Disease Database Drug Database Alt.
Diarrhea is a sudden increase in frequency and looseness of bowel movements.
It is difficult to define diarrhea exactly, since there is great individual variation in normal stool frequency. Indicators of diarrhea include a sudden increase in number of stools, a decrease in stool consistency, more watery stools and a tendency for the stools to be green. The most common cause of diarrhea is infection, due to viruses, bacteria or parasites. Specific germs that cause diarrhea depend on where the patient has been. Infection-related diarrhea is contagious.