Definition

The Merck Manual of Health and Aging defines diarrhea as watery bowel movements. This condition may come on suddenly and develop into a persistent condition, depending on the underlying cause, and may include nausea as a symptom.

Causes

A sudden attack of diarrhea accompanied by nausea usually signifies gastroenteritis from intestinal infection or food contamination. Some drugs can also cause sudden diarrhea.

Dangers

Rapid loss of fluids from diarrhea can cause dehydration, a potentially dangerous condition in which the blood pressure drops. Nausea often results, along with rapid breathing, fatigue and abnormal heart rhythm.

Treatment

Diarrhea caused by infections will usually resolve itself, though antibiotics can help, while parasitic infections require medication. A nauseated patient may require intravenous saline and a hospital stay.

Considerations

People who live in large, close groups, such as nursing homes residents or boarding school students, face a higher risk of sudden diarrhea and nausea because toxins that cause gastroenteritis can easily spread through susceptible shared living spaces and through a food supply, or even through the air that they breathe.

Source:

Merck Manual of Health and Aging: Diarrhea