diarrhea

Examples of diarrhea in the following topics:

• Malabsorption of Nutrients

  • Infective agents that may cause malabsorption include: Whipple's disease , intestinal tuberculosis, HIV-related malabsorption, tropical sprue, traveler's diarrhea, and parasites (e.g.
  • Diarrhea (watery, diurnal and nocturnal, bulky, frequent stools) is the clinical hallmark of overt malabsorption.
  • Microscopic analysis of stool samples, particularly useful with diarrhea, may show protozoa like Giardia, ova of hookworm, cysts, and other infective agents.
  • Cholestyramine or other bile acid sequestrants help reduce diarrhea in bile acid malabsorption.

• Lactose Intolerance

  • In most cases, this causes symptoms such as abdominal bloating and cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, borborygmi (rumbling stomach), and/or vomiting after consuming significant amounts of lactose.
  • Secondary, acquired, or transient lactase deficiency is caused by an injury to the small intestine, usually during infancy, from acute gastroenteritis, diarrhea, chemotherapy, intestinal parasites, or other environmental causes.
  • The unabsorbed sugars and fermentation products also raise the osmotic pressure of the colon, resulting in an increased flow of water into the bowels (diarrhea).
  • Substantial variability in response (symptoms of nausea, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence) is to be expected, as the extent and severity of lactose intolerance varies among individuals.

• Adrenal Gland Disorders

  • If not treated, adrenal insufficiency may result in severe abdominal pains, diarrhea, vomiting, profound muscle weakness and fatigue, depression, extremely low blood pressure (hypotension), weight loss, kidney failure, changes in mood and personality, and shock (adrenal crisis).
  • Symptoms may also include weakness, tiredness, dizziness, low blood pressure that falls further when standing (orthostatic hypotension), cardiovascular collapse, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Water Balance Disorders

  • It is most often caused by severe vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, or hemorrhage.
  • Solid foods can contribute to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea.

• Anion Regulation

  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea will also cause a loss of chloride and bicarbonate ions.
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, and metabolic acidosis can also lead to hypochloremia.

• X-Ray Studies of the GI Tract

  • Constipation is common but diarrhea will affect some patients.

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

  • Most common side effects of NSAID are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, and drowsiness.

• Sodium, Electrolytes, and Fluid Balance

  • Chronic laxative abuse or severe diarrhea or vomiting (gastroenteritis) can lead to electrolyte disturbances along with dehydration.

• Gastrointestinal Reflex Pathways

  • This can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation.

• Galactosemia and Glycogen Storage Disease

  • Infants affected by galactosemia typically present with symptoms of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, failure to thrive, and jaundice.