Diagnosis
To diagnose the underlying cause for diarrhea, the physician often takes a medical history, and performs a physical examination and diagnostic tests. Tests that may be used include the following:
- Blood tests (used to rule out certain diseases)
- Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy (These tests involve using a flexible tube with a light and a camera attached to view the inside of the colon.)
- Imaging tests (e.g., barium enema, CT scan, ultrasound)
- Stool culture (used to diagnose viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections)
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 29 Feb 2008
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 22 Feb 2008
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