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Review
. 2009 Sep;38(3):481-502.
doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2009.06.008.

Diarrhea and malabsorption in the elderly

Lawrence R Schiller  1
Affiliations
Review

Diarrhea and malabsorption in the elderly

Lawrence R Schiller. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2009 Sep.

Abstract

Acute and chronic diarrheal disorders are common problems at all ages. It has been estimated that 5% to 7% of the population has an episode of acute diarrhea each year and that 3% to 5% have chronic diarrhea that lasts more than 4 weeks. It is likely that the prevalence of diarrhea is similar in older individuals. This article reviews the impact of diarrhea in the elderly, many of whom are less fit physiologically to withstand the effect of diarrhea on fluid balance and nutritional balance.

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