Definition: Increase in frequency, fluidity, and volume of stools.
Types:
-Acute Diarrhea: Lasts less than 14 days.
-Dysentery: Bloody stools (caused by Shigella or Salmonella).
-Chronic Diarrhea: Lasts more than 14 days.
Causes:
-Infectious: Viruses (e.g., rotavirus), bacteria, parasites.
-Non-Infectious: Dietetic factors, antibiotics, malabsorption.
Complications:
-Dehydration, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance.