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Acute and chronic diarrhea. How to keep laboratory testing to a minimum
1University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Postgraduate Medicine
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Diagnosing diarrhea requires a systematic approach, differentiating acute from chronic causes. A thorough history and physical exam guide targeted lab tests, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Diarrhea diagnosis presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Understanding distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms for acute and chronic diarrhea is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a systematic approach for diagnosing the causes of diarrhea.
- To emphasize the importance of patient history and physical examination in guiding diagnostic workups.
Main Methods:
- Systematic evaluation framework for diarrhea.
- Distinguishing between acute and chronic diarrhea based on pathophysiology.
- Utilizing patient history and physical examination findings.
Main Results:
- A systematic approach effectively narrows down potential diarrhea diagnoses.
- Differentiating acute (e.g., Giardia lamblia infection, antibiotic use) from chronic diarrhea (e.g., thyrotoxicosis, intolerances) is key.
- Targeted laboratory investigations, informed by initial assessment, efficiently establish the cause.
Conclusions:
- A structured diagnostic process is essential for effective diarrhea management.
- Clinical assessment is paramount in directing appropriate and cost-effective laboratory testing.
- Further research is needed to identify undiscovered functional causes of diarrhea.