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Defining Diarrhea
- First, confirm the patient is experiencing true diarrhea, defined as loose stools (Bristol stool type 5-7) with increased frequency.
- Normal bowel movements range from 1-3 times daily; diarrhea is classified as more than 3 stools per day.
Diarrhea Duration
- Diarrhea is categorized by duration: acute (less than 4 weeks) and chronic (4+ weeks).
- Acute diarrhea is primarily caused by infections, while chronic diarrhea has a broader differential.
Diarrhea Framework
- Use a diagnostic framework for chronic diarrhea: watery, fatty, or inflammatory.
- This framework helps organize thinking and build a differential diagnosis based on stool characteristics.