diarrheal

Diarrheal is an adjective relating to diarrhoea, a condition defined by the frequent passage of loose or watery stools. Diarrhoea is a symptom rather than a disease and can be categorized as acute, lasting a few days, or chronic, lasting several weeks or longer. It remains a major cause of illness worldwide, especially among young children and in areas with limited access to clean water and adequate sanitation.

Causes are diverse and include infectious agents such as viruses (notably rotavirus and norovirus), bacteria (for example Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, and certain diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli), and parasites (such as Giardia). Noninfectious causes include medications (such as antibiotics), food intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorption syndromes, and toxins. The underlying pathophysiology typically involves increased intestinal secretion or reduced absorption of water and electrolytes, leading to higher stool water content and more frequent stools.

Typical symptoms include frequent loose stools, abdominal cramps, nausea, sometimes fever, and signs of dehydration. Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on history and examination; stool testing or other investigations may be pursued in persistent, severe, or atypical cases, or to guide treatment when specific pathogens are suspected.

Management focuses on preventing dehydration and maintaining nutrition. Key measures include oral rehydration therapy, zinc supplementation for children, and continuing age-appropriate feeding. Antibiotics are not routinely used and are reserved for specific indications. Prevention emphasizes safe drinking water, sanitation, hand hygiene, immunization against rotavirus, and proper food handling. Seek medical care if dehydration worsens, there is blood in the stool, persistent vomiting, or if symptoms do not improve.