What defines diarrhea?

Diarrhea is defined as the frequent passage of unformed, watery bowel movements. This definition captures the primary characteristics of diarrhea, where stool consistency is loose or liquid, and the frequency of bowel movements increases compared to a person's normal pattern. This condition can lead to dehydration if not managed properly, as it often indicates issues in the digestive system, such as infections, food intolerances, or other gastrointestinal disturbances.

In contrast, infrequent bowel movements indicate constipation rather than diarrhea. Normal consistency stool shows no irregularities and would not fit the definition of diarrhea, while severe constipation is the opposite of diarrhea, characterized by difficulty in passing stools or infrequent bowel movements. Thus, the definition provided accurately encapsulates the nature and symptoms associated with diarrhea.