Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the passing of frequent, watery stools.

If you have diarrhoea you may also have crampy tummy pains, feel sick (nausea), feel feverish (high temperature) and lose your appetite.

Diarrhoea is a symptom and can be acute (short term) or chronic (if it continues for more than 2 weeks).

Acute diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral infection or a bacterial infection and affects almost everyone from time to time. It usually clears up in a couple of days and is not serious. However it can be serious in babies and the frail and elderly, because of the risk of dehydration.

Chronic diarrhoea may be a result of a more serious disorder and should always be investigated by your doctor.

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Complications
• Treatment
• Prevention

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