what is diarrhea and What are diarrhea symptoms?

Diarrhea is a loose watery stool that happens three or more times a day. Diarrhea may be acute, persistent, or chronic.

A bout of diarrhea usually lasts for 1 or 2 days, but may last longer for some people³.

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be defined as frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements. Bowel movements, also called stools, are body wastes you pass out which contain what is left after your digestive system absorbs nutrients and fluids from what you eat and drink. If your body does not absorb the fluids, or if your digestive system produces extra fluids, your stools will be loose and watery³.

How do I know if I have diarrhea?

Passing watery stools, three or more times a day, is a usual sign of diarrhea⁴. This may be accompanied by stomach ache, cramps and bloating. Diarrhea can also come with fever, nausea, headache and achy joints⁵.
Dizziness and problems with circulation could be signs of dehydration, where your body has lost too much liquid and salts (electrolytes). If this happens, immediate medical attention is needed⁵.

Diarrhea after eating

Food poisoning and food intolerances are some of the dietary causes of diarrhea.

Diarrhea and antibiotics

Antibiotics are effective in killing bad bacteria. Most times, however, they can kill the good with the bad.

Stress and diarrhea

Stress doesnt just affect your mood. It can wreak havoc on your digestion, and lead to diarrhea.

Traveler’s Diarrhea

Whether you are traveling locally or abroad, diarrhea can turn your trip into a nightmare.