Pseudodiarrhea

Pseudodiarrhea, formerly known as hyperdefecation, is defined as increased stool frequency (more than three times daily) with a normal daily stool weight of less than 300 g (Fine and Schiller, 1999).

Pseudodiarrhea is often associated with rectal urgency and accompanies irritable bowel syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and anorectal disorders such as proctitis. Patients with rectal obstruction (e.g., from fecal impaction, obstruction due to a vaginal pessary) may also present with pseudodiarrhea, since only liquid stool can make it through (Chou and Yu, 2003; Tatar and Trivedi, 2005).

Pseudodiarrhea may be more common than chronic diarrhea and should always be considered in patients complaining of chronic diarrhea.