Chronic diarrhea history and symptoms

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Chronic diarrhea Microchapters

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Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Chronic diarrhea from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

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Treatment

Medical Therapy

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Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

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

Obtaining the history is the most important aspect of making a diagnosis of chronic diarrhea. It provides insight into cause, precipitating factors and associated comorbid conditions. Complete history will help determine the correct therapy and helps in determining the prognosis. Specific histories about the symptoms (duration, onset, progression), associated symptoms, drug usage have to be obtained. Specific areas of focus when obtaining the history, are outlined below:[1][2]

  • Age and gender
  • Onset, duration, progression, pattern and timing of symptoms
  • Associated symptoms(lethargy, fever, confusion)
  • Current medications
  • Association with food and fasting states
  • Symptoms of other organ failure (renal failure, liver failure, adrenal failure)
  • Ingestion of poisons or chemicals
  • Co-morbid conditions like diabetes, immunodeficiency
  • Severe infections
  • Any alterations in sensorium as a result of dehydration
  • Family history

Associated symptoms can provide clues as to the cause of chronic diarrhea.

  • Confusion or agitation
  • Alterated mental status
  • Disorientation
  • Abdominal guarding
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Stupor or coma

References

  1. Kleinman RE (2005). "Chronic nonspecific diarrhea of childhood". Nestle Nutr Workshop Ser Pediatr Program. 56: 73–9, discussion 79-84. doi:10.1159/000086276. PMID 16632945.
  2. Eherer AJ, Fordtran JS (1992). "Fecal osmotic gap and pH in experimental diarrhea of various causes". Gastroenterology. 103 (2): 545–51. PMID 1634072.


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