DIARRHEA

also spelled Diarrhoea, abnormally swift passage of waste material through the large intestine, with consequent discharge of loose feces from the anus. Diarrhea may be accompanied by cramping. The disorder may have a wide range of causes. It may, for example, result from dysentery, either amoebic or bacillary; from eating coarse or highly seasoned foods or drinking large quantities of alcoholic beverages; from poisons such as arsenic or mercury bichloride; or from drugs administered to reduce high blood pressure. It may be one consequence of a psychoneurosis. Thyrotoxicosis (exophthalmic goitre), deficiency of parathyroid hormones, and uremiaan excess of nitrogenous wastes in the bloodall may cause diarrhea.