diarrhoea

Frequent passage of loose watery stools, commonly the result of intestinal infection; rarely as a result of adverse reaction to foods or disaccharide intolerance. Severe diarrhoea in children can lead to dehydration and death; it is treated by feeding a solution of salt and sugar to replace fluid and electrolyte losses.

Osmotic diarrhoea is diarrhoea associated with retention of water in the bowel as a result of an accumulation of non-absorbable water-soluble compounds; especially associated with excessive intake of sorbitol and mannitol. Also occurs in disaccharide intolerance.