Diarrhea is most commonly caused by myriad viral infections but is also often the result of bacterial toxins and sometimes even infection. One of the most important treatments for diarrhea involves the patient consuming adequate amounts of water to replace that lost, preferably mixed with electrolytes to provide essential salts and some amount of nutrients. There are many time-honored herbal treatments for common diarrhea, that can in fact be just as helpful, if not more than many over-the counter remedies. For many people, further treatment and formal medical advice is unnecessary, however, diarrhea can be a symptom of a more serious condition, and can be health threatening to high risk individuals such as the elderly or infants. Use common sense and seek help if the condition becomes chronic.

Colitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining the large bowel. People with colitis may have abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, painful spasms (tenesmus), lack of appetite, fever, and fatigue.