Diarrhea describes loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. You may also experience abdominal cramps and a greater volume of stool. Diarrhea varies in specific symptoms, severity and duration.

Acute diarrhea usually lasts for a few days and is typically caused by a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection of some sort.

Chronic diarrhea persists longer than does acute diarrhea, generally longer than three weeks. Chronic diarrhea can indicate a serious disorder, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, or a less serious condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Antacids containing magnesium
2. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
3. Blood pressure medications
4. C. difficile
5. Campylobacter infection
6. Cancer medications
7. Clostridium perfringens infection
8. Cryptosporidium infection
9. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
10. E. coli
11. Entamoeba histolytica infection
12. Food intolerances
13. Food poisoning
14. Fructose intolerance
15. Giardiasis
16. Lactose intolerance
17. Norovirus infection
18. Rotavirus
19. Salmonella infection
20. Shigella infection
21. Staph infections
22. Stomach surgery
23. Traveler's diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea causes may include:

1. Blood pressure medications
2. Caffeine
3. Cancer medications
4. Celiac disease
5. Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
6. Colon cancer
7. Crohn's disease
8. Bariatric surgery
9. Hepatitis A
10. Hepatitis B
11. Hepatitis C
12. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
13. Irritable bowel syndrome
14. Ischemic colitis
15. Pancreatic insufficiency
16. Ulcerative colitis
17. Whipple's disease

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Source: mayoclinic.org

Seek immediate medical attention
In children, particularly young children, diarrhea — especially if combined with either fever or vomiting or both — can sometimes lead to dehydration. Call your doctor if your child's diarrhea doesn't improve after 24 hours or if your baby:

• Hasn't had a wet diaper in three or more hours
• Has a fever of more than 102 F (39 C)
• Has bloody or black stools
• Has a dry mouth or cries without tears
• Is unusually sleepy, drowsy, unresponsive or irritable
• Has a sunken appearance to the abdomen, eyes or cheeks
• Has skin that doesn't flatten if pinched and released

Schedule a doctor's visit
In adults, diarrhea usually resolves on its own without any complications. See your doctor if:

• Your diarrhea persists beyond two days without any sign of improvement
• You become dehydrated — as evidenced by excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark-colored urine
• You have severe abdominal or rectal pain
• You have bloody or black stools
• You have a fever of more than 102 F (39 C)

Source: mayoclinic.org