Diarrhea is a fairly common condition that causes the sufferer to have frequent loose and/or liquid bowel movements. The causes of diarrhea are many and varied and, in some cases, a specific cause may not be identified. Mild cases of diarrhea will often clear up on their own and symptoms may be improved and alleviated by the use of one of the many available over-the-counter diarrhea remedies. However, in some cases, diarrhea may be indicative of a more serious illness, so a doctor should be consulted if symptoms are severe and/or persistent.Medline Plus: Diarrhea
Diarrhea Symptoms
- Frequent loose and/or liquid bowel movements
- Abdominal pain and/or cramping
- Abdominal bloating
- Fever
- Bloody stools
- Nausea and/or vomitingMayoClinic.com: Diarrhea Symptoms
Diarrhea Treatment Side Effects
- Loperamide can cause constipation
- Bismuth subsalicylate can cause discoloration of the tongue and/or feces
- Bismuth subsalicylate may interact negatively with other medicationsFamilyDoctor.org: Antidiarrheal Medicines: OTC Relief for Diarrhea
Disclaimer
The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a physician for information on diarrhea.
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References
Fast Facts
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Also called
Dysentery, the runs, the trots
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Type of ailment
Gastrointestinal/digestive disorder
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Duration
Hours, days, or weeks if chronic and not treated
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Common medication or therapy
Over-the-counter antidiarrhea drugs, such as Loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate) or antibiotics for cases that are infectious in natureFamilyDoctor.org: Antidiarrheal Medicines: OTC Relief for Diarrhea
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Cause
Viruses, bacterial infection, food poisoning or averse reaction to antibiotics or certain foodsMayoClinic.com: Diarrhea Causes
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Fact:
Infants or young children afflicted with diarrhea run the risk of becoming dehydratedWebMD: Diarrhea Treatment
