ACUTE DIARRHEA IN ADULT - INFECTIOUS

Definition

Diarrhea: Change in normal bowel movements characterized by increase in frequency, water content or volume of stools ≥3 episodes/day or at least 250 g/stool per day
Acute diarrhea: Diarrhea lasting <14 days duration
Persistent diarrhea: Diarrhea lasting ≥14 days
Chronic diarrhea: Diarrhea lasting ≥30 days
Infectious diarrhea: Diarrhea of infectious origin (bacterial, viral, protozoal) & is usually associated w/ symptoms of nausea & vomiting (N/V) & abdominal cramps