MedicineNet

home > digestion center > digestion a-z list > diarrhea index

Diarrhea Index

Featured: Diarrhea Main Article

Diarrhea is a change is the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency are all symptoms of diarrhea. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.

Patient Discussions - Viewers share their comments

Local Resources - Find a local Doctor in your town

Medications

View All 45 Diarrhea Medications »

    Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus)
      Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) Staphylococcus or Staph is a group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases. Staph infections can cause illness...learn more »
      In This Article
      Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) Article
      • What is Staphylococcus?
      • Who is at risk for Staph infections?
      • What are the symptoms and signs of a Staph infection?
      • What types of diseases are caused by Staph?
      • How are Staph infections diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for Staph infections?
      • What is antibiotic-resistant Staph aureus?
      • What are complications of Staph infections?
      • Can Staph infections be prevented?
      • What is the prognosis for Staph infections?
      • Staph Infection At A Glance
    • Hemorrhoids
      Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoid is an enlarged vein in the walls of the anus and sometimes around the rectum, usually caused by untreated...learn more »
      In This Article
      Hemorrhoids Article
      • Hemorrhoid facts
      • What are hemorrhoids?
      • What causes hemorrhoids?
      • What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
      • How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for hemorrhoids?
      • Diet
      • Over-the-counter medications for hemorrhoids
      • Nonoperative procedures for internal hemorrhoids
      • Surgery
    • Abdominal Pain
      Abdominal Pain Abdominal pain is pain in the belly and can be acute or chronic. Causes include inflammation, distention of an organ, and loss of...learn more »
      In This Article
      Abdominal Pain Article
      • Abdominal pain facts
      • What is abdominal pain?
      • What causes abdominal pain?
      • How is the cause of abdominal pain diagnosed?
      • Characteristics, symptoms, and signs of the abdominal pain
      • Associated signs and symptoms of abdominal pain
      • Physical examination
      • Exams and tests
      • Special problem in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain
      • Why can diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain be difficult?
      • How can I help my doctor to determine the cause of my abdominal pain?
    • Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis, Diverticular Disease)
      Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis, Diverticular Disease) Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that...learn more »
      In This Article
      Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis, Diverticular Disease) Article
      • Diverticulosis and diverticulitis facts
      • What is diverticulosis?
      • What is diverticulitis?
      • What are diverticulitis symptoms?
      • What causes diverticula and how do diverticula form?
      • What are the more serious complications of diverticulitis?
      • How are the diagnosis of diverticulitis and diverticulosis made?
      • What is the treatment for diverticulitis and diverticulosis?
      • Medical treatment of diverticulitis and diverticulosis
      • Surgical treatment for diverticulitis
      • What can be done to prevent diverticulitis and diverticulosis?
    • Bladder Infection (Cystitis)
      Bladder Infection (Cystitis) Bladder infection is an infection of the bladder, usually caused by bacteria or, rarely, by Candida. Certain people, including...learn more »
      In This Article
      Bladder Infection (Cystitis) Article
      • What is a bladder infection?
      • What causes bladder infections?
      • What are some risk factors for bladder infection?
      • What are the signs and symptoms of a bladder infection in women?
      • What are the signs and symptoms of a bladder infection in men?
      • What are the signs and symptoms of a bladder infection in children?
      • How is a bladder infection diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for a bladder infection?
      • Are home remedies effective for a bladder infection?
      • How is a bladder infection during pregnancy treated?
      • What are potential complications of a bladder infection?
      • Can bladder infections be prevented?
      • What is the prognosis for a bladder infection?
    • Anal Itching
      Anal Itching Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. ...learn more »
      In This Article
      Anal Itching Article
      • What is anal itching?
      • What causes anal itching?
      • How is anal itching treated?
      • Local anesthetics
      • Vasoconstrictors
      • Protectants
      • Astringents
      • Antiseptics
      • Keratolytics
      • Analgesics
      • Corticosteroids
      • What if anal itching persists?
    View All 90 Diarrhea Related Diseases & Conditions »

Related FAQs, Doctor's & Expert's Views

View All 23 Diarrhea Doctor's & Expert's Views »

Health & Living

Procedures & Tests

View All 9 Diarrhea Procedures & Tests »

Health News

View All 126 Diarrhea Health News »

Health Features

View All 13 Diarrhea Health Features »

Tools & References

FDA Drug Labels on RxList.com


Terms related to Diarrhea:

