Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care

The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents

Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

An interactive tool to identify existing evidence and research gaps on agricultural production processes to address heavy metals in foods: developed from a scoping review.

Critical reviews in food science and nutrition·2026

Same author

Apitegromab for lean mass preservation during tirzepatide-induced weight loss: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial.

Nature medicine·2026

Same author

Arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and PFAS exposure during pregnancy or lactation and respective concentrations in human milk: Systematic review.

Environmental research·2025

Same author

Assessment of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances concentrations in human milk and infant formula in the United States: a systematic review.

The American journal of clinical nutrition·2025

Same author

Mercury exposure and childhood outcomes: An overview of systematic reviews.

Environmental research·2025

Same author

Association between Maternal Lead Exposure from Seafood Consumption and Neurodevelopment: A Systematic Review.

Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: December 27, 2024

Evaluation of chronic diarrhea.

Gregory Juckett¹, Rupal Trivedi

¹West Virginia University, Morgantown, USA. gjuckett@hsc.wvu.edu

American Family Physician

|November 17, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Chronic diarrhea, lasting over four weeks, is categorized as watery, fatty (malabsorption), or inflammatory. Effective diagnosis involves classifying the diarrhea type to guide targeted testing and treatment strategies.

More Related Videos

Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Published on: May 16, 2025

Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD

Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD

Published on: February 1, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 27, 2026

Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: December 27, 2024

Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Published on: May 16, 2025

Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD

Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD

Published on: February 1, 2012

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine

Background:

Chronic diarrhea is a prevalent and complex clinical condition.
It significantly impacts patient quality of life and healthcare resource utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline a practical diagnostic approach for chronic diarrhea.
To categorize chronic diarrhea into distinct types for effective management.

Main Methods:

Classification of chronic diarrhea into watery, fatty (malabsorption), and inflammatory subtypes.
Subdivision of watery diarrhea into osmotic, secretory, and functional categories.
Identification of key indicators for each diarrhea type, such as irritable bowel syndrome, microscopic colitis, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Main Results:

Watery diarrhea encompasses functional (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome) and secretory (e.g., microscopic colitis) types.
Malabsorptive diarrhea presents with steatorrhea or weight loss, with examples including celiac disease and giardiasis.
Inflammatory diarrhea is marked by blood/pus in stool and elevated fecal calprotectin, often due to infections or inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease.

Conclusions:

Categorizing chronic diarrhea by type is crucial for efficient diagnosis and treatment.
This approach narrows diagnostic possibilities, reduces unnecessary investigations, and allows for targeted empiric therapy when appropriate.