Acute infectious diarrhea is most commonly viral (norovirus, rotavirus), bacterial (Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, certain E. coli), or parasitic (Giardia, Cryptosporidium) depending on region and exposure; chronic diarrhea (>4 weeks) raises concern for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), microscopic colitis, malabsorption, endocrine causes, or medication side effects.
Vulnerable populations—infants, elderly, immunocompromised—face higher morbidity and need prompt evaluation.
Ana Didovic Diarrheal: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options