When you have diarrhea, your bowel movements (stools) are loose and watery. It’s very common and although it feels bad, it's usually not serious.
It typically lasts two to three days, and if you need to treat it, there are over-the-counter medicines, which means they don't need a prescription.
For many people, diarrhea strikes once or twice each year. If you have certain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, it can happen more often.