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Diarrhea - Specifics, Origins, Complications
Mateusz Pawlak
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Diets Premium Expert • 25.03.2026
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Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian:
This article has been peer-reviewed for adherence to IŻŻ, WHO, and PTGiP clinical nutritional standards.
| Diets Premium Expert Mateusz Pawlak | min read 6 min | Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian 25.03.2026 |
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Key Takeaways
Diarrhea is one of the most common ailments of the digestive system, along with constipation, bloating, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Although it may seem harmless and sometimes even embarrassing, it can pose a serious threat to health and life in certain circumstances. How should it be treated and avoided? What are its causes? How can diarrhea be defined?
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Diarrhea - description and classification
Diarrhea that affects adults is defined as the condition of giving at least one liquid stool per day. In the group of newborns and infants, this disorder is defined somewhat differently, due to the possibility of giving up to seven stools per day with an abnormal consistency, which is related to the method of feeding. Diarrhea can be classified based on the duration, mechanism of occurrence, and etiological factor. Classification based on the duration of the disorder allows for the distinction of acute diarrhea that lasts from 7 to 14 days, chronic diarrhea that lasts from 14 to 30 days, and chronic persistent diarrhea that lasts over 30 days. The mechanism of occurrence enables the differentiation of osmotic diarrhea, which subsides after limiting fluid and food intake, secretory diarrhea, which does not respond to the cessation of oral intake, and diarrhea related to disturbances in bowel motility. The last classification, dependent on the etiological factor, allows for the differentiation of infectious diarrhea, which can occur together with fever, blood in the stool, nausea or vomiting and can be associated with antibiotic therapy, and non-infectious diarrhea.
Traveler's diarrhea – the traveler's diarrhea
Traveler's diarrhea is a pathological condition that involves passing at least three unformed stools per day, while experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, urge to defecate, or fever. This type of diarrhea usually lasts for about three to four days and can present both acute and chronic symptoms. Traveler's diarrhea is caused by an infection of the digestive tract that results from consuming contaminated water or food and poor hygiene practices. This problem primarily affects travelers to countries with low sanitation and hygiene standards.
The causes of diarrhea - detailed description
Diarrhea caused by osmotic imbalance, secretory imbalance, motor disturbances in the intestines, infectious and non-infectious diarrhea can be acute or chronic. Each of these conditions is associated with impaired electrolyte and water absorption mechanisms and severe secretion, and these factors do not have to be present simultaneously.
Secondary effects of diarrhea
One of the most common complications of diarrhea is progressive dehydration of the body, which can lead to metabolic acidosis. In some cases, people with diarrhea may experience a drop in blood pressure and a worsening of blood flow, which can lead to reduced blood flow to vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, heart or liver. All of this can lead to the so-called oligemic shock. The degree of dehydration is particularly dangerous for infants, children, and the elderly. A careful assessment of the degree of dehydration is necessary to implement the most effective form of treatment, both in outpatient and inpatient conditions. The technique for interpreting the degree of dehydration is based on accompanying signs and has been presented in the following table. Practical guide to dietetics, ed. by Jarosza M., Warsaw 2012. In addition to assessing the time of hair regrowth, the degree of skin tension and the correctness of respiratory processes, determining changes in body weight can be an effective way to diagnose the patient's condition. Even minimal dehydration is associated with a loss of up to 3% of body weight, mild or moderate from 3% to 9%, and severe dehydration over 9%.
Avoiding and treating gastrointestinal disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders can be avoided by following appropriate preventive measures such as maintaining life and nutritional hygiene. However, despite following these recommendations, the risks of the disorder cannot be completely eliminated. The treatment of gastrointestinal disorders involves primarily combating dehydration and applying an appropriate diet that helps reduce symptoms. Fluids can be replaced in several ways: orally, intravenously, or by using a nasogastric tube. In Poland, the method of using a tube is rarely used. Additionally, treatment may include the use of medications such as antiemetics, absorption agents, and probiotics. It is important to note that gastrointestinal disorders are a serious health problem that should not be underestimated.
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