Chronic diarrhea history and symptoms

Chronic diarrhea Microchapters
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History and Symptoms
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Case #1

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Omodamola Aje B.Sc, M.D. [2]

Overview

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 movement, and crampy abdominal pain are suggestive of chronic diarrhea. The most common symptoms of chronic diarrhea include crampy abdominal pain, elevation in body temperature, and increased frequency of bowel movemnets.

Diagnostic criteria

• History
  • Age
  • Duration, onset
  • Food
  • Family history
  • Pattern
  • Timing
  • Travel

• Physical examination
  • General
  • Eye
  • Skin
  • Abdomen
  • Anorectal

• Laboratory tests
  • Blood (Albumin and thyroid stimulating hormone levels, complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, liver function testing
  • Stool ( Bacteria, blood, fat, leukocytes, ova and parasite, pH tests, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium antigen test)
  • Celiac panel
  • Clostridium difficle toxin ( if indicated)
  • Laxative screen ( if indicated)

• Procedure
  • Anoscopy
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy and biopsy

References

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