Hx
     Frequency and volume of stools
     Duration of change in bowel habits
     Associated symptoms
          Constitutional
          Abdominal pain
          Bloating
          Sense of incomplete evacuation
          Melena or hematochezia
          Thyroid disease symptoms
     Diet (especially fiber and fluid intake)
     Medications (including recent antibiotics)
     Sick contacts
     Travel
     Camping
     HIV risk factors
     History of abdominal surgeries
     Diabetes
     Pancreatitis
     Alcohol and drug use
     FHx of colon cancer

PE
     Vital signs
     Relevant thyroid/endocrine exam
     Abdominal and rectal exams
     Female pelvic exam
Ddx (diarrhea)
     Drug withdrawal
Ddx
     Colorectal cancer
     Low-fiber diet
     Irritable bowel syndrome
     Gastroenteritis (viral, bacterial, parasitic)
     GI parasitic infection (ascariasis, giardiasis)
     Pseudomembranous (Clostridium difficile) colitis
     Food poisoning
     Diverticulitis
     Diverticulosis
     Lactose intolerance
     Celiac disease
     Hyperthyroidism
     Small bowel lymphoma
     Carcinoid syndrome
     Hepatitis A
     Inflammatory bowel disease
     Angiodysplasia
     Substance abuse (e.g. heroin)
     Depression
     Hypothyroidism

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).

Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.