Postenteritis Diarrhea Syndrome: Differential Diagnosis

 

Causes of persistent diarrhea following an episode of enteritis:

(1) persistent infection (bacterial, parasitic)

(2) re-infection

(3) post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

(4) post-infectious lactose intolerance

(5) secondary bile acid malabsorption

(6) concurrent gastrointestinal disorder independent of the enteritis (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, etc)

 

In some cases it may be necessary to evaluate the patient for an immunodeficiency.

 

If no explanation is found then it may be necessary to refer the patient to a gastroenterologist.