The Patient With Acute Diarrhea

Abstract

DIARRHEAL illness is one of the most common disorders of man. In most instances, enteric infection is self-limiting, but in some cases, appropriate specific therapy can shorten the illness, and in a smaller number, similar treatment may be lifesaving. This algorithm is one current approach to the management of acute diarrhea. Hospitalization vs Outpatient Management Whether the patient should be hospitalized or treated as an outpatient depends on a number of factors, including the nature of the underlying disease and the age of the patient as well as the degree of systemic toxicity, fever, and state of hydration. The following criteria usually should be followed in selecting those patients who should be admitted to the hospital: (1) the very young or elderly with severe diarrhea or (2) patients of any age with diarrhea and pronounced systemic toxemia, hyperpyrexia, or dehydration. While hospitalized, the patient's condition can be closely monitored and