Diarrhoea

Question 1

Definition of diarrhoea

Answer 1

Loose stools at least 3 times a day

Question 2

Definition of acute and chronic diarrhoea

Answer 2

Acute if lasting less than 2 weeks

Chronic if lasting more than 2 weeks

Question 3

Causes of diarrhoea

Answer 3

Infection - mostly viral
Inflammatory bowel disease
Irritable bowel syndrome
Coeliac disease
Ischaemic colitis
Volvulus
Hyperthyroidism 
Chronic pancreatitis
Autonomic neuropathy

Question 4

Causative organisms of diarrhoea and description of diarrhoea they cause

Answer 4

E-coli, shigella and campylobacter - bloody diarrhoea
Clostridium difficile - green diarrhoea
Giardia lamblia - greasy, foul smelling diarrhoea

Question 5

How to distinguish between IBS and IBD

Answer 5

In IBS there is no bleeding and there are no nocturnal symptoms

Question 6

What is coeliac disease

Answer 6

Spectrum of gluten insensitivity resulting in an osmotic diarrhoea on gluten ingestion
Macro and micro nutrient deficiencies

Question 7

What is IBS

Answer 7

Resetting of sensitivity of neurones in bowel wall to stretch. No macroscopic damage.
Mixture of constipation, diarrhoea, pain and bloating

Question 8

What antibiotics are associated with C. difficile

Answer 8

Cephalosporins

Clindamycin

Question 9

What painkillers should be avoided in someone with C. difficile

Answer 9

Opiates as high risk of toxic megacolon