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Diarrhea
Diarrhea is frequent, loose, watery stools. Everyone has diarrhea at one time or another and it normally goes away on its own without any special treatment. Whenever diarrhea is severe or persistent medical advice is recommended.

Causes
There are many causes of diarrhea. Some of them may be temporary, like an infection, or some may be chronic, like an intestinal disease. Some of the more common causes of diarrhea are:

	Infection. Bacterial and viral infections that cause diarrhea can be come from contaminated food or water. Parasites can also enter the body through food and water.
	Food Intolerance. Most people have certain foods that may cause diarrhea. Common foods that may cause diarrhea include hot peppers, milk and milk products and high fat content foods.
	Over-the Counter and Prescription Drugs. Medications and other items containing chemical stimulants such as magnesium and sorbitol induce diarrhea. Antibiotics and other prescription drugs can cause diarrhea. Your doctor should be contacted in the event you experience diarrhea when taking new medication.
	Travel to Developing Countries. Diarrhea can be caused by eating food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites.
	Diseases. Certain intestinal disorders can cause chronic diarrhea. These include ulcerative and microscopic colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis and colon cancer.
	Stress and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS occurs when the intestines do not contract in a smooth, rhythmic manner. Emotional stress often aggravates IBS.

Diagnosis
Diarrhea is diagnosed using a variety of methods. Blood and stool testing, x-rays and ultrasound may be necessary. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy might be needed to visualize the colon. The methods used will depend on the physician's evaluation of a specific case.

Treatment
Treatment of diarrhea depends on the cause. Discontinuation of certain foods or your physician changing a medication may resolve diarrhea. Taking only liquids and avoiding solid food and milk at the beginning of a diarrheal episode may reduce symptoms. A physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of chronic persistent diarrhea.

Information Courtesy of
The American College of Gastroenterology