Merck Manual

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Characteristics of Small-bowel and Large-bowel Diarrhea

Characteristics of Small-bowel and Large-bowel Diarrhea

Characteristics

Small Bowel

Large Bowel

Blood in feces

Melena

Hematochezia

Fecal quality

Loose, watery “cow-pie”

Loose to semiformed

Fecal volume

Large quantities

Small quantities

Frequency of defecation

Normal to increased

Increased

Mucus in feces

Absent

Usually present

Tenesmus

Absent

Usually present

Urgency

Absent

Usually present

Weight loss

May be present

Rare