Diarrhea is commonly caused due to infections which can be bacterial or viral, consumption of artificial sweeteners and lactose intolerance. Disorders of the digestive system such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease may also lead to diarrhea. Side effects of certain medicines like antibiotics can also lead to diarrhea.

It is a disorder of the digestive tract and is mainly caused due to the consumption of contaminated food or water. It is associated with loose stools and cramps in the abdominal region.

Duration of diarrhea varies with age. Diarrhea improves within a period of four days in adults. However, some infections may persist for longer than a week. Diarrhea improves within seven days in children and rarely lasts for more than 14 days.

Diarrhea can be a symptom of many underlying diseases including giardiasis, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, malabsorption syndrome and tropical sprue.

An individual should immediately consult a doctor if he/she experiences severe dehydration leading to increased thirst, dryness of mouth, dizziness, weakness, absence of urination and dark-coloured urine. Those with severe rectal or abdominal pain with no improvement in diarrhea even after two days should also reach out to the doctor.

Diarrhea is commonly caused due to infections which can be bacterial or viral, consumption of artificial sweeteners and lactose intolerance. Disorders of the digestive system such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease may also lead to diarrhea. Side effects of certain medicines like antibiotics can also lead to diarrhea.

It is a disorder of the digestive tract and is mainly caused due to the consumption of contaminated food or water. It is associated with loose stools and cramps in the abdominal region.

Duration of diarrhea varies with age. Diarrhea improves within a period of four days in adults. However, some infections may persist for longer than a week. Diarrhea improves within seven days in children and rarely lasts for more than 14 days.

Diarrhea can be a symptom of many underlying diseases including giardiasis, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, malabsorption syndrome and tropical sprue.

An individual should immediately consult a doctor if he/she experiences severe dehydration leading to increased thirst, dryness of mouth, dizziness, weakness, absence of urination and dark-coloured urine. Those with severe rectal or abdominal pain with no improvement in diarrhea even after two days should also reach out to the doctor.