Diarrhea is a common symptom that can range in severity from an acute, self-limited episode to a severe, life-threatening illness. A symptom of different diseases, diarrhea is characterized as an increase in the volume, consistency or frequency of fecal excretion compared to the patient’s normal stools.¹ Clinical features vary depending on the cause, duration and severity of the diarrhea, and on the patient’s general health.

Diarrhea is potentially serious if it leads to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, particularly in infants, children, elderly or other at risk groups. Accurately defining and classifying diarrhea provide the basis for appropriate approach on the diagnostic and therapeutic options. In general, supportive treatment is usually sufficient. However, antibiotic or probiotic may be considered in selected patients.²

Pathophysiology of Diarrhea(How diarrhea develops)
Diarrhea may be defined as acute if the episode is <2 weeks, persistent if 2–4 weeks, and chronic if >4 weeks in duration.³ Acute diarrhea with a sudden onset is often acquired by fecal-oral transmission via direct contact or through ingestion of food or water contaminated with fecal pathogens. Chronic diarrhea is seen in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and diabetic diarrhea or with certain medications.

Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea results from an imbalance in the absorption and secretion properties of the intestinal tract. There are four types of diarrhea  
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Symptoms of Diarrhea
Patients with diarrhea present with various clinical features depending on the underlying cause. Diarrhea due to small intestinal disease is typically watery and often associated with dehydration. Diarrhea of the large intestine is   
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Diagnosis of Diarrhea
Although most diarrheal episode is benign, a thorough history and physical examination will identify those cases requiring early diagnostic evaluation or aggressive management. The presence of comorbid diseases and associated symptoms increase the urgency for diagnostic workup and management. Abnormal vital signs, high fever, presence of moderate-to-severe dehydration or bloody diarrhea identify patients at higher risk who require early therapeutic intervention.

Management of Diarrhea
The goals of treatment are to maintain hydration, treat the underlying causes and relieve the symptoms of diarrhea. Rehydration and correction of any electrolyte imbalance is the core in the management of diarrhea. If 
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Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: February 11, 2010