Chronic diarrhea natural history, complications and prognosis
Chronic diarrhea Microchapters |
Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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
Natural History
The natural history of chronic diarrhea is watery or bloody or fatty stools for more than 4 weeks duration associated with any of the following;
- Greasy stools that float and are malodorous may suggest fat malabsorption, while the presence of visible blood may suggest IBD).
- Travel history.
- Risk factors for HIV infection.
- Weight loss.
- Fecal incontinence (which may be confused with diarrhea).
- Occurrence of diarrhea during fasting or at night (suggesting a secretory diarrhea).
- Family history of IBD.
- Voluminous watery diarrhea due to disorders of the colon.
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Presence of systemic symptoms, which may indicate IBD (such as fevers, joint pains, mouth ulcers, eye redness).
- Use of medications (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements) (See Causes section)
- Use of sorbitol-containing products and use of alcohol.
- Association of stress and depression with onset and severity of the diarrhea.
- Association of symptoms with specific food ingestion (such as dairy products or potential food allergens).
- A sexual history (anal intercourse is a risk factor for infectious proctitis and promiscuous sexual activity is a risk factor associated with HIV infection).
- A history of recurrent bacterial infections (eg, sinusitis, pneumonia),suggesting a primary immunoglobulin deficiency.