Acute diarrheal diseases are a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality; elderly and vulnerable patients are also exposed. Among adults, acute diarrhea is the most common health problem for travelers to developing countries and is more common among people with HIV infection. Evaluation and correction of dehydration and electrolyte disturbances is a priority in all cases of acute diarrhea. Excessive symptoms in adults may be justified but antidepressants should not be used at all with children because they do not reduce fluid and electrolyte loss and can cause adverse effects.
Diarrhea, which lasts more than a month, is known as chronic diarrhea. The syndrome of mild malabsorption and tropical bowel disease is evident in most healthy indigenous populations in tropical countries. However, most cases of chronic diarrhea have non-infectious causes, including sensitivity to gluten, inherited metabolic disorders or inflammatory bowel disease.
Bloody diarrhea is usually a sign of invasive intestinal infection and must be treated with an appropriate anti-infection agent.
Diarrhea, which lasts more than a month, is known as chronic diarrhea. The syndrome of mild malabsorption and tropical bowel disease is evident in most healthy indigenous populations in tropical countries. However, most cases of chronic diarrhea have non-infectious causes, including sensitivity to gluten, inherited metabolic disorders or inflammatory bowel disease.
Bloody diarrhea is usually a sign of invasive intestinal infection and must be treated with an appropriate anti-infection agent.
