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Diarrhea (DY-uh-REE-uh)

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 Related Terms
• Bowel Movement
• Constipation
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
 
 
Definition: Frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements. Common causes include gastrointestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, medicines, and malabsorption.

Alternate Spellings: diarrheoa

Common Misspellings: diarhea, diarea, diarrea, diearrhea

Related Resources:

What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea--loose, watery stools occurring more than three times in one day--is a common problem that usually lasts a day or two and goes away on its own without any special treatment.

What Causes Diarrhea?
Diarrhea may be caused by a temporary problem, like an infection, or a chronic problem, like an intestinal disease.

What Is the Treatment for Diarrhea?
In most cases, replacing lost fluid to prevent dehydration is the only treatment necessary.

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