diarrhea /dī′ərē″ə/ [Gk, dia + rhein, to flow] , the frequent passage of loose, watery stools. The stool may also contain mucus, pus, blood, or excessive amounts of fat. Diarrhea is usually a symptom of some underlying disorder. Conditions in which diarrhea is an important symptom are dysenteric disorders, malabsorption syndrome, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, GI tumors, and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition to stool frequency, patients may complain of abdominal cramps and generalized weakness. Untreated, severe diarrhea may lead to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It should be treated symptomatically until proper diagnosis can be made. Antidiarrheal preparations, such as diphenoxylate and paregoric, are helpful. If diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting, IV fluids may be necessary to prevent fluid depletion. Also spelled diarrhoea. See also dehydration. −diarrheal, diarrheic, adj.
