What exactly is ‘explosive diarrhea’?

(NEXSTAR) – The FDA is continuing its investigation into a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak after patients in numerous states reportedly began suffering from a symptom frequently described as “explosive diarrhea.”

But what is “explosive diarrhea,” exactly?

“It’s descriptive. You can picture it when people say it,” Dr. Dean Blumberg, the chief of pediatric diseases at UC Davis Health, told Nexstar. “Usually what that means is a large volume of diarrhea, and more of sudden onset.”

But it’s more than that, Blumberg said. “Explosive diarrhea” — while not an official medical term — is often used to describe severe bouts of often watery diarrhea, usually accompanied by forceful gas and cramps. It’s also associated with parasitic infections like cyclosporiasis, whereas other forms of gastrointestinal distress may be indicative of other illnesses. Norovirus, for instance, may cause watery diarrhea for only a few days, whereas something like cholera might present with symptoms of white, “rice-water” diarrhea, Blumberg explained.

“If you look at the different infections and causes of diarrhea, [the symptoms] are a little different,” Blumberg said.

In the case of the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, the “hallmark” symptom appears to be the more explosive type of diarrhea, Dr.........

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