| Topic: | digestive diseases (dd) |
| Title: | Diarrhea. |
| Author: | n/a |
| Source: | Bethesda, MD: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. 2007. 6 p. |
| Availability: | Available from National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. 2 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892. Phone: 1-800-438-5383. Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov. Website: www.niddk.nih.gov. Price: Single copies available free of charge. Order No. DD-185. |
| Abstract: | Diarrhea is defined as loose, watery stools. A person with diarrhea typically passes stool more than three times a day. Acute diarrhea is a common problem that usually lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own without special treatment. Prolonged diarrhea persisting for more than 2 days may be a sign of a more serious problem and poses the risk of dehydration. This fact sheet describes the causes of diarrhea, associated symptoms, diarrhea in children, the signs of dehydration, how to know when to contact a health care provider regarding diarrhea, diagnostic tests that may be used to help find the cause of the diarrhea, treatment options, and current research efforts in this area. Treatment for diarrhea involves replacing lost fluid and electrolytes. Depending on the cause of the problem, a person might also need medication to stop the diarrhea or to treat an infection. One sidebar offers suggestions for preventing traveler's diarrhea when traveling outside of the United States. The contact information for two resource organizations is provided: the American Gastroenterological Association and the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. The fact sheet concludes with a brief description of the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. |
| Format: | Factsheet |
| Language: | English. Spanish. |
| Major Keywords: | Digestive System Diseases. Diarrhea. Symptoms. Diagnosis. Therapy. Patient Care Management. |
| Minor Keywords: | Patient Education. Etiology. Bacterial Infections. Viral Infections. Dehydration. Risk Factors. Children. Fluids. Travelers Diarrhea. |
| Publication Number: | DDDC10388 |
| Return to Search Results | |