Bile acid diarrhea in patients with chronic diarrhea. Current appraisal and recommendations for clinical practice

Bile Acid Diarrhea (BAD) is a common cause of chronic diarrhea, often accompanied by urgency, occasional fecal incontinence, abdominal pain, and fatigue. A nationwide survey has shown limited awareness of BAD within the Italian medical community, prompting a panel of experts to develop a Position Paper that outlines the most practical and cost-saving diagnostic investigations and treatments for this frequently overlooked condition. The document provides an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and classification of the different types of Bile Acid Diarrhea (BAD). A key focus is the diagnostic approach to identifying and managing the many undiagnosed BAD patients in both primary care and specialized medical settings. Finally, the paper addresses the optimal therapeutic strategies for BAD, including traditional bile acid sequestrants and newer, promising treatments.