Table 1.

Diagnostic criteria for chronic diarrhea

Diagnostic criteria for “chronic diarrhea”

a. Loose or watery stools for change in stool shape

b. The change has been persistent or recurring for more than 4 weeks

Diagnostic criteria for “narrow-sense chronic diarrhea”

c. Criteria a and b are met

d. Other causes such as organic diseases have been excluded

e. More than 25% of bowel movements are loose or watery stools, regardless of the presence or absence of abdominal pain