Diarrhea quiz: What common causes are behind your symptoms?

True. Typically, signs and symptoms of diarrhea — frequent, watery stools sometimes accompanied by abdominal cramps — last for a short period of time and then go away. Sometimes, diarrhea is persistent. See your doctor if you're concerned about persistent diarrhea.

All of these factors can cause or aggravate acute cases of diarrhea. Bacteria, viruses, parasites and some medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt your intestine's ability to absorb fluid. And caffeine or spicy foods can aggravate diarrhea.

The poor absorption (malabsorption) of fats, carbohydrates or nutritional supplements can cause diarrhea. In addition, artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol and mannitol, which are often found in chewing gum and other sugar-free products, can cause bloating and diarrhea in some people, especially when consumed in excessive amounts. If you suspect that your diarrhea is caused by poor absorption of a nutrient or compound, remove or cut back on that item in your diet.

Diarrhea that persists or recurs frequently isn't usually related to appendicitis. Signs and symptoms of appendicitis include pain in the middle to lower right side of the abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and the urge to have a bowel movement or pass gas.

Rather, persistent or recurrent diarrhea is usually related to a chronic intestinal disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis or a malabsorption condition such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease.

Caffeinated beverages can aggravate diarrhea. Alcohol, fatty foods, highly seasoned foods and milk products also may increase your symptoms. To prevent dehydration — a problem commonly associated with diarrhea:

• Drink clear liquids throughout the day, including water, clear sodas, broths and decaffeinated tea. Avoid fruit juices.
• Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.
• Avoid dairy products, fatty foods and spicy foods for a few days.
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine.

Contact a doctor if your bout with diarrhea involves severe abdominal or rectal pain, bloody stools, a temperature of more than 101 F, or if you become dehydrated. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:

• Excessive thirst
• Dry mouth
• Little or no urine
• Severe weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

The greatest risk factor for traveler's diarrhea is your destination. It's more common in developing countries of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Up to half of all international travelers develop traveler's diarrhea each year.

To help avoid traveler's diarrhea, drink bottled water, only eat meat that's thoroughly cooked and fruit that you can peel, and avoid ice and raw vegetables, which are often washed in water.

Medicines that stop diarrhea can help in some cases. However, if your diarrhea is caused by bacteria or parasites, those medicines can trap the bacteria or parasites in your intestine and prolong the problem. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat such infections.