Clinical QuickieGI/Hepatic
Diarrhea — Acute vs Persistent
Before ordering a stool panel, ask what the result would change.
Duration organizes the differential
Short-lived acute watery diarrhea, dysentery, prolonged/persistent diarrhea, and chronic recurrent symptoms require different thinking.
Hydration comes first
Orthostasis, tachycardia, urine output, oral tolerance, renal function, and electrolyte risk determine severity.
Test selectively
Severe disease, blood, high fever, immunocompromise, prolonged course, outbreaks, travel, recent antibiotics, or healthcare exposure are reasons to consider targeted testing.
Medication and noninfectious causes are common
Metformin, magnesium, antibiotics, laxatives, GLP-1 therapies, IBD, microscopic colitis, and malabsorption can mimic infection.
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