Pseudodiarrhea

Pseudodiarrhea, formerly known as hyperdefecation, is defined as increased stool frequency (more than three times daily) with a normal daily stool weight of less than 300 g.[1]

Pseudodiarrhea is often associated with rectal urgency and accompanies irritable bowel syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and anorectal disorders such as proctitis. Patients with rectal obstruction (e.g., from fecal impaction, obstruction due to a vaginal pessary) may also present with pseudodiarrhea, since only liquid stool can make it through.[2][3]

Pseudodiarrhea may be more common than chronic diarrhea and should always be considered in patients complaining of chronic diarrhea.

References

  1. ^ Fine KD, Schiller LR (1999). "AGA technical review on the evaluation and management of chronic diarrhea". Gastroenterology 116 (6): 1464–86. doi:10.1016/S0016-5085(99)70513-5. PMID 10348832. 
  2. ^ Chou YC, Yu KJ (2003). "Entrapped vaginal pessary presented with frequency and urge incontinence". J Chin Med Assoc 66 (3): 181–3. PMID 12779040. 
  3. ^ Tatar EL, Trivedi C (2005). "Pseudodiarrhea caused by vaginal pessary in an elderly patient". J Am Geriatr Soc 53 (6): 1083. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2005.53338_10.x. PMID 15935050.