Overview

People suffering from diarrhea experience frequent, loose, watery stools.  This disorder can affect people of all ages but is particularly worrisome in the young and old because of the threat of dehydration which may result in the body being unable to function properly. Acute diarrhea is caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, food intolerance, reactions to medicine and generally lasts a short time. Chronic diarrhea is usually related to other digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease may last for the duration of the illness. 

Each year, 4.5 billion people contract diarrhea worldwide.  86% of acute gastrointestinal illnesses in Canadian cities involve diarrhea. In Canada, over-the-counter retail sales for diarrhea remedies doubled between 2003 and 2008 to equal $50 million in 2008.

Guides

Understanding Diarrhea

Acute diarrhea is caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, food intolerance, reactions to medicine and generally lasts a short time. Chronic diarrhea is usually related to other digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease may last for the duration of the illness. 

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