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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffIn general, diarrhea usually means you have looser, more watery stools that occur more frequently. You may also experience abdominal cramps and a greater volume of stool. Diarrhea varies in specific symptoms, severity and duration.
Acute diarrhea usually lasts for a few days and is typically caused by an infection of some sort — bacteria, viruses or parasites.
Chronic diarrhea persists longer than does acute diarrhea, generally longer than four weeks. Chronic diarrhea can indicate a serious disorder, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, or a less serious condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
