Diarrhea is defined as a change in bowel movements characterized by an increase in frequency and fluidity of the stool which is not within normal limits for your particular bowel habits. Normal patterns of bowel habits differ from person to person and so it is important to know what is "normal" for you. This will allow you to note changes in the pattern.

Often caused by either bacterial or viral gastrointestinal (GI) infections, diarrhea can also be caused by a change in diet or illness. When the food we eat is passed through the GI system, the colon is responsible for absorbing fluid from the liquid matter to which food has been broken down. What is left behind after the colon absorbs the fluid is a soft, semi-formed bulk stool which is normally passed without difficulty. However, when the colon doesn't get it right and fails to absorb the appropriate amount of liquid, well, then diarrhea results.

Diarrhea has many causes, but the primary cause still remains bacterial or viral infection. The highly contagious viral infections can be rapidly passed from one person to another. It is very important to maintain sanitary conditions and observe good hand washing techniques while experiencing diarrhea.

It is quite possible that you may never know the exact cause of an episode of diarrhea as most cases resolve without intervention within a few days. However diarrhea can be deadly especially to children, the elderly and those already fighting other serious health conditions. The dehydration which results because of diarrhea is one of the most serious complications.

Salmonella, shigella, e. choli and campylobacter are the most common types of bacterial infection which cause episodes of diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by bacteria must be treated by a physician. If left untreated serious complications could result and the diarrhea could go on for weeks or even months.

Other causes of diarrhea include food, such as milk products in someone with lactose intolerance, prescription medications, laxatives, stress, health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, colitis, and even colon cancer.

Yes, the causes of diarrhea can certainly be varied and one of the most challenging issues is that often you have no idea of the cause before the diarrhea is gone and you are back to normal!