Diarrhea is defined as bowel movements that occur more frequently than normal along with a consistency that is softer than usual. Frequent diarrhea can be considered acute, persistent or chronic. Acute diarrhea lasts for up to 14 days. Diarrhea lasting up to a month is considered persistent. If it lasts longer than a month, it is considered chronic.
Viral Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis is an infection that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Rotaviruses, noroviruses and adenoviruses are common causes of viral gastroenteritis. The most common symptoms are vomiting and watery diarrhea. Other symptoms include fever, abdominal cramping and headache. Signs of illness typically begin one or two days after infection, and can last as long as 10 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is contagious and spreads through eating or drinking foods and beverages contaminated with a virus, or by close contact with the vomit or stool of infected people. Food becomes contaminated when preparers do not wash their hands after having a bowel movement. Viral gastroenteritis outbreaks are common in group settings, such as on cruise ships and in dormitories and nursing homes.
Clostridium Difficile
Clostridium difficile, or C. Diff, is a bacteria that normally lives in the intestines without causing illness. Animal feces, soil and water may also harbor C. diff, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. It does not cause illness until something--such as antibiotics, abdominal surgery, hospitalization or a weakened immune system--causes the bacteria to multiply into larger quantities in the intestine. The main symptom of C. diff infection is frequent, watery diarrhea that lasts several days and occurs three or more times a day, or up to 15 times per day in severe cases. Other symptoms of severe infection include fever, blood or pus in the stool and severe abdominal pain.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is an inability to tolerate lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy products. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to digest lactose. Lactose intolerance can result from illness or injury, normal aging or genetics. After ingesting dairy products symptoms of the disorder occur, and include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, gas, bloating and nausea, and can be mild or severe, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is no cure, and no way to increase the body's production of lactase. Treatment includes avoidance of dairy products, or use of supplemental lactase, which is taken immediately before consuming dairy products.
