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Diarrhea facts

• Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, an increase in the looseness of stool or both.
• Diarrhea is caused by increased secretion of fluid into the intestine, reduced absorption of fluid from the intestine or rapid passage of stool through the intestine.
• Diarrhea can be defined absolutely or relatively. Absolute diarrhea is defined as more than five bowel movements a day or liquid stools. Relative diarrhea is defined as an increase in the number of bowel movements per day or an increase in the looseness of stools compared with an individual's usual bowel habit.
• Diarrhea may be either acute or chronic, and each has different causes and treatments.
• Complications of diarrhea include dehydration, electrolytes (mineral) abnormalities, and irritation of the anus.
• Dehydration can be treated with oral ...

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