Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments	As unpleasant as diarrhea is this universal ailment rarely causes serious problems. Most people have diarrhea once or twice a year according to the Cleveland Clinic.	Causes	Sometimes referred to as intestinal flu diarrhea is usually caused by a virus in the bowel and generally lasts two or three days. But the condition  œ characterized by watery stool abdominal cramps and an urgency for bowel movements  œ has many possible causes which include:    	Complications	The primary complication of diarrhea is dehydration caused by the loss of large amounts of water salt and nutrients. According to the Mayo Clinic dehydration can lead to other serious conditions such as low blood pressure seizures kidney failure or even death. Those with ongoing diarrhea should seek medical attention if they experience:	 	Diagnosis & Tests	Diagnosing diarrhea itself is simple but doctors may want to determine the condition s cause for those whose symptoms are severe and/or ongoing. According to the NIH tests include:	Treatment & Medications	Most cases of diarrhea resolve spontaneously within a few days and all that is needed is preventing dehydration by replacing lost fluids according to the NIH.	In the meantime various over-the-counter medications may help firm the stool and decrease the urgency for bowel movements. These include loperamide hydrochloride (commonly known as the brand name Imodium AD) bismuth subsalicylate (brand name Pepto-Bismol) and attapulgite (brand name Kaopectate.	These medications however are not recommended for diarrhea caused by bacterial infection or parasites according to the NIH since organisms will be trapped in the intestines if the diarrhea ceases before they are completely excreted.	The Cleveland Clinic recommends drinking two to three quarts or liters of liquids daily while recovering from diarrhea. While water is fine it does not replace lost salt or nutrients so better choices are broth tea with honey sports drinks and pulp-free juices. Avoid milk products caffeine alcohol and apple and pear juices since they may worsen diarrhea.	Soft bland foods are recommended as well including bananas plain rice toast crackers boiled potatoes smooth peanut butter cottage cheese noodles and applesauce. Because yogurt cheese and miso contain probiotics which contain strains of bacteria similar to those in a healthy intestine they are also good choices. Avoid fatty high-fiber or heavily seasoned foods for several days.