Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 787.91      ICD10: R19.7      ICD11: ME05.1

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual.
It's a common condition that usually lasts a few days and can be caused by a variety of factors.

Here's a breakdown:

Symptoms: The primary symptom is frequent, loose, and watery stools. Other symptoms can include abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fever, and an urgent need to have a bowel movement.
Causes: Diarrhea can be caused by:
Infections: Viruses (like norovirus or rotavirus), bacteria (like Salmonella or E. coli), and parasites can all cause diarrhea.
Food intolerances/allergies: Lactose intolerance or allergies to certain foods can trigger diarrhea.
Medications: Some medications, like antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut and lead to diarrhea.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition that can cause diarrhea along with other symptoms.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhea.
Other digestive disorders: Celiac disease, microscopic colitis, and other digestive disorders can also cause diarrhea.
Stress or anxiety: Can sometimes trigger changes in bowel habits.
Types:
Acute diarrhea: Lasts for a short period, usually a few days.
Chronic diarrhea: Lasts for four weeks or longer.
Dehydration: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration because your body loses fluids and electrolytes. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, decreased urination, dizziness, and fatigue.
Treatment: Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the diarrhea. Common recommendations include:
Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, broth, or electrolyte solutions.
Eating a bland diet: Avoid fatty, spicy, or sugary foods. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is often recommended.
Over-the-counter medications: Anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help reduce symptoms, but should be used with caution and not for infectious diarrhea.
Probiotics: May help restore the balance of bacteria in the gut.
Seeking medical attention: If diarrhea is severe, bloody, or accompanied by fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration, it's important to see a doctor.

Important Considerations:

Children and infants: Diarrhea can be especially dangerous for children and infants due to the risk of dehydration. Seek medical advice promptly.
Traveler's diarrhea: Diarrhea that occurs while traveling, often due to consuming contaminated food or water.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.*