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Chronic diarrhea - Coggle Diagram
Chronic diarrhea
Investigations
- Laboratory tests: include (CBC), electrolyte panel, stool culture, ova and parasite (O&P) examination, and stool analysis for Clostridioides difficile (C. Difficile) toxin.
- Endoscopy: such as colonoscopy or capsule endoscopy, may be performed to visualize the gastrointestinal tract and identify any underlying conditions, such as (IBD), celiac disease, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- Radiological studies: Radiological studies, such as (CT) , (MRI), or US, may be performed to evaluate for any structural abnormalities, such as polyps, tumors, or inflammatory lesions.
- Stool calprotectin test: A stool calprotectin test may be performed to evaluate for inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Fecal fat test: A fecal fat test may be performed to evaluate for malabsorption, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Hydrogen breath test: A hydrogen breath test may be performed to evaluate for lactose intolerance, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Food allergy testing: Food allergy testing may be performed to evaluate for food allergies, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Psychological evaluation: A psychological evaluation may be performed to evaluate for any underlying psychological conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Nutritional assessment: A nutritional assessment may be performed to evaluate for any underlying nutritional deficiencies, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Genetic testing: Genetic testing may be performed to evaluate for any underlying genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or hereditary fructose intolerance, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool microbiota analysis: Stool microbiota analysis may be performed to evaluate for any underlying bacterial or viral infections, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Colonoscopy with biopsies: Colonoscopy with biopsies may be performed to evaluate for any underlying conditions, such as IBD or inflammatory lesions, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Small intestinal biopsies: Small intestinal biopsies may be performed to evaluate for any underlying conditions, such as celiac disease or lymphocytic colitis, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Pancreatic function tests: Pancreatic function tests may be performed to evaluate for any underlying pancreatic conditions, such as pancreatic insufficiency, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool electrolyte analysis: Stool electrolyte analysis may be performed to evaluate for any underlying electrolyte imbalances, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool osmolality measurement: Stool osmolality measurement may be performed to evaluate for any underlying osmotic diarrhea, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool pH measurement: Stool pH measurement may be performed to evaluate for any underlying bacterial overgrowth, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool zinc measurement: Stool zinc measurement may be performed to evaluate for any underlying zinc malabsorption, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool lactose measurement: Stool lactose measurement may be performed to evaluate for any underlying lactose intolerance, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool fat measurement: Stool fat measurement may be performed to evaluate for any underlying fat malabsorption, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool occult blood test: Stool occult blood test may be performed to evaluate for any underlying gastrointestinal bleeding, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool elastase measurement: Stool elastase measurement may be performed to evaluate for any underlying pancreatic insufficiency, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool calprotectin measurement: Stool calprotectin measurement may be performed to evaluate for any underlying inflammation, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool culture for C. Difficile: Stool culture for C. Difficile may be performed to evaluate for any underlying C. Difficile infection, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool culture for parasites: Stool culture for parasites may be performed to evaluate for any underlying parasitic infections, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool culture for bacteria: Stool culture for bacteria may be performed to evaluate for any underlying bacterial infections, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool culture for viruses: Stool culture for viruses may be performed to evaluate for any underlying viral infections, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool culture for fungi: Stool culture for fungi may be performed to evaluate for any underlying fungal infections, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool culture for mycobacteria: Stool culture for mycobacteria may be performed to evaluate for any underlying mycobacterial infections, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool culture for protozoa: Stool culture for protozoa may be performed to evaluate for any underlying protozoal infections, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
- Stool culture for yeast: Stool culture for yeast may be performed to evaluate for any underlying yeast infections, which can contribute to chronic diarrhea.
Causes
- Infections: Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can lead to chronic diarrhea. Common culprits include Salmonella, Campylobacter, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. It can cause chronic diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD refers to chronic inflammation of the gut, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions can cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, laxatives, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause chronic diarrhea as a side effect.
- Food Intolerances: Some people may have an intolerance to certain foods, such as lactose or gluten, which can lead to chronic diarrhea.
- Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. It can cause chronic diarrhea, as well as other symptoms such as bloating and weight loss.
- Pancreatic Disorders: Chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer can cause chronic diarrhea due to the impaired absorption of nutrients.
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries can affect the nerves that control bowel movements, leading to chronic diarrhea.
- Endocrine Disorders: Hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or hyperparathyroidism, can cause chronic diarrhea.
- Cancer: Cancer in the colon, rectum, or pancreas can cause chronic diarrhea as a symptom.
CP
- Frequent bowel movements: This is the most common symptom of chronic diarrhea. People may experience more than three bowel movements per day.
- Loose or watery stools: The stools may be watery, mushy, or have a loose consistency.
- Urgent need to pass stools: People may feel an urgent need to pass stools, which can be distressing and disruptive to daily activities.
- Abdominal pain: Some people may experience cramping, bloating, or discomfort in the abdomen.
- Weight loss: Chronic diarrhea can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, which can result in weight loss.
- Dehydration: Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and dark urine.
- Fatigue: Chronic diarrhea can lead to fatigue and weakness due to the loss of nutrients and fluids.
- Mucus in stools: In some cases, mucus may be present in the stools, which can indicate inflammation in the intestines.
- Fever: In some cases, chronic diarrhea may be accompanied by fever, which can indicate an infection.
TTT
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and inflammation. Some common medications include loperamide (Imodium), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), and mesalamine (Asacol).
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- Dietary changes: Certain foods may trigger diarrhea, so your doctor may recommend avoiding them. Common trigger foods include spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Your doctor may also recommend increasing your intake of fiber, as this can help bulk up your stools and reduce diarrhea.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that can help restore the balance of bacteria in your gut. Your doctor may recommend taking a probiotic supplement to help manage chronic diarrhea.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat chronic diarrhea. For example, if you have a condition called intestinal dysmotility, surgery may be needed to help improve the movement of food through your intestines.
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- Lifestyle changes: Certain lifestyle changes may help manage chronic diarrhea. For example, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and exercising regularly can all help improve gut health and reduce symptoms of diarrhea.