What Is Rice Water Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

Rice water diarrhea is primarily caused by infection, which can range from mild or asymptomatic to severe and life-threatening. Approximately 1 in 10 individuals affected by cholera will develop severe symptoms. In the initial stages of cholera infection, these symptoms typically manifest as profuse watery diarrhea, often resembling a consistency likened to “rice-water stools,” along with episodes of vomiting. It’s important to note that while many cases of cholera are mild or even symptom-free, severe manifestations of the infection can have serious consequences.

The stool in question exhibits a distinctive characteristic known as “rice water stools,” a term commonly associated with cholera. This term is used because the appearance of these stools closely resembles the water used to rinse rice after it has been boiled. Rice water stools are typically described as having a watery consistency and a greyish hue, often appearing cloudy. Additionally, they may contain small flecks of mucus and emit a relatively mild, non-offensive odor reminiscent of fish. These details are based on observations made on March 14, 2017, in panels A, B, C, and D from a patient.