DIARRHEA Definition and Overview Diarrhea is a medical condition where the patient has at least three loose or liquid bowel movements a day. It is one of the most common diseases experienced by any age group, and is especially common in children. The most significant complication of diarrhea is dehydration. Dehydration is a condition resulting from massive loss of body water and electrolytes. When diarrhea ensues, body fluid and electrolytes are eliminated by the body before they are adequately absorbed. Dehydration is the state wherein the person's ability to take in fluids is not quick enough to replace the losses from the diarrhea. Most mortalities from diarrhea occur in the extremes of ages: either the very young or the very old. Diarrhea can be categorized in several types. Chronic diarrhea is the type of diarrhea that occurs for more than two weeks; gastroenteritis, or what is more commonly known as stomach flu, where there is associated vomiting; acute gastroenteritis is the type where there is inflammation of the bowels; and lastly, dysentery, where there is blood, pus or mucus in the stool. Cause There are a myriad of causes of diarrhea. The most common of these is an infection of the bowels …show more content…
On some occasions, diarrhea is accompanied by some abdominal discomfort or pain. Severe abdominal pain is not typical and, if present, may be a sign of more severe illness. If diarrhea is massive and results in dehydration, the condition becomes an emergency, and may potentially be lethal. Patients who experience dehydration are usually thirsty, and have dry throats. In older patients, the skin appears to be loose, and they may become very sleepy, confused or develop changes in behavior. Infants and children who are dehydrated are noted to have sunken eyes and dry mouths. Urination is also less frequent than usual. They may also appear very sleepy, cry a lot, or may refuse to take in any