Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools more frequently than usual. It can result from infection, medication, food intolerance, or intestinal disease.

Intestinal secretion: The release of water and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen by epithelial cells. Excess secretion can make stool watery, as occurs with cholera toxin.
Norovirus: A highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, often with vomiting and diarrhea. It is a frequent cause of sudden outbreaks of infectious diarrhea.
Acute diarrhea: Diarrhea lasting less than two weeks. Most short-lived episodes fall into this time-defined category.
Oral rehydration solution: A balanced solution of glucose and salts used to replace fluid lost through diarrhea. Its glucose-sodium composition supports absorption even during intestinal illness.
Dysentery: An intestinal illness marked by diarrhea containing blood and often mucus, usually with fever or pain. Blood in stool suggests inflammatory disease rather than uncomplicated watery diarrhea.
Osmotic diarrhea: Diarrhea caused by poorly absorbed substances that draw water into the intestine. Unabsorbed sugars and salts retain water in the bowel.
Rotavirus: A virus that causes severe gastroenteritis, especially in infants and young children. Before widespread vaccination, it was a major cause of childhood diarrhea.
Persistent diarrhea: Diarrhea lasting at least two weeks but less than four weeks. Duration distinguishes it from acute and chronic episodes.
Loperamide: An antimotility medicine that slows intestinal movement and reduces stool frequency. It can ease uncomplicated watery diarrhea but is unsuitable in some invasive infections.
Steatorrhea: Abnormally fatty stool caused by impaired fat digestion or absorption. Greasy, difficult-to-flush stool points toward malabsorption, not simply increased stool water.

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