710">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="18276" >Diarrhea (For Parents)</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (Nemours Foundation)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://kidshealth.org/es/parents/diarrhea.html" data-sid="68619">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/labtest8.html" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="18288" >Stool Tests</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (Nemours Foundation)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://kidshealth.org/es/parents/labtest8.html" data-sid="77017">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://familydoctor.org/condition/vomiting-and-diarrhea/?adfree=true" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="27536" >Vomiting and Diarrhea</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (American Academy of Family Physicians)</span>
</span>
<span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://es.familydoctor.org/condicion/vomitos-y-diarrea-es/?adfree=true" data-sid="51142">Spanish</a> </span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<a name="cat_23"></a>
<section id="cat_23_section">
<div class="section">
<div class="section-header">
<div class="section-title">
<h2>Older Adults
</h2>
</div>
<div class="section-button">
<button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit">
<span class="icon icon-section-action"></span>
</button>
</div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div>
</div>
<div id="section23" class="section-body">
<ul class="bulletlist">
<li>
<a href="https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/caregiver-guide-diarrhea" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="54515" >Eldercare at Home: Diarrhea</a>
<span class="desc-text">
<span class="orgs"> (AGS Health in Aging Foundation)</span>
</span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<a name="cat_69"></a>
<section id="cat_69_section">
<div class="section">
<div class="section-header">
<div class="section-title">
<h2>Patient Handouts
</h2>
</div>
<div class="section-button">
<button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit">
<span class="icon icon-section-action"></span>
</button>
</div>
<div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div>
</div>
<div id="section69" class="section-body">
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<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000205.htm" data-sid="83945" >Clear liquid diet</a>
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<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002433.htm" data-sid="82628" >Traveler&#x27;s diarrhea diet</a>
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<li><a data-sid="83945" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000205.htm">Clear liquid diet</a></li>
<li><a data-sid="83145" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003126.htm">Diarrhea</a></li>
<li><a data-sid="83958" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000218.htm">Diarrhea - what to ask your doctor - adult</a></li>
<li><a data-sid="83959" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000219.htm">Diarrhea - what to ask your doctor - child</a></li>
<li><a data-sid="114541" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000691.htm">Diarrhea in infants</a></li>
<li><a data-sid="83859" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003889.htm">Enteroscopy</a></li>
<li><a data-sid="83635" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003758.htm">Fecal culture</a></li>
<li><a data-sid="83632" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003755.htm">Fecal smear</a></li>
<li><a data-sid="82628" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002433.htm">Traveler&#x27;s diarrhea diet</a></li>
<li><a data-sid="86230" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000121.htm">When you have diarrhea</a></li>
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"mainContentOfPage": "What is diarrhea?\u000ADiarrhea is loose, watery stools (bowel movements). You have diarrhea if you have loose stools three or more times in one day. Acute diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts a short time. It is a common problem. It usually lasts about one or two days, but it may last longer. Then it goes away on its own.\u000A\u000ADiarrhea lasting more than a few days may be a sign of a more serious problem. Chronic diarrhea \u002D\u002D diarrhea that lasts at least four weeks \u002D\u002D can be a symptom of a chronic disease. Chronic diarrhea symptoms may be continual, or they may come and go.\u000A\u000AWhat causes diarrhea?\u000AThe most common causes of diarrhea include:\u000ABacteria from contaminated food or water\u000AViruses such as the flu, norovirus, or rotavirus . 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Young children have it an average of twice a year.\u000A\u000APeople who visit developing countries are at risk for traveler\u0027s diarrhea. It is caused by consuming contaminated food or water.\u000A\u000AWhat other symptoms might I have with diarrhea?\u000AOther possible symptoms of diarrhea include:\u000ACramps or pain in the abdomen\u000AAn urgent need to use the bathroom\u000ALoss of bowel control\u000A\u000A\u000AIf a virus or bacteria is the cause of your diarrhea, you may also have a fever, chills, and bloody stools.\u000A\u000ADiarrhea can cause dehydration, which means that your body does not have enough fluid to work properly. Dehydration can be serious, especially for children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.\u000A\u000AWhen do I need to see a health care provider for diarrhea?\u000AAlthough it is usually not harmful, diarrhea can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. 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As your symptoms improve, you can eat soft, bland food.\u000A\u000AChildren with diarrhea should be given oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.\u000A\u000ACan diarrhea be prevented?\u000ATwo types of diarrhea can be prevented \u002D rotavirus diarrhea and traveler\u0027s diarrhea. There are vaccines for rotavirus. They are given to babies in two or three doses.\u000A\u000AYou can help prevent traveler\u0027s diarrhea by being careful about what you eat and drink when you are in developing countries:\u000AUse only bottled or purified water for drinking, making ice cubes, and brushing your teeth\u000AIf you do use tap water, boil it or use iodine tablets\u000AMake sure that the cooked food you eat is fully cooked and served hot\u000AAvoid unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables\u000A\u000A\u000ANIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases",
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