Diarrhea

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools. A person with diarrhea typically passes stool more than three times a day. People with diarrhea may pass more than a quart of stool a day.

What is Diarrhea?

The term diarrhea (also spelled diarrhoea) refers to passage of loose, watery stools. The usual frequency of passing loose stools or watery stools in cases of diarrhea is at least three or more times a day.

Diarrhea Prevention

Acute Diarrhea

Stomach Cramps and Diarrhea: Distinguishing Between Common and Serious Causes

Diarrhea Causes

Diarrhea Symptoms

Diarrhea in Children

Chronic Diarrhea

Diarrhea Treatment

Diarrhea Epidemiology

Latest Diarrhea News and Research

Rising threat of sexually transmitted gut infections demands stronger prevention strategies

It's time to develop more effective ways to control and prevent sexually transmitted gut infections, urge the authors of an article appearing today in Clinical Microbiology Reviews, a journal of the American Society of Microbiology.

17 Sep 2025

Watch: Fired CDC chief says RFK Jr. demanded she roll back vaccine policies without evidence

Susan Monarez, the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Sept. 17 in her first public remarks since she was fired.

17 Sep 2025

Early diagnosis and modern therapies improve Crohn’s disease prognosis

Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), impacts millions worldwide. The disease is chronic and highly unpredictable, manifesting symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea — sometimes with blood — and severe fatigue.

13 Sep 2025

How raspberry leaf tea reduces insulin surges from table sugar

Trial shows that raspberry leaf tea blunts sucrose-induced glucose and insulin surges, offering a natural strategy for moderating blood sugar without the side effects of pharmaceutical enzyme inhibitors.

2 Sep 2025

Illinois researchers highlight most effective nutritional approaches for GI distress in cancer care

Many modern cancer treatments are highly effective at reducing or eliminating tumors, but they can also cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms that impact patients' quality of life or lead to discontinuation of treatment.

28 Aug 2025

Researchers discover why smoking tobacco helps people with ulcerative colitis

Researchers led by Hiroshi Ohno at the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) in Japan have discovered why smoking tobacco helps people suffering from ulcerative colitis, a chronic disease typified by inflammation of the large intestine.

25 Aug 2025

Health care visits linked to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Guatemalan communities

In Guatemalan communities, a recent visit to a health clinic or hospital - not antibiotic use - is the strongest predictor of carrying bacteria resistant to critical antibiotics, according to a new study led by Washington State University.

20 Aug 2025

Low FODMAP diet increases GLP-1 and relieves IBS symptoms

This study reveals that a low FODMAP diet alleviates IBS symptoms and increases GLP-1 levels, suggesting new avenues for dietary interventions in gut health.

20 Aug 2025

Genetic testing can guide safer chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer patients

For some patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers like colorectal and pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening side effects in those who carry certain genetic variants that can impact how their bodies process the drugs used to treat their disease.

7 Aug 2025

Survey reveals persistent challenges of IBS on daily life and productivity

Despite social media helping to increase awareness of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among the public (81% of health care providers agree) and advancements in treatment over the past decade, IBS symptoms continue to significantly impact patients' daily lives and productivity, according to a new survey released by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), in partnership with The Harris Poll, a Stagwell (STGW) agency.

7 Aug 2025

RAND study highlights patterns of GLP-1 medication use and side effects

Nearly 12% of Americans have used GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, including about one-fifth of women aged 50 to 64, according to a new RAND report.

6 Aug 2025

Mouth and gut microbes talk to each other - here’s why it matters for disease

Researchers reviewed nearly 250 studies to uncover how the oral and gut microbiomes communicate through multiple pathways, influencing the risk of diseases such as IBD, colorectal cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. The review highlights that maintaining oral health and dietary habits is crucial for overall systemic wellbeing.

4 Aug 2025

Creatine in your diet may benefit your digestive system

Findings suggest dietary creatine from meat may alleviate chronic constipation, with stronger effects observed in men and those without certain health issues.

4 Aug 2025

Low FODMAP diet found to repair leaky gut in IBS-D patients

In a study, patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, or IBS-D, who went on a low FODMAP diet saw an improvement of colonic barrier dysfunction, commonly known as "leaky gut."

30 Jul 2025

Which GLP-1 meds have the most side effects? Study of 60,000 Facebook posts gives answers

Researchers analyzed nearly 60,000 public Facebook posts to identify real-world adverse events linked to GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications. Gastrointestinal symptoms were most common, while mental health concerns and tirzepatide-specific side effects were also flagged.

28 Jul 2025

New swallowable sensor pill reveals gut inflammation with a simple color change

Researchers have developed an ingestible biosensor pill (PRIM) that detects intestinal inflammation by releasing a blue dye in response to elevated reactive oxygen species, providing a simple, at-home visual indicator.

27 Jul 2025

Combination of dysbiosis, OTUD3 gene mutations, and STING signaling linked to ulcerative colitis severity

Ulcerative colitis (UC) causes misery for millions worldwide. It affects the large intestine, causing pain, cramping, and frequent bowel movements with bloody diarrhea.

18 Jul 2025

Measles outbreaks surge worldwide, driven by declining immunization coverage

The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition of leading human and animal virologists from 80+ Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in more than 40 countries, is sounding the alarm over a sharp resurgence of measles cases in the United States and globally.

17 Jul 2025

Common medications impact gut microbiome and promote pathogen growth

The human intestine is home to a dense network of microorganisms, known collectively as the gut microbiome, which actively helps to shape our health.

16 Jul 2025

Research explains how low sodium weakens the heart’s electrical signals

New research explains how low levels of the electrolyte sodium in the blood can disrupt the timing of the heartbeat in patients taking widely used rhythm-control medications such as flecainide, which is commonly prescribed for atrial fibrillation and other fast or irregular heart rhythms.

15 Jul 2025