Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common symptom manifestation of gastrointestinal as well as extraintestinal disease. Most cases of acute diarrhea are infectious in origin and are self-limiting. The main cause of concern and focus of management is to maintain hydration and nutrition during these acute episodes. Although the differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea is extensive, a careful history taking and physical examination will usually provide adequate clues to direct specific testing. In this chapter we discuss the pathophysiology of diarrhea, outline the approach to investigating causes of diarrhea, and briefly describe key diagnoses on a differential.