Diarrhea is a symptom of a problem, not a disease. It is a result of the body's attempt to rid itself of something harmful. It is a condition marked by loose, watery stools occurring more than three times in one day. Symptoms including abdominal pain, thirst, and nausea or vomiting may accompany diarrhea. It is often caused by a virus or bacteria and can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term) - lasting more than two to three weeks. Most people are affected by diarrhea at some time in their lives, and it usually goes away by itself, without any special treatment. It is often accompanied by stomach pains, feeling sick and vomiting. It is usually due to consumption of drinking water contaminated with bacteria, undercooked meat and eggs or inadequate kitchen hygiene - in other words, an infection.

Chronic diarrhea is that which occurs over a long period and generally tends to come-and-go, often interspersed with bouts of constipation. It is often present in individuals diagnosed with IBS

Chronic diarrhea is a problem because it means that bowel transit time is too short, resulting in the reduced absorption of nutrients from food. It can lead to loss of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium which can lead to disorientation and weakness. Dehydration is also a concern due to the reduced absorption of water by the colon, meaning more fluid is lost in the feces.

However, prolonged diarrhea can be a sign of other problems. People with diarrhea may pass more than a quart of stool a day. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and the elderly, and it must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems.

People of all ages can get diarrhea. The average adult has a bout of diarrhea about four times a year. Globally, seven children die of diarrhea every minute, mainly due to poor quality drinking water and malnutrition, which still affects the majority of the world population.