Diarrhea (AmE) (or diarrhoea) (BrE) (from the Greek διάρροια, δια dia “through” + ρέω rheo “flow” meaning “flowing through”) is the condition of having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day. It is a common cause of death in developing countries and the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte disturbances such as potassium deficiency or other salt imbalances.
