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How is the Cause of Diarrhea Diagnosed?

Diagnostic tests to find the cause of diarrhea may include the following:

• Medical History and Physical Examination
  The doctor will ask you about your eating habits and medication use and will examine you for signs of illness.
• Stool Culture
  A sample of stool is analyzed in a laboratory to check for bacteria, parasites, or other signs of disease and infection.
• Blood Tests
  Blood tests can be helpful in ruling out certain diseases.
• Fasting Tests
  To find out if a food intolerance or allergy is causing the diarrhea, the doctor may ask you to avoid lactose, carbohydrates, wheat, or other foods to see whether the diarrhea responds to a change in diet.
• Sigmoidoscopy
  For this test, the doctor uses a special instrument to look at the inside of the rectum and lower part of the colon.
• Colonoscopy
  This test is similar to a sigmoidoscopy, but it allows the doctor to view the entire colon.
• Imaging Tests
  These tests can rule out structural abnormalities as the cause of diarrhea.

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References:
NIH Publication No. 07-2749
March 2007
digestive.niddk.nih.gov/

The information discussed above is a general overview and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.