Diarrhoea Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the difference between acute, persistent and chronic diarrhoea.
A
Acute <14 days
Persistent >14 days
Chronic >4 weeks
2
Q
What is the most common cause of acute diarrhoea?
A
Infection (particularly viral infections)
3
Q
Which drugs can potential cause acute diarrhoea?
A
Beta blockers Antiarrhythmics PPIs H2 receptor antagonists Antibiotics
4
Q
Infectious diarrhoea is usually acute. What type of infection most commonly causes chronic diarrhoea?
A
Protozoan infections e.g. giardiasis
5
Q
What are some of the potential causes of chronic diarrhoea?
A
IBS IBD Bile acid diarrhoea Microscopic colitis Malabsorption Diet (caffeine, alcohol) Coeliac disease Colorectal carcinoma Medications (antibiotics, hypoglycaemic) Overflow diarrhoea Pancreatic insufficiency Surgical causes i.e. ,short gut syndrome Endocrine disorders e.g. hyperthyroidism, Addison's Small bowel enteropathies e.g. Whipple's disease, tropical sprue
6
Q
Define diarrhoea
A
Abnormal passage of >3 loose stools per day and/or increased stool frequency from what is normal for the individual lasting <14 days and/or stool weight >200g/day
