Chronic diarrhea overview
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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
Chronic diarrhea is a common symptom of many conditions with an estimated prevalence of 5%. Although chronic diarrhea has multiple definitions, a current working definition is the production of loose stools for longer than 4 weeks’ duration. Frequent defecation with normal consistency is termed psuedodiarrhea.
Historical Perspective
Classification
Chronic diarrhea may be classified into 3 basic categories: watery, fatty(malabsorption) and inflammatory (with blood and pus). It is important to note that not all chronic diarrhea falls into one category alone. The differential diagnosis for chronic diarrhea is enormous, with a large number of diagnostic tests available that can be used to evaluate these patients. Classifying the patient with chronic diarrhea into a subcategory helps to direct the diagnostic work-up.
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Chronic Diarrhea fron other Conditions
The Rome IV criteria differentiates chronic diarrhea based on the functional, organic and inflammatory etiologies;
- The functional category includes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),when abdominal pain accompanies the diarrhea
- The organic diarrhea is when abdominal pain is absent
- The inflammatory diarhhea is when significant abdominal pain,fever, or GI bleeding is present.
- The malsbsorption diarrhea is when gas, bloating and substantial weight loss suggests malabsorption