diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements or a decrease in the form of stool (greater looseness of stool). although changes in frequency of bowel movements and looseness of stools can vary independently of each other changes often occur in both. diarrhea needs to be distinguished from four other conditions. although these conditions may accompany diarrhea they often have different causes and different treatments than diarrhea. these other conditions are: incontinence of stool which is the inability to control (delay) bowel movements until an appropriate time for example until one can get to the toilet. rectal urgency which is a sudden urge to have a bowel movement that is so strong that if a toilet is not immediately available there will be incontinence. incomplete evacuation which is a sensation that another bowel movement is necessary soon after a bowel movement yet there is difficulty passing further stool the second time. bowel movements immediately after eating a meal.
what is diarrhea?