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Gastroenterology
intestinal disorders
chronic diarrhea
A 45-year-old man presents to the outpatient gastroenterology clinic with a 6-month history of non-bloody, watery stools occurring five to six times per day. He denies any weight loss, fever, or abdominal pain, and reports a consistently good appetite. His medical history is significant for a cholecystectomy performed approximately five years ago due to acute cholecystitis. On physical examination, his vital signs are stable, and his abdomen is soft, non-tender, and non-distended, with audible hyperactive bowel sounds. Initial laboratory investigations, including a complete blood count and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, are within normal limits. Further stool studies were conducted. Considering the patient's clinical presentation and the comprehensive laboratory findings, which diagnosis is most consistent with these findings, and what is the most appropriate initial management strategy?
| Lab Parameter | Value | Reference Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin | 140 g/L | 130-170 g/L |
| Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) | 2.5 mIU/L | 0.4-4.0 mIU/L |
| C-reactive protein (CRP) | < 5 mg/L | < 5 mg/L |
| Sodium, stool | 85 mmol/L | Physiologic |
| Potassium, stool | 4.5 mmol/L | Physiologic |
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