Description

Diarrhea is the abnormal increase of liquid in stool and increase in the frequency of passing stool (defecation). The person with diarrhea has watery or loose stool more than three times a day. Other symptoms include cramping, pain, feeling the urge to defecate, irritation of the skin around the anus (perianal), and inability to control defecation (fecal incontinence). Approximately 10% of the patients with advanced cancer suffer from diarrhea. Diarrhea lasting fewer than two weeks is called "acute diarrhea, " and diarrhea lasting for longer than two months is called "chronic diarrhea."

Diarrhea is a debilitating condition that can significantly affect quality of life. Diarrhea can prevent patients from participating in social activities and going to work. Persons...