Which of the following is NOT a symptom of diarrhea?

Incontinence is not a primary symptom of diarrhea, though it can occasionally occur in certain situations. The other options are recognized symptoms directly associated with diarrhea.

Frequent liquid stools are the hallmark of diarrhea, where the normal consistency of stool is altered due to various factors like infections or gastrointestinal disorders. Dehydration often results from diarrhea because as the body loses large amounts of fluids and electrolytes through frequent watery stools, it can lead to significant fluid imbalance. Abdominal pain is also a common symptom, as diarrhea may be accompanied by cramping and discomfort due to the rapid movement of contents through the intestines.

While incontinence sometimes occurs as a result of not being able to control the urge to defecate, it is not a defining feature of diarrhea itself. Thus, incontinence is correctly identified as the option that does not align with the core symptoms of diarrhea.