Diarrhea is common problem. It refers to urgent and frequent passage of loose or watery stools. It can range from a brief annoyance to a severe, dangerous illness.

The cause of brief diarrhea is usually an infection, bacteria that produce toxins, or certain drugs. Mild diarrhea can also occur from emotional upset, an alcohol binge, or certain types of foods. Travel from one country to another can result in diarrhea within a few days. The cause is bacteria that the local people can resist but the visitor cannot.

Most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own. However, a serious complication of long term diarrhea is dehydration. This is excessive loss of body water. The highest risk is for children and elderly. Seek medical attention if watery diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours. Also, certain food poisonings can be serious and require medical care. Food poisoning often causes cramps as well.

During recovery one should drink plenty of room temperature liquids to replace lost fluids. With long term diarrhea, electrolytes may become depleted. Half strength Gatorade, or lemonade with one-fourth teaspoon of salt per quart will replace these electrolytes. Resume eating gradually, with easily digested foods such as toast, rice, bananas or cooked cereal, until diarrhea begins to resolve.

Long term diarrhea can indicate certain disorders. A person with recurring bouts should get an exam to rule out the following medical problems:
* colitis,
* Crohn's disease,
* intolerance to milk or wheat products, or
* colon cancer.

Washing your hands before meals and after using bathrooms or changing diapers helps prevent attacks. Washing hands also cuts down on the spread of viruses. Always chill foods that could spoil. Cook meat thoroughly. Wash cutting boards with hot water and diluted bleach. Cooked meat should never be placed on surfaces or plates that held raw meat.

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