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Chronic Diarrhea
What is chronic diarrhea?Diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 weeks is considered persistent or chronic. In an otherwise healthy person, chronic diarrhea can be a nuisance. However, for someone who has a weak immune system, chronic diarrhea may represent a life-threatening illness. What causes chronic diarrhea?Chronic diarrhea has many different causes; these causes can be different for children and adults. Chronic diarrhea sometimes is classified on whether or not it is caused by an infection. The cause of chronic diarrhea somtimes remains unknown. Diarrhea caused by an infection may result from:
Diarrhea not caused by an infection may result from various causes such as:
How is the cause chronic diarrhea diagnosed?Diagnosis of chronic diarrhea can be difficult and requires that your health care provider take a careful history and perform a physical exam. The types of tests that your health care provider orders will be based on your symptoms and history. Tests may include blood or stool tests. Stool cultures may be used to test for bacteria; generally three or more stool samples are collected and examined. Special tests may be required to diagnose some parasites. If these initial tests do not reveal the cause of the diarrhea, additional tests may be done, including radiographs (x-rays) and endoscopy. Endoscopy is a procedure in which a tube is inserted into the mouth or rectum so that the doctor, usually a gastroenterologist, can look at the intestine from the inside. Who is at risk serious complications from chronic diarrhea?The risk of serious complications from chronic diarrhea depends on the cause of the diarrhea and the age and general health of the patient. Chronic diarrhea from some causes can result in serious nutritional disorders and malnutrition. Severely immunocompromised persons, including those with HIV/AIDS and those receiving chemotherapy for cancer or organ transplantation can be at risk for serious chronic diarrhea. Determining the correct cause of chronic diarrhea is necessary in order to select proper treatment and reduce the risk of serious complications. How is chronic diarrhea treated?The treatment of chronic diarrhea is determined by its cause. Follow the advice of your health care provider.
For diarrhea whose cause has not been determined, the following guidelines may help relieve symptoms. Follow the advice of your health care provider.
How are infections that can cause chronic diarrhea spread?Infections that can cause chronic diarrhea usually are spread by drinking water or eating food that is contaminated with stool. This occurs when a person puts something that is contaminated with stool in or around his or her mouth. In general, chronic diarrhea not caused by an infection is not spread to other people. How can infections that cause chronic diarrhea be prevented?Infections that cause chronic diarrhea usually can be prevented by
This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or think that you may have a parasitic infection, consult a health care provider. |
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Info CDC Home | CDC Search | CDC Health Topics A-Z This page last reviewed September 11, 2008 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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