Approach to Diarrhea in the ICU
摘要
Diarrhea in critically ill patients can significantly affect their recovery, contributing to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, skin breakdown, and even sepsis. Studies indicate that diarrhea affects 15–38% of ICU patients, highlighting the importance of effective management. The challenge lies in distinguishing true diarrhea from other changes in bowel habits, such as those caused by altered gut motility or enteral feeding. Accurate diagnosis and timely intervention are essential to prevent further complications and improve outcomes. This write-up provides a stepwise explanation of the management process, focusing on clinical decision points, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic interventions [1, 2] [Ref: Algorithm 41.1].