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.

Stomach Cramps and Diarrhea: Distinguishing Between Common and Serious Causes

Diarrhea Symptoms

Acute Diarrhea

Diarrhea Prevention

Chronic Diarrhea

Diarrhea Causes

Diarrhea in Children

Diarrhea Treatment

Diarrhea Epidemiology

Latest Diarrhea News and Research

Experimental intranasal vaccine triggers broad immune response against multiple strains of H5N1

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) reported encouraging results from an early phase clinical trial that found an experimental intranasal vaccine triggered a broad immune response against multiple strains of H5N1 "bird flu".

6 Nov 2025

New research reveals how human astroviruses enter the body

Human astroviruses are a leading viral cause of the stomach bug-think vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. It often impacts young children and older adults, leading to vicious cycles of sickness and malnutrition, particularly for those in low and middle income countries.

3 Nov 2025

Study reveals a troubling surge in severe diverticulitis among Americans younger than 50

A comprehensive analysis of over 5.2 million hospitalizations reveals a troubling surge in severe diverticulitis cases among Americans younger than 50.

24 Oct 2025

A parent's guide to manage pediatric respiratory illnesses during the virus season

As we head deeper into fall and toward the holiday season, your little one may start to exhibit symptoms like a runny nose, cough, or fever.

24 Oct 2025

Pathogenic bacteria can block gut’s natural defense to spread infection

When harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning, such as E. coli, invade through the digestive tract, gut cells usually fight back by pushing infected cells out of the body to stop the infection from spreading.

22 Oct 2025

Oral targeted therapy shrinks tumors in over 70% of patients with HER2-mutant NSCLC

The oral targeted therapy sevabertinib led to tumor reduction and manageable side effects in patients with HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to data from a trial led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

22 Oct 2025

Night shift work may raise risk of irritable bowel syndrome

The study indicates that night shift work increases irritable bowel syndrome risk, particularly among those with obesity, due to circadian rhythm disturbances.

22 Oct 2025

Study clarifies the complex interaction between gut bacteria and common gastrointestinal disorder

Research from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, clarifies the complex interaction between gut bacteria and IBS.

21 Oct 2025

Blood biomarkers offer hope for early detection of interstitial lung disease

UVA Health lung researchers are developing a promising approach to detecting patients at risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD), an increasingly common condition that is a leading reason for lung transplants.

10 Oct 2025

Natural nasal microbes offer broad-spectrum antiviral protection

Respiratory viral diseases pose severe threats to animal health and global food security, especially in intensive pig farming systems.

10 Oct 2025

$4 million grant supports effort to turn enzyme-targeting science into treatments for Cryptosporidium infections

A University of Houston professor has received nearly $4 million in new support from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to lead a translational effort turning enzyme-targeting science into urgently needed treatments for Cryptosporidium infections – which are caused by a life-threatening pathogen and have no existing cure.

7 Oct 2025

Discovery opens up new avenues for treating rotavirus infections

Rotavirus causes severe dehydrating diarrhea in infants and young children, contributing to more than 128,500 deaths per year globally despite widespread vaccination efforts.

7 Oct 2025

How gluten harms some people but helps others

New insights reveal gluten's health potential, highlighting beneficial peptides and innovative methods to enhance wheat safety for sensitive individuals.

3 Oct 2025

Mucins show promise in preventing Salmonella infections

Mucus is more than just a sticky substance: It contains a wealth of powerful molecules called mucins that help to tame microbes and prevent infection.

25 Sep 2025

Misaligned perceptions lead to pediatric antibiotic overprescribing

Researchers from USC and Duke report that the persistent "know-do gap" - where clinicians know guidelines but practice differently - is the primary driver of antibiotic overprescribing for pediatric diarrhea in India's private sector, not lack of knowledge, point-of-sale profits, or stockouts of clinically recommended treatments such as oral rehydration salts (ORS).

23 Sep 2025

Climate change fuels spread of neurological virus in Europe

Growing numbers of West Nile virus infection cases, fueled by climate change, are sparking fears among citizens and healthcare providers in Europe. A Clinical Insight in the European Journal of Internal Medicine, published by Elsevier, aims to raise awareness and equip medical professionals with the knowledge needed to recognize and manage this emerging disease to avoid further spread and serious health consequences, especially for vulnerable individuals.

23 Sep 2025

Orforglipron pill improves heart and metabolic risk factors in trial

Patients taking an experimental oral GLP-1 drug lost significant weight and improved their heart and metabolic risk factors in a large, international, phase 3 clinical trial led by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine, McMaster University, York University and other institutions.

22 Sep 2025

Closed Loop Medicine launches first personalized GLP-1 dosing platform In U.S.

Closed Loop Medicine Ltd (CLM), a leader in personalized pharmaceutical dosing, today announced the U.S. launch of WeDosify, which enables clinicians to personalize GLP-1 titration at scale.

19 Sep 2025

Oral GLP-1 drug orforglipron achieves significant weight loss in global trial

Patients taking an experimental oral GLP-1 drug lost significant weight and improved their heart and metabolic risk factors in a large, international, phase III clinical trial led by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine, McMaster University, York University and other institutions

18 Sep 2025

Daily orforglipron GLP-1 pill achieves over 11% weight loss in global obesity trial

In a phase 3 trial, once-daily oral orforglipron induced significant, dose-dependent weight loss over 72 weeks in adults with obesity but no diabetes. It also improved multiple cardiometabolic markers with a safety profile similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

18 Sep 2025