  • Bloody Diarrhea
  • Loose Stool
XML Diarrhea RSS feed

MedicineNet Doctors

Suggested Reading on Diarrhea by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    90 articles
    • Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus)
      • Staphylococcus or Staph is a group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases. Staph infections can cause illness directly by infection or indirectly
    • Hemorrhoids
      • Hemorrhoid is an enlarged vein in the walls of the anus and sometimes around the rectum, usually caused by untreated constipation, but occasionally associated with
    • Abdominal Pain
      • Abdominal pain is pain in the belly and can be acute or chronic. Causes include inflammation, distention of an organ, and loss of the blood supply to an
    • Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis, Diverticular Disease)
      • Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that surround the colon. Diverticulitis
    • Bladder Infection (Cystitis)
      • Bladder infection is an infection of the bladder, usually caused by bacteria or, rarely, by Candida. Certain people, including females, the elderly,
    • Anal Itching
      • Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Causes include everything
    • Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
      • An upper respiratory infection is a contagious infection of the structures of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the sinuses, nasal passages,
    • Colitis
      • Inflammation of the inner lining of the colon is referred to as colitis. Symptoms of the inflammation of the colon lining include diarrhea, pain, and blood
    • Colon Cancer
      • Colon cancer is a malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers develop from colonic polyps. Removal of
    • Crohn's Disease
      • Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the small and large intestine, but which can affect other parts of the digestive
    • Dehydration
      • Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and
    • Thyroid Cancer
      • There are four major types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Tumors on the thyroid are referred to as
    • Hyperthyroidism
      • Hyperthyroidism is an excess of thyroid hormone resulting from an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms can include increased heart rate, weight loss, depression,
    • Hyponatremia (Low Blood Sodium)
      • Hyponatremia is a condition where the level of sodium in the blood is low. Causes of hyponatremia can occur from excess fluid in the body, or a loss of
    • Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
      • Gastroenteritis (viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu) is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting and/or diarrhea. Even though
    • Migraine
      • Migraine is usually periodic attacks of headaches on one or both sides of the head. These may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity
    • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
      • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) refers to a condition in which abnormally large numbers of bacteria (at least 100,000 bacteria per ml of fluid)
    • Intestinal Gas (Belching, Bloating, Flatulence)
      • Gas or "intestinal gas" means different things to different people. Everyone has gas and eliminates it by belching or farting (passing it through the rectum).
    • Clostridium Difficile Colitis (Antibiotic-Associated Colitis, C. difficile colitis)
      • Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium, and is one of the most common causes of infection of the colon. C. difficile spores
    • Pinworms
      • Pinworm infection is an intestinal infection caused by a pinworm, seatworm, or threadworm. Female pinworms leave the intestine through the anus and deposit
    • Ulcerative Colitis
      • Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis is closely
    • Measles
      • Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious disease that's caused by a virus. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Treatment
    • Celiac Disease
      • Celiac disease is a result of an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat or related grains and present in many foods that we eat. Celiac disease
    • Rotavirus
      • Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea among infants and children throughout the world. Almost all children have become infected with rotavirus
    • Malaria
      • Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms of malaria include chills, pain, fever, and sweating.
    • Roseola
      • Roseola is a viral illness that most commonly affects young children. Symptoms and signs include a sudden high fever that lasts for three to five days,
    • Cystic Fibrosis
      • Cystic fibrosis is a disease of the mucus and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease. The outcome of the disease leaves the body malnourished,
    • Stool Color & Texture Changes (Black, Red, Maroon, Green, Yellow, Gray, Tarry, Sticky)
      • Stool color is generally brown. When stool color changes, often, an individual becomes concerned. The presence of the bilirubin in bile is generally responsible
    • Low Potassium (Hypokalemia)
      • Potassium is an essential electrolyte necessary for cell function. Low potassium (hypokalemia) may be caused by diarrhea, vomiting, ileostomy, colon polyps,
    • See All Related Diseases & Conditions »

  • Medications

    45 articles

  • Procedures & Tests

    9 articles

  • Pictures, Images & Quizzes

    14 articles

  • Doctor's & Expert's Views

    31 articles

  • Health News

    199 articles

  • Health Features

    21 articles
Privacy Policy

GI Disorders

Get the latest treatment options.

Please acknowledge your agreement

Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain

From WebMD

Digestive Disorders Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors