# Diarrhea --- **Diarrhea** is an increased, unhealthy amount of watery stool. This can be life-threatening because of the water loss, and also because of the [[bicarbonate|HCO3-]] loss. This bicarbonate loss triggers the epithelial cells lining the intestines to replace it, which simultaneously secretes [[hydrogen ion|H+]] into the bloodstream. This can lead to [[acidosis|acidosis]]. >[!science] Acids and Bases are Zero Sum >When the body makes an acid, it also makes a base, and vice versa. It's a system. ## Diarrhea due to Pathogens The main way you get these is through ingesting them, usually in food. This is why food saftey is so important. **Bacteria** such as: - campylobacter - [[salmonella]] - [[shigella]] - [[Escherichia coli|E. coli]] **Viruses** such as: - [[rotavirus]] - [[norovirus]] / calicivirus - associated with outbreaks in LTC facilities and cruise ships **Paracites** such as: - [[giardia]] - cryptosporidium - entamoeba histolytica ___