Diarrhea quiz: Do you know when it's serious?

True. Typically, signs and symptoms of diarrhea — frequent, watery stools sometimes accompanied by abdominal cramps — last for a short period of time and then disappear. Diarrhea results when the lining of the intestine becomes inflamed, and the intestines aren't as able to absorb nutrients, fluids or both. Sometimes, diarrhea is persistent. See your doctor if you're concerned about persistent diarrhea.

All of these factors may cause acute cases of diarrhea.

• Viral infection. An invading virus can damage the mucous membranes that line your intestine, disrupting fluid and nutrient absorption.
• Bacterial infection. Bacteria in contaminated food or water can release a toxin that causes your intestinal cells to secrete salt and water. This overwhelms the capacity of your intestine to absorb fluid. Bacteria may also adversely affect the intestine's ability to absorb fluid.
• Other inflammatory agents. Diarrhea can result from a parasitic infection or a reaction to a medication such as an antibiotic. Once the parasite is eliminated or an offending antibiotic is discontinued, diarrhea usually disappears.
• Diet and lifestyle factors. Other common causes of acute diarrhea include spicy or fatty foods, dairy products, stress and anxiety. Excessive caffeine and alcohol also can aggravate and sometimes cause 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. Possible causes may include irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease — such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease — or malabsorption, caused by such conditions as lactose intolerance or celiac disease.

Caffeinated beverages can cause or aggravate diarrhea. Alcohol, fatty foods, highly seasoned foods and milk products also may increase your symptoms. Take the following measures to prevent dehydration — a problem commonly associated with diarrhea:

• Drink eight to 16 glasses of clear liquids, including water, clear sodas, broths and decaffeinated tea.
• 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
• Rapid pulse

Though all of these agents can lead to diarrhea, the most common cause of acute diarrhea in children is an infection from the rotavirus. Rotavirus disease, which lasts from three to eight days, produces vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and sometimes abdominal pain.

People can become infected if they consume contaminated food or water or come in contact with contaminated surfaces. The best way to prevent viral or bacterial infections is to wash your hands regularly. Always wash:

• Before you handle or eat food
• After you use the toilet
• After changing a diaper
• After blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing in your hand
• After playing with a pet
• After handling garbage

An infant who has no wet diapers in eight hours may be dehydrated. Because dehydration is more dangerous in babies and infants, contact your doctor if your child's diarrhea persists for more than 12 hours. In addition, contact your doctor if your child:

• Has a temperature of more than 102 F
• Has bloody stools
• Has a dry mouth or cries without tears
• Is unusually sleepy, drowsy or unresponsive

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 avoid traveler's diarrhea and improve your odds of having a healthy trip, follow these tips:

• Before you leave home, know the risk of traveler's diarrhea in the area you're visiting.
• Avoid tap water and ice cubes. Drink bottled water.
• Rinse your toothbrush in bottled water.
• Be sure your meat and vegetables are thoroughly cooked.
• Only eat fruit that you can peel.
• Avoid unpasteurized milk and other dairy products.
• Bring anti-diarrheal medication along with you.
• Be careful of salads or raw vegetables as these are often unwashed or washed in contaminated water.