Diarrhea (in American English) or diarrhoea (in British English) is a condition in which the sufferer has frequent watery, loose bowel movements. 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. Acute diarrhea is a common problem that usually lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own without special treatment. Prolonged diarrhea persisting for more than 2 days may be a sign of a more serious problem and poses the risk of dehydration. Chronic diarrhea may be a feature of a chronic disease. Acute infectious diarrhea is a common cause of death in developing countries (particularly among infants), accounting for 5 to 8 million deaths annually. Electrolytes (minerals) also are lost with water when diarrhea is prolonged or severe, and electrolyte deficiencies may occur.

Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body lacks enough fluid to function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and older people. Acute diarrhea is usually related to a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. Chronic diarrhea is usually related to functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.Several types of bacteria consumed through contaminated food or water can cause diarrhea. Common culprits include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Many viruses cause diarrhea, including rotavirus, Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and viral hepatitis. Parasites can enter the body through food or water and settle in the digestive system. Parasites that cause diarrhea include Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica.

Diarrhea may be accompanied by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or an urgent need to use the bathroom. Depending on the cause, a person may have a fever or bloody stools. Diarrhea is especially dangerous in newborns and infants, leading to dehydration in just a day or two. A child can die from dehydration within a few days. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and in older adults and must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems. Children can have acute and chronic forms of diarrhea. Most common cause of acute childhood diarrhea. Rotavirus diarrhea usually resolves in 3 to 9 days. Children who are 6 to 32 weeks old can be vaccinated against the virus with a vaccine called Rotateq.

Home Remedies and Treatment Tips of Diarrhea

1. Fresh juice of Indian gooseberry (Amla) taken with lemon juice and sugar is beneficial.

2. One teaspoonful of ginger juice in half of cup of boiling water and drink hot after every one-hour.

3. Intake of curd with mango juice and one teaspoon ginger helpful in diarrhea cure.

4.Banana taken along with curd is useful for the treatment of loose motions.

5.Intake of mango nut powder with water cures diarrhea.

6.In case of acute diarrhea, oral rehydration therapy is the best way to deal with acute diarrhea.

7.During diarrhea plenty of fluids should be given to the patient to maintain water balance in body.

8.Roast fennel and white cumin seeds in equal amounts and take it in a dose of 3 grams after every three hours with water.

9.Make a powder of 10-15 grams of dry fruit of Indian gooseberry (Amla) and 5 grams of black Chebulic myrobalan (Haritaki). Take one grams of this mixture twice in a day.

10.Mix powder of 12 grams of fennel and 6 grams of white cumin seeds and then add 12 grams of unrefined sugar and store it. Take one gram of this mixture in every morning and evening for 15 days.

11.Add some Spiegel seeds in 125 grams of curd and take it twice during day.

12.Drink 200 grams of buttermilk with roasted cumin seeds along with half gram of black salt.

13.Chewing roasted cumin seeds mixed in curd after meals increases the digestive power and prevents diarrhea.

14.Application of ginger juice on the umbilicus helps in diarrhea cure

15.Boil the milk for 10-15 minutes. Remove the skin that forms on the milk. Add hot chocolate to the milk and drink this mixture.

16.Starchy liquids like arrowroot water, barley water, rice gruel and coconut water are very beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea.

17.popular diarrhea home remedy treatment is to consume a paste made of 15-20 fresh curry leaves mixed with 1 tsp honey.

18.Water boiled with holy basil could be taken as a drink and also could be used as gargle.

19.Grate one raw papaya. Add 3 cups water, boil for 10 mins, strain and finish the water in one day.