Chronic diarrhea epidemiology and demographics

Chronic diarrhea Microchapters
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Overview
Historical Perspective
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Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Chronic diarrhea from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
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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

Diarrhea is a common symptom of many different disturbances of gut function. It has been estimated that the average individual living in an industrialized country has an episode of acute diarrhea every 18 months. Chronic diarrhea is less frequent; 3–5% of thepopulation may have diarrhea lasting more than 1 month in any given year.

Epidemiology and demographic

Prevalence

• The prevalence of chronic diarrhea is 300-500/100,000.
  • The prevalence of specific causes of chronic diarrhea is listed below
    • Ulcerative colitis
    • Crohn's disease
    • Lactose intolerance
    • Endocrine disorders such as Hyperthyroidism
    • Neuroendocrine tumors such as VIPoma
    • Celiac disease
    • Irritable bowel syndrome
    • Giardiasis
    • Tropical sprue
    • Diverticulitis
    • Clostridium difficile infection
    • Ulcerating viral infections such as Cytomegalovirus infection
    • Invasive bacterial infections such as Tuberculosis
    • Neoplasias such as Colon carcinoma

References

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