US Medical Term · symptoms
Diarrhea
Diarrea
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Diarrhea |
| Spanish (Español) | Diarrea |
| Chinese (中文) | 腹瀉 |
| Korean (한국어) | 설사 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Tiêu chảy |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pagtatae |
| Portuguese (Português) | Diarreia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ท้องเสีย |
| Japanese (日本語) | 下痢 |
What it means
Diarrhea means having loose, watery bowel movements three or more times in a single day. It is one of the most common digestive complaints and is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, food intolerance, medications such as antibiotics, or inflammatory bowel disease. Most cases of acute diarrhea resolve on their own within one to two days with rest and fluids. Seek care if diarrhea lasts more than two days in an adult or 24 hours in a child, if there is blood or mucus in the stool, if fever is high, or if signs of dehydration appear such as dizziness, dry mouth, or very dark urine.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I've had watery diarrhea more than five times today.
He tenido diarrea líquida más de cinco veces hoy.
The diarrhea started after eating at a restaurant two days ago.
La diarrea comenzó después de comer en un restaurante hace dos días.
There's blood mixed in with the diarrhea and I have a fever.
Hay sangre mezclada con la diarrea y tengo fiebre.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R19 Other symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomenRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026