Diarrhea refers to the frequent emission of more or less liquid stools. It occurs when our gut no longer absorbs enough digested food and fluids, and itself produces secretions that make the feces soft.
There are different types of diarrhea.
Acute diarrhea occurs suddenly, but usually passes quickly. It usually occurs following a bacterial or viral infection of the digestive tract, but may be a symptom of other diseases. It can be accompanied by abdominal cramps, stomach pain, nausea, decreased appetite. If it persists beyond three or four days, or if there is a significant change in general health, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
The turista, or traveler's diarrhea, is an acute diarrhea that occurs during (or after) a trip, especially in a tropical or subtropical region. The turista is of infectious origin and lasts a few days. It is usually benign, but can be quite embarrassing.
When the evacuation of loose stools persists for a prolonged period (two or three weeks), one speaks of chronic diarrhea. In this case, it is important to consult, so as to identify the cause of this diarrhea, which could be the symptom of a specific infectious disease or not, a food intolerance, etc.