What is the difference between diarrhea and loose stool, or are they the same?

Define "Diarrhea": Stool texture (regardless of volume or frequency of movements) is defined by the bristol stool scale (bss), which ranges from 1 (hard, pellet stool) to 7 (loose, watery stool). Normal stool grades a 4 on the bss. On the other hand, "diarrhea" is defined by volume and stool frequency (typically more than 4-5 bowel movements/day). Tell your doctor as well about bleeding, fever, tenderness/pain.

Different: I believe diarrhea must include a serious increase in the frequency of the bms and looseness.Of course other symptoms such as fever, cramps, etc may be present.