Difference between revisions of "Diarrhea"

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'''Diarrhea''' is a bowel condition making those with the condition pass unusually loose stools. Stool passes out of the body through the [[rectum]]. If fluids are not absorbed, or if your digestive system produces extra fluids, stools will be loose and [[water]]y. Loose stools might be larger than usual. People with diarrhea often have frequent bowel movements and may pass more than a quart of watery stool a day. People who have diarrhea may feel sick to their stomach or be dehydrated. They may also have other symptoms that accompany the condition:
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'''Diarrhea''' is the medical condition of having frequent loose or watery stools. Diarrhea causes a loss of fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients which can cause severe [[dehydration]], and can lead to death if not treated. Acute diarrhea is a common cause for death in developing countries, and the second highest cause of infant deaths worldwide.
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* [[cramp]]y pain in the abdomen, the area between the chest and the hips
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* swelling in the [[abdomen]]
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==Symptoms associated with diarrhea==
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* an uncomfortable feeling around the [[anus]]
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* loose or watery stool
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* an urgent need to have a bowel movement
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* frequent bowel movements
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* an inability to control their bowels
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* [[cramp]]ing pain in the abdomen
 
* chills
 
* chills
 
* [[fever]]
 
* [[fever]]
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Anyone can get diarrhea. This common problem can last a [[day]] or two or for [[month]]s or [[year]]s, depending on the cause. Most people get better on their own, but diarrhea can be serious for babies and older people if lost fluids are not replaced. Many people throughout the world die from diarrhea because of the large volume of water lost and the accompanying loss of [[salt]]s.  People with diarrhoea should ensure that they drink enough fluid and replace salt lost.  Normal western diets tend to inclued too much salt.  During a bout of diarrhoea patients should take slightly more salt than is usually advised.
 
  
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==Causes of Diarrhea==
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Symptoms normally subside after an hour, but can last several hours. If the diarrhea lasts for several days, a physicial should be contacted. Diarrhea can be serious, especially in infants and the elderly, if the lost fluids and nutrients are not replaced.
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* [[bacteria]], [[viruses]], or [[parasite]]s
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* medicines such as [[antibiotics]]
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==Causes of diarrhea==
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* foods such as [[milk]]
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* Gastroenteritis caused by viral infections, parasites or bacterial toxins
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* Certain medications, such as [[antibiotics]]
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* diseases that affect the [[stomach]], [[small intestine]], or [[colon]], such as [[Crohn's disease]] and [[irritable bowel syndrome]]
 
* diseases that affect the [[stomach]], [[small intestine]], or [[colon]], such as [[Crohn's disease]] and [[irritable bowel syndrome]]
  
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Diarrhea often goes away by itself, but it can be a sign of a more serious problem. You should talk to your [[doctor]] if your diarrhea lasts for more than 3 days. You should also call your doctor if you have
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Diarrhea often goes away by itself, but can be a sign of a more serious problem. You should talk to your [[doctor]] if your diarrhea lasts for more than 3 days. You should also call your doctor if you have
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* signs of dehydration  
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* signs of dehydration
 
* a severe pain in your abdomen or rectum
 
* a severe pain in your abdomen or rectum
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* a fever of 102°F or higher
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* a fever of 102 °F or higher
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* stools that are bloody or black and tarry
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* stools that are bloody or black
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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*[[American Medical Association]]
 
*[[American Medical Association]]
  
 
[[Category:Medicine]]
 
[[Category:Medicine]]

Latest revision as of 14:55, June 24, 2016

Diarrhea is the medical condition of having frequent loose or watery stools. Diarrhea causes a loss of fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients which can cause severe dehydration, and can lead to death if not treated. Acute diarrhea is a common cause for death in developing countries, and the second highest cause of infant deaths worldwide.

Symptoms associated with diarrhea

  • loose or watery stool
  • frequent bowel movements
  • cramping pain in the abdomen
  • chills
  • fever

Symptoms normally subside after an hour, but can last several hours. If the diarrhea lasts for several days, a physicial should be contacted. Diarrhea can be serious, especially in infants and the elderly, if the lost fluids and nutrients are not replaced.

Causes of diarrhea

  • Gastroenteritis caused by viral infections, parasites or bacterial toxins
  • Certain medications, such as antibiotics

Diarrhea often goes away by itself, but can be a sign of a more serious problem. You should talk to your doctor if your diarrhea lasts for more than 3 days. You should also call your doctor if you have

  • signs of dehydration
  • a severe pain in your abdomen or rectum
  • a fever of 102 °F or higher
  • stools that are bloody or black

See also

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