title: Chronic unexplained diarrhea: a logical and cost-effective approach to assessment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The workup of chronic unexplained diarrhea can be equally frustrating for care providers and patients. It carries a physical, financial, and social toll. In this review we provide a sensible approach to evaluating and managing chronic diarrhea.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bile acid diarrhea is becoming increasingly recognized as a potential cause behind some cases of chronic diarrhea.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A detailed history and physical examination can provide clues that guide a logical approach to the evaluation. We suggest a cost-effective approach to the workup and management of chronic diarrhea based on individual patient factors related to clinical history and physical exam. We find that this approach leads to initiation of treatment in a time-efficient fashion and avoids unnecessary testing.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA.
authors.forename: Grace
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dosanjh
authors.forename: Darrell S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Pardi
mesh_terms: D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000378:metabolism*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008286:Malabsorption Syndromes / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000503:physiopathology; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
chemical_list: D001647:Bile Acids and Salts