Diarrhea is the passing of loose or watery stools more than three times a day, which is different from the normal pattern.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea is classified into three types:

1. Acute Diarrhea – Lasts less than 14 days
2. Persistent Diarrhea – Lasts more than 15 days up to 30 days
3. Chronic Diarrhea – Lasts more than 30 days

Symptoms of Acute Diarrhea

• Passing loose or watery stools more than three times a day
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive thirst
• Sunken eyes
• Dry lips
• Fatigue and weakness
• Possible fever
• Weight loss

Causes of Acute Diarrhea

1. Non-infectious causes
   • Food allergies or intolerance
   • Use of antibiotics
2. Infectious causes
   • Viruses
   • Bacteria
   • Fungi
   • Parasites