Chronic diarrhea history and symptoms: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==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 diarrhea|bloody loose bowel | 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 diarrhea|bloody loose bowel movements]], and cramping [[abdominal pain]] are suggestive of [[chronic diarrhea]]. The most common [[Symptom|symptoms]] of [[chronic diarrhea]] include cramping [[abdominal pain]], [[Body temperature|elevation in body temperature]], and increased frequency of [[Diarrhea (patient information)|bowel movements]]. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Obtaining the history is the most important aspect of making a [[diagnosis]] of [[chronic diarrhea]]. It provides insight into [[Causes|cause]], precipitating factors and associated [[Comorbidities|comorbid conditions]]. | Obtaining the history is the most important aspect of making a [[diagnosis]] of [[chronic diarrhea]]. It provides insight into [[Causes|cause]], precipitating factors, and associated [[Comorbidities|comorbid conditions]]. A complete [[History & Symptoms|history]] will help determine the correct [[therapy]] and the [[prognosis]]. Specific histories about [[symptoms]] (duration, onset, progression), associated [[symptoms]], and [[drug]] usage have to be obtained. Specific areas of focus when obtaining the [[History & Symptoms|history]] are outlined below:<ref name="pmid16632945">{{cite journal| author=Kleinman RE| title=Chronic nonspecific diarrhea of childhood. | journal=Nestle Nutr Workshop Ser Pediatr Program | year= 2005 | volume= 56 | issue= | pages= 73-9; discussion 79-84 | pmid=16632945 | doi=10.1159/000086276 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16632945 }} </ref><ref name="pmid1634072">{{cite journal| author=Eherer AJ, Fordtran JS| title=Fecal osmotic gap and pH in experimental diarrhea of various causes. | journal=Gastroenterology | year= 1992 | volume= 103 | issue= 2 | pages= 545-51 | pmid=1634072 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=1634072 }} </ref> | ||
* [[Age]] and gender | * [[Age]] and gender | ||
*Onset, duration, progression, pattern and timing of [[symptoms]] | *Onset, duration, progression, pattern, and timing of [[symptoms]] | ||
*Associated symptoms([[lethargy]], [[fever]], [[confusion]]) | *Associated symptoms ([[lethargy]], [[fever]], [[confusion]]) | ||
*Current [[medications]] | *Current [[medications]] | ||
*Association with [[food]] and fasting states | *Association with [[food]] and fasting states | ||
Revision as of 13:37, 9 August 2017
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Chronic diarrhea Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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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
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 movements, and cramping abdominal pain are suggestive of chronic diarrhea. The most common symptoms of chronic diarrhea include cramping abdominal pain, elevation in body temperature, and increased frequency of bowel movements.
History
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. A complete history will help determine the correct therapy and the prognosis. Specific histories about symptoms (duration, onset, progression), associated symptoms, and 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
Symptoms
The hallmark of chronic diarrhea is loose stools lasting for 4 weeks or more. Other most common symptoms of chronic diarrhea include:
Less common symptoms
Less common symptoms of chronic diarrhea include:
- Confusion or agitation
- Altered mental status
- Disorientation
- Abdominal guarding
- Difficulty speaking
- Stupor or coma
References
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Eherer AJ, Fordtran JS (1992). "Fecal osmotic gap and pH in experimental diarrhea of various causes". Gastroenterology. 103 (2): 545–51. PMID 1634072.