Chronic diarrhea overview: Difference between revisions
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===History and Symptoms=== | ===History and Symptoms=== | ||
Obtaining the history is the most important aspect of making a [[diagnosis]] of chronic [[diarrhea]]. Specific histories about the [[symptoms]] (duration, onset, progression), associated [[symptoms]], and [[drug]] usage have to be obtained. The hallmark of chronic [[diarrhea]] is [[loose stools]] lasting for 4 weeks or more. A positive history of foul smelling [[stools]] that are difficult to flush, bloody loose bowel | Obtaining the history is the most important aspect of making a [[diagnosis]] of chronic [[diarrhea]]. Specific histories about the [[symptoms]] (duration, onset, progression), associated [[symptoms]], and [[drug]] usage have to be obtained. The hallmark of chronic [[diarrhea]] is [[loose stools]] lasting for 4 weeks or more. A positive history of foul smelling [[stools]] that are difficult to flush, bloody loose bowel movements, and cramping [[abdominal pain]] are suggestive of chronic [[diarrhea]]. The most common symptoms of chronic [[diarrhea]] include cramping [[abdominal pain]][[Body temperature|, elevation in body temperature]], and increased frequency of [[Diarrhea (patient information)|bowel movements]]. | ||
===Physical Examination=== | ===Physical Examination=== | ||
Revision as of 13:34, 9 August 2017
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Chronic diarrhea Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Omodamola Aje B.Sc, M.D. [2]
Overview
Chronic diarrhea is a common symptom of many conditions and has an estimated prevalence of 5%. Although chronic diarrhea has multiple definitions, a current working definition is the production of loose stools for longer than 4 weeks. Frequent defecation with normal consistency is termed psuedodiarrhea. There are 3 basic categories of chronic diarrhea: watery, fatty (malabsorption), and inflammatory (with blood and pus). The fundamental pathophysiology of all diarrhea is altered intestinal water and electrolyte transport caused by several factors majorly dependent on the socioeconomic status of the population. Treatment is targeted at treating the underlying cause of the diarrhea.
Historical Perspective
The word "diarrhea" was coined by Hippocrates. Diarrhea is derived from the Greek term "to flow through." Diarrhea is a common manifestation of gastrointestinal disease.
Classification
Chronic diarrhea may be classified into 3 basic categories: watery, fatty (malabsorption), and inflammatory (with blood and pus). It is important to note that not all chronic diarrhea falls into one category alone. Classifying a patient's chronic diarrhea into a subcategory helps to direct the diagnostic work-up.
Pathophysiology
The fundamental pathophysiology of all diarrhea is incomplete absorption of water from the lumen either because of a reduced rate of net water absorption (related to impaired electrolyte absorption or excessive electrolyte secretion) or because of osmotic retention of water intraluminally. Thus, diarrhea is a condition of altered intestinal water and electrolyte transport.
Causes
Depending on the socioeconomic status of the population, chronic diarrhea can be caused by several factors. In a developing nation, the most likely causes of chronic diarrhea are mycobacterial and parasitic infections, while functional disorders such as malabsorption and inflammatory bowel diseases are less likely causes. In a developed nation, however, the most likely causes of diarrhea are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorption syndromes (such as lactose intolerance and celiac disease), and chronic infections (particularly in patients who are immunocompromised).
Differentiating Chronic Diarrhea from other Conditions
The differential diagnosis for chronic diarrhea is enormous, with a large number of diagnostic tests available that can be used to evaluate these patients. Classifying a patient's chronic diarrhea into a subcategory helps direct the diagnostic work-up.
Epidemiology and Demographics
In developed countries, the prevalence of chronic diarrhea is estimated to be about 300-500 per 100,000 persons.
Risk Factors
The risk factors of chronic diarrhea can be assessed based on epidemiological associations and the patient's characteristics. Some of these factors can be classified based on travel history, epidemics and outbreaks, patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and whether the patients are institutionalized or hospitalized.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
If left untreated, patients with chronic diarrhea may progress to develop symptoms of altered sensorium due to electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and malnutrition. Common complications of chronic diarrhea include confusion, perforated bowels, sepsis, and death. Prognosis is generally good when the underlying cause is identified and treated early.
Diagnosis
There are no criteria for the diagnosis of chronic diarrhea. However, in order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is important to take a detailed history and a physical exam from expert opinion and from experience in individual clinical centers. The use of these methods is subject to bias; however, a specific diagnosis can be achieved in more than 90% of patients.
History and Symptoms
Obtaining the history is the most important aspect of making a diagnosis of chronic diarrhea. Specific histories about the symptoms (duration, onset, progression), associated symptoms, and drug usage have to be obtained. The hallmark of chronic diarrhea is loose stools lasting for 4 weeks or more. A positive history of foul smelling stools that are difficult to flush, bloody loose bowel movements, and cramping abdominal pain are suggestive of chronic diarrhea. The most common symptoms of chronic diarrhea include cramping abdominal pain, elevation in body temperature, and increased frequency of bowel movements.
Physical Examination
Some of the physical findings of chronic diarrhea are orthostatic hypotension, dehydration, neuropathy, muscle wasting, edema, malnutrition, urticaria pigmentosa, dermatographism, pinch purpura, macroglossia, hyperpigmentation, Addison's disease, and migratory necrotizing erythema.
Laboratory Findings
The laboratory findings in chronic diarrhea include complete blood count to evaluate for anemia, abnormal white blood cell count, electrolytes, thyroid tests, serological tests for celiac disease and stool analysis for fecal leukocytes, fecal lactoferrin, and fecal occult blood. Some other diagnostic studies that have been adopted in the diagnosis of chronic diarrhea include flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and capsule endoscopy.
Electrocardiogram
There are no electrocardiogram findings associated with chronic diarrhea.
Chest X-Ray
There are no chest X-ray findings associated with chronic diarrhea.
CT Scan
There are no CT findings associated with chronic diarrhea.
Other Imaging Findings
There are no additional imaging findings for chronic diarrhea.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Medications are the mainstay of treatment; the treatment of chronic diarrhea is targeted at treating the underlying cause. Antidiarrheal drugs, which act by improving stool consistency, reducing stool frequency, or reducing stool weight, are mainly employed for symptomatic treatment.
Surgery
Surgery is not the first-line treatment option for patients with chronic diarrhea. Surgical intervention is usually reserved for patients who have failed all medical therapy and when malignancy is suspected on biopsy as the cause of the chronic diarrhea.
Prevention
The primary and secondary prevention methods of chronic diarrhea are the same.