II. Evaluation

  1. Identify a cause!
    1. Clostridium difficile
    2. Cytomegalovirus Infection
    3. Reactivation of latent Viral Hepatitis
  2. Often associated with Radiotherapy near bowel
    1. Consider bowel ischemia or perforation (esp. if bleeding)
  3. Other common complications of Chemotherapy
    1. Lactose Intolerance
    2. Small BowelBacterial overgrowth
    3. Bile Acid Malabsorption

III. Management

  1. Discuss with patient's oncologist
  2. Fluid Resuscitation and Antiemetics
  3. Symptomatic management
    1. Antiemetics (e.g. Ondansetron)
    2. Antidiarrheals (e.g. Loperamide)

IV. Prevention

  1. Lactobacillus with Radiation Therapy or Chemotherapy

V. Course

  1. Anticipate Radiotherapy related Diarrhea for 1-2 weeks

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