"Diarrhea: Symptoms, Treatment, and Effective Management Guide"
Diarrhea—defined as the passage of loose or watery stools three or more times in a 24-hour period—is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints worldwide. While often self-limited, it can lead to significant discomfort, dehydration, and even life-threatening complications (especially in very young children, older adults, or immunocompromised individuals). Below is a comprehensive overview of diarrhea, organized into key sections: 1. Definitions & Classification 1. Acute Diarrhea o Duration: Less than 14 days. o Most often infectious (viral, bacterial, parasitic) or toxin-mediated. o Usually self-resolves within 2–3 days, but can persist up to 2 weeks in some cases. 2. Persistent (Subacute) Diarrhea o Duration: 14–30 days. o Often reflects prolonged infection, post-infectious irritable bowel s...