Diarrhea is described as an increase in the frequency of bowel movements or a decrease in the consistency of stools that causes the discharge of watery, loose stools. The severity of diarrhea is determined by the size and number of stools passed within a period of time.
The following table will help you decide whether you have mild, moderate, or severe diarrhea.
| Number of stools within the past 24 hours | Size of stool: Small | Size of stool: Medium | Size of stool: Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | Mild diarrhea | Mild diarrhea | Moderate diarrhea |
| 5 to 8 | Mild diarrhea | Moderate diarrhea | Moderate diarrhea |
| 9 to 12 | Moderate diarrhea | Moderate diarrhea | Severe diarrhea |
| 12 to 16 | Moderate diarrhea | Severe diarrhea | Severe diarrhea |
| 16 or more | Severe diarrhea | Severe diarrhea | Severe diarrhea |
Severe diarrhea has many causes. Stomach flu (gastroenteritis) or food poisoning may cause severe diarrhea. Drinking untreated water that contains the Giardia lamblia parasite can cause diarrhea that develops 1 to 4 weeks later.
Severe diarrhea increases your risk for dehydration by causing your body to lose large amounts of fluid quickly. It is important to increase your intake of fluids, such as water or a rehydration drink, and to watch for symptoms of dehydration.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated | May 26, 2006 |
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