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Overview

Diarrhea is characterized by frequent (i.e., more than three times per day) bowel movements and loose, watery, unformed stool. Diarrhea is a common symptom of digestive system disorders in adults and children.

Diarrhea can be acute or chronic. Acute diarrhea lasts 1–2 days and usually resolves without treatment. It often is caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; intolerance to foods, such as lactose (sugar present in milk) and gl...Read the full article