The condition can prevent the body from absorbing necessary water and salts into the bloodstream, which may lead to dehydration.
Diarrhea can be acute or chronic.
But serious acute diarrhea may be caused by cholera, dysentery, food poisoning, otitis media, viral infection, salmonella, shigella, Campylobacter, or Yersinia. Among other causes of serious acute diarrhea are chemical poisoning and certain respiratory infections. All persons with acute diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Most persons with mild acute diarrhea benefit from a diet of bland foods, such as boiled or poached eggs, crackers, custards, gelatins, and rice. In some cases physicians may prescribe antidiarrheal or antispasmodic preparations to help ease the symptoms.