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Evaluation of Diarrhea in Older Adults

  • Geriatrics (A Faye and S Katz, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To selectively review the evidence that there are or are not unique features of diarrhea in older individuals that should alter the differential diagnosis or evaluation of diarrhea in older adults.

Recent Findings

A recent population-based study indicates a prevalence rate of diarrhea of 6.6% in the entire adult population and 9.6% in the oldest subjects. Several specific diarrheal disorders may have a prevalence pattern skewing to older individuals or to their circumstances, and these should be ranked higher in the differential diagnosis of older people with acute and chronic diarrhea.

Summary

Acute, infectious diarrhea may occur in outbreaks in institutional settings. Because of diarrhea complicating use of drugs, previous surgeries, or other illnesses, the differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea in older patients always should include iatrogenic causes. Diarrhea complicating chronic diseases, such as diabetes, also should be considered. Causes of chronic diarrhea that occur more often in older patients, such as microscopic colitis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and enteropathy, should be investigated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, 3434 Live Oak Street, Dallas, TX, 75204, USA

    Lawrence R. Schiller MD

  2. Department of Medical Education, Texas A&M College of Medicine Dallas Campus, Dallas, TX, USA

    Lawrence R. Schiller MD

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Dr. Schiller has been a consultant or speaker for the following companies: Ardelyx, ExeGI, GE Healthcare, Ironwood, Phathom, RedHill, Salix, and Vertex.

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Schiller, L.R. Evaluation of Diarrhea in Older Adults. Curr Treat Options Gastro 20, 529–543 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-022-00400-2

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