Diarrhea is described as an increase in the frequency of bowel movements and 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 |
Persistent diarrhea can have many causes, including dietary changes, stress, irritable bowel syndrome, and certain medicines. Occasionally, persistent diarrhea can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a chronic infection, inflammatory bowel disease, a malabsorption syndrome, or colorectal cancer.
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 |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.
