Diarrhea Diseases
Dr. Mansour ALQurashi
TABLE
| Variable | Diarrhea Diseases | Celiac Disease | Cystic Fibrosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Passage of three or more loose stools per day; acute lasts <14 days. | Autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, affecting nutrient absorption. | Disease of exocrine gland function, affecting multiple organs, primarily lungs and pancreas. |
| Causes | Infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic), malnutrition, poor hygiene. | Gluten ingestion in genetically susceptible individuals. | Mutations in CFTR gene affecting chloride transport. |
| Complications | Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, persistent diarrhea. | Malabsorption, osteoporosis, infertility, intestinal lymphoma. | Chronic respiratory infections, pancreatic insufficiency, infertility. |
| Clinical Types | Acute watery, acute bloody (dysentery), persistent. | Typical, atypical, silent, potential, latent. | Respiratory, GIT, urogenital manifestations. |
| Risk Factors | Malnutrition, impaired immunity, HIV, poor sanitation. | Genetic predisposition (HLA DQ2), gluten exposure. | Genetic (autosomal recessive), family history. |
| Symptoms | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration. | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, extra-intestinal manifestations. | Cough, wheezing, steatorrhea, failure to thrive. |
| Diagnosis | History, physical exam, stool tests, blood tests. | Serology (anti-TTG-IgA), intestinal biopsy. | Sweat chloride test, genetic testing, IRT in neonates. |
| Treatment | Oral rehydration, zinc supplements, nutrient-rich foods. | Lifelong gluten-free diet, nutritional support. | Respiratory therapy, enzyme supplements, nutritional management. |
| Prevention | Safe water, sanitation, hygiene, vaccination. | Avoidance of gluten, monitoring of serology. | Genetic counseling, early diagnosis, management of symptoms. |
| Epidemiology | Second leading cause of death in children under five. | Affects 1% globally, higher in certain populations. | Median survival age 36.9 years, common in Caucasians. |
| Prognosis | Varies with cause and treatment; dehydration can be fatal. | Increased mortality with delayed diagnosis; risk of malignancies. | Progressive disease with management improving quality of life. |