Classification of diarrhoeal disease
Diarrhoea can be classified into two broad categories based on aetiological factors: infectious and non-infectious.
The most common cause of acute diarrhoea worldwide is infection (viruses, bacteria, and parasites). Most are acquired through the faecal-oral route, from contaminated water or food. Most infections are self-limiting or treated easily.
In non-infectious diarrhoea, a number of drugs are associated with this including antacids containing magnesium, anti-arrhythmics, antibiotics, anti-hypertensives, NSAIDs and antineoplastic agents. It may also occur as a result of inflammatory bowel disease, bowel ischaemia, and radiation injury.
Reference
- Riddle MS, DuPont HL, Connor BA. ACG clinical guideline: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute diarrheal infections in adults. Am J Gastroenterol. 2016 May;111(5):602-22.
Related pages
Create an account to add page annotations
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.