Three clinical syndromes of diarrhoea reflecting a different pathogenesis and treatment approaches
Acute watery diarrhoea: with a sudden change in bowel habits resulting in loose and frequent stools without blood, more voluminous in nature, sometimes associated with fever
Infections of bacteria (50%) Ex: E. Coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), Campylobacter
Parasites: giardia, entamoeba,
Viral infections (30-40%) Rota, Corono, Astro, Norwalk and Adeno virus
Food poisoning due to bacteria infecting food and stored improperly.
Numerous medications may also cause diarrhoea Ex: antacids, antibiotics, antihypertensive medications, laxatives, magnesium supplements, potassium supplements and various cardiac medications
Dysentery: Diarrhoea with visible blood, fever and tenesmus
Chronic diarrhoea: Long lasting diarrhoea due to non infectious causes.