Diarrhea

As the not-so-friendly bubbly feeling arises in your stomach accompanied by an awkward cramping, a bout of acute diarrhea is a condition that brings about a rather unpleasant digestive concern. The highly common condition is one that everyone will experience at some point in his or her life. As a matter of fact, most Americans should expect to deal with diarrhea on the average of four times per year. While the condition places some in an embarrassing situation, others face life-threatening circumstances when diarrhea becomes a major health concern.

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is an intestinal disorder typified by irregular bowel movements that showcase abnormal frequency and consistency. In developing countries (where healthcare is less accessible), diarrhea is a more serious complication that can cause intense dehydration with the potential to cause irreversible damage to the body or in the worst cases – death. Usually, the debilitating dehydration associated with diarrhea mostly affects infants and older individuals.

Acute diarrhea usually lasts for a couple of days at the most, while chronic diarrhea may last as long as four weeks. Reoccurring or continual diarrhea may alert a patient that they are suffering from a different condition that is causing their intestinal woes. A medical examination may reveal inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

Symptoms

While the loose, watery consistency of stools is one of the most glaring symptoms associated with diarrhea, there are additional signs connected to the condition. A patient may also suffer from constant trips to the bathroom, cramping in the stomach, pains in the abdomen, bloating, blood in the stool, and sometimes a fever. If an infection is the cause of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may strike.