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Related Concept Videos

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

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...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:24

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Giardiasis01:12

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction01:26

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic disorders marked by recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to an abnormal immune response against gut microflora. This leads to tissue damage. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s disease is a relapsing inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. It involves all layers of the bowel wall (transmural) and shows “skip lesions” in which...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...

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Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
07:06

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Published on: December 8, 2014

Chronic diarrhea of unknown origin

N W Read, G J Krejs, M G Read

    Gastroenterology
    |February 1, 1980
    PubMed
    Summary

    Diagnosing severe chronic diarrhea is challenging. This study found surreptitious drug ingestion was the most common cause in patients with unexplained diarrhea, highlighting the need for thorough investigation.

    Area of Science:

    • Gastroenterology
    • Internal Medicine
    • Diagnostic Medicine

    Background:

    • Severe chronic diarrhea often presents diagnostic challenges.
    • Previous investigations at other institutions frequently fail to identify the cause.
    • Patients may undergo extensive, yet inconclusive, diagnostic workups.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the diagnostic yield of comprehensive evaluation in patients with severe chronic diarrhea of unknown etiology.
    • To identify common and overlooked causes of unexplained diarrhea.
    • To refine the diagnostic approach for refractory chronic diarrhea.

    Main Methods:

    • Standard diagnostic methods, including fecal analysis and intestinal perfusion.
    • Anal sphincter function tests for patients with fecal incontinence.

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  • Detailed patient history focusing on potential surreptitious drug ingestion.

    • Main Results:

    • A specific diagnosis was established in 13 of 27 patients.
    • Surreptitious ingestion of laxatives or diuretics was the most frequent diagnosis (9 patients).
    • Other diagnoses included ulcerative colitis, beef allergy, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, irritable bowel syndrome, and anal sphincter dysfunction.

    Conclusions:

    • Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation can identify specific causes in a significant proportion of patients with unexplained chronic diarrhea.
    • Surreptitious drug ingestion is a critical diagnosis to consider and investigate.
    • Accurate measurement of stool weight and frequency, alongside a detailed history, are essential components of the diagnostic process.