Introduction
Diarrhea is one of the most common
gastrointestinal problems with significant healthcare utilization, and
chronic diarrhea affects about 5% of the population at any given time
[1]. Chronic diarrhea is considered a decrease in stool consistent
with increased frequency for more than four weeks [2]. Diarrhea is
frequently a symptom of an underlying disorder and can be caused by
various factors, including viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections,
food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, or medication side effects
[3]. The pathophysiology causing diarrhea is the disruption of the
normal absorption and secretion of fluids and electrolytes in the small
intestine and colon which leads to an increase in the amount of water in
the stool and a decrease in the consistency [4]. A thorough medical
history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, including stool
cultures, are essential for diagnosing the exact etiology. Treatment
typically involves addressing the underlying cause and supportive
measures such as rehydration, electrolyte replacement, and
anti-diarrheal medications [5].