Diarrhea Symptoms
Diarrhea means that you have a change in your bowel movements and pass unusually loose stools. Stool is what is left after your digestive system (stomach, small intestine, and colon) absorbs nutrients and fluids from what you eat and drink. Stool passes out of the body through the rectum. If fluids are not absorbed, or if your digestive system produces extra fluids, stools will be loose and watery. Loose stools are larger than usual. People with diarrhea often have frequent bowel movements and may pass more than a quart of watery stool a day.
Symptoms of Diarrhea
People who have diarrhea may also have
- Cramp pain in the abdomen, the area between the chest and the hips
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Uncomfortable feeling around the anus
- Urgent need to have a bowel movement
- Inability to control their bowels (fecal incontinence)
- Chills
- Fever
Also, people with diarrhea may feel sick to their stomach or be dehydrated.
If your diarrhea persists beyond one week or if you become dehydrated, as
suggested by excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe
weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark colored urine, see your doctor.
Also get medical help if you have severe abdominal or rectal pain, bloody or
black stools, a temperature of more than 101 F, or signs of dehydration despite
drinking plenty of liquids.
For young children, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. Call your
doctor if diarrhea persists for more than 12 to 24 hours or if your baby:
- Has a dry mouth or cries without tears
- Has skin that doesn't flatten if pinched and released
- Hasn't had a wet diaper in three or more hours
- Has a high fever
- Has bloody or black stools
- Is unusually sleepy, drowsy, unresponsive or irritable
- Has a sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks
Diarrhea Symptoms to D
|
