Prolonged Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by frequent bowel movements. Stools may be watery and copious (more than 250 g per day), consist of a small amount of liquid stool, or in some cases appear nearly normal.

Diarrhea can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, food poisoning, chemicals, medications, nervous system disorders, inflammation, or cancer-related conditions.

Acute diarrhea usually lasts up to 10 days, while chronic diarrhea may persist for weeks, months, or even years. Acute diarrhea can be life-threatening because the body loses large amounts of fluids and salts, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology