Acute Diarrhea

Acute diarrhea is an increase in the frequency and volume of stools, usually lasting less than two weeks. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It can also be caused by certain medications, food intolerance, and unhealthy eating habits. Acute diarrhea can cause dehydration due to the loss of fluids and electrolytes. Symptoms of acute diarrhea include watery stools, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Treatment for acute diarrhea usually involves rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications such as loperamide to help reduce the symptoms. In severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the underlying cause.