Episodic diarrhea

Episodic diarrhea

  • Irritable bowel syndrome
    • Functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by episodes of abdominal pain and altered bowel habits
    • Like carcinoid syndrome, may be associated with episodes of diarrhea; irregular bowel habits and abdominal pain may also occur with gastrointestinal carcinoids
    • Not associated with rectal bleeding or progressive symptoms that can be seen with carcinoids; postprandial urgency and alternating diarrhea and constipation are common
    • Differentiated on basis of history and physical examination
  • Ulcerative colitis
    • Chronic inflammatory disease involving the colon
    • As with carcinoid syndrome, presents with episodes of diarrhea; rectal bleeding may also occur with gastrointestinal carcinoids
    • Unlike carcinoids, associated with variety of extracolonic manifestations
    • Differentiated on basis of history and physical examination, inflammatory marker levels, serologic tests, and colonoscopy findings
  • Crohn disease
    • Chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract but primarily involves the ileum and colon
    • As with carcinoid syndrome, presents with episodes of diarrhea; irregular bowel habits, abdominal pain, and blood in stool may also occur with gastrointestinal carcinoids
    • Unlike carcinoids, may be accompanied by fever and extraintestinal manifestations
    • Differentiated on basis of history and physical examination, inflammatory marker levels, serologic tests, and imaging findings
15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856