Chronic Diarrhea Assessment

CLEAR Framework • >4 weeks duration

Clinical History

Chronic diarrhea is defined as diarrhea lasting more than 4 weeks. The history helps categorize the diarrhea as osmotic, secretory, inflammatory, or malabsorptive.

Demographics

Patient age (months)(months)

Current weight (kg)(kg)

Height (cm)(cm)

Presenting Complaint

Duration of diarrhea (weeks)(weeks)

Predominant stool character

Does diarrhea occur at night?

No - only during day

Yes - nocturnal diarrhea present

Age at onset of symptoms

Growth

Weight loss or failure to thrive?

No - growing normally

Weight plateau

Weight loss

Failure to thrive / crossing centiles

Associated Symptoms

Dietary History

Relationship to specific foods

Family History

Family history

Inflammatory bowel disease

Celiac disease

Irritable bowel syndrome

No significant family history