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Evaluating the Patient With Diarrhea: A Case-Based Approach

Abstract The evaluation of the patient with diarrhea can be complex and the treatment challenging. In this article, the definition of diarrhea and the pathophysiologic mechanisms that lead to diarrhea are reviewed. A simplified 5-step approach to the patient with diarrhea is provided and applied in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mayo Clinic proceedings 2012-06, Vol.87 (6), p.596-602
Main Author: Sweetser, Seth, MD
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Abstract The evaluation of the patient with diarrhea can be complex and the treatment challenging. In this article, the definition of diarrhea and the pathophysiologic mechanisms that lead to diarrhea are reviewed. A simplified 5-step approach to the patient with diarrhea is provided and applied in a case-oriented manner applicable to everyday clinical practice. On completion of this article, you should be able to (1) define diarrhea, (2) outline various pathophysiologic mechanisms of diarrhea, and (3) describe a simplified 5-step approach to facilitate the evaluation of diarrhea.
ISSN:0025-6196
1942-5546
DOI:10.1016/j.mayocp.2012.02.015