ASGE Annual GI Advanced Practice Provider Course (On-Demand) - Clinical Case-based Learning (Day Two) | March 2025-Clinical Vignettes: Approach to Diarrhea

Clinical Vignettes: Approach to Diarrhea - Acute and Chronic Diarrhea

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation delves into the clinical differentiation between acute and chronic diarrhea. Definitions focus on stool liquidity, frequency, and consistency changes, with acute diarrhea lasting under 14 days and chronic diarrhea over 30 days. The common cause of acute diarrhea is infections, which could be viral or bacterial. A thorough history and physical examination are emphasized to understand the causes, alongside testing like the Bristol stool scale for consistency. Key alarm symptoms such as weight loss, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain suggest a need for further investigation. The presentation stresses that most acute cases self-resolve with supportive care, including hydration and dietary adjustments, while chronic diarrhea requires a more meticulous approach, possibly needing endoscopic evaluation. Chronic diarrhea types, like malabsorptive and secretory, are detailed, highlighting management strategies like lactose restriction and medications, particularly in older patients with conditions like microscopic colitis.

Asset Subtitle

Jill Olmstead, DNP, ANP-BC, FAANP

Keywords

acute diarrhea

chronic diarrhea

stool consistency

infection causes

alarm symptoms

management strategies