Diarrhea Clinical Presentation

How is diarrhea diagnosed?

if stool weight is > 200-300g/24hrs; increased stool frequency (>3 times/day) or liquidity of feces

How long does acute diarrhea last?

< 14 days

How long does persistent diarrhea last?

15 to 30 days

How long does chronic diarrhea last?

>30 days in duration

What can cause acute diarrhea?

• infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic)

• medications

• foodborne illness or intolerances

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What can cause chronic diarrhea?

• inflammatory bowel disease

• irritable bowel syndrome

• celiac disease

• clostridioides difficile colitis

How can you tell is acute diarrhea is infectious?

• fever

• bloody diarrhea

• abdominal cramps

• straining

• small volume stools

What are signs/symptoms of acute diarrhea?

• abrupt onset of loose/watery stool

• abdominal cramps and tenderness/rectal urgency

• nausea/bloating/fever

• bloody stools/severe abdominal pain

Which population are considered at risk for acute diarrhea?

• older adults

• children <3 years old

• immunocompromised pts

What are exclusions to self care?

• <6 months old or <8kg in weight

• persistent fever

• visible blood/pus/mucus in stool

• high output along with persistent vomiting

• pregnancy

• severe dehydration

• severe abdominal pain