Chronic diarrhea epidemiology and demographics

Chronic diarrhea Microchapters
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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

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

Incidence

• Incidence rate of chronic diarrhea has not been well studied.
• Incidence rate of ulcerative colitis range from 2.2 to 19.2 cases per 100,000 person-years.
• Incidence rate of chron's disease range from 3.1 to 20.2 cases per 100,000 person-years.

Case Fatality Rate

There are no case fatality rates for chronic diarrhea.

Age

There is no age distribution for chronic diarrhea.

Gender

Men and women are affected equally by chronic diarrhea.

Race

There is no racial predilection for chronic diarrhea.

Developed Countries

In developed countries the prevalence of diarrhea is 3-5%

Developing countries

The incidence of chronic diarrhea in adults in the developing countries has not been appropriately documented.

References

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