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Diarrhea
Alternate Names : Frequent Bowel Movements, Loose Bowel Movements, Stools - Watery
Definition
Diarrhea is defined as loose, watery, and frequent stools. Diarrhea is considered chronic (ongoing or prolonged) when you have had loose or frequent stools for longer than four weeks.
Pictures & Images
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Overview & Considerations
Diarrhea in adults is usually mild and resolves quickly without complication. In infants and children (especially under age 3), diarrhea is more concerning because they can become dehydrated fairly quickly.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Diarrhea: Overview & Considerations
• Diarrhea: Common Causes
• Diarrhea: Home Care & Treatment
• Diarrhea: Prevention
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Autonomic Neuropathy
• Carcinoid Syndrome
• Celiac Disease - Sprue
• Crohn's Disease
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Dehydration
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• Food Poisoning
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Functional Bowel)
• Lactose Intolerance
• Malabsorption
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Viral Gastroenteritis
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
Tests & Exams
• BUN
• CHEM-20
• Creatinine - Serum
• Urine Specific Gravity
Surgery & Procedures
• Gastrectomy
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Bloody or Tarry Stools
• Electrolytes
• Fever
• Fiber
• Pulse - Bounding
Review Date : 9/19/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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