Diarrhea is a common symptom in adults. Most patients with diarrhea never seek medical attention, but patients who have had symptoms for more than a few days or who have coexisting fever, prostration, or rectal bleeding are likely to present for evaluation. Most patients can be managed successfully as outpatients; however, more than 450,000 hospital admissions each year (1.5% of adult hospitalizations) are due to gastroenteritis.<sup>9 Dupont H.L. Guidelines on acute infectious diarrhea in adults Am J Gastroenterol 1997 ;  92 : 1962

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> The prevalence of chronic diarrhea (liquid stools for >1 month) is approximately 5%, making it a major cause of disability for Americans.<sup>13 Fine K.D., Schiller L.R. AGA technical review on the evaluation and management of chronic diarrhea Gastroenterology 1999 ;  116 : 1464  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Research efforts have expanded the differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea and have provided improved methods for the evaluation and management of patients with diarrheal diseases. This article discusses some of these trends and presents the emerging consensus regarding appropriate pathways of care for patients with diarrheal diseases.