Diarrhea Flashcards
Definition
Abnormal increase in stool frequency or liquidity
• Abnormal > 3 BM/day
Acute DIA
Less than 4 weeks
F&E replacement
Dietary intervention
OTC meds
Chronic DIA
More than 4 weeks
Refer
Viral Gastroenteritis
Contaminated food/water
Rotavirus
Norovirus
Bacterical Gastroenteritis
Can treat
Contaminated food
Traveler’s diarrhea
Protazoal
Refer, need antibiotics
Giardia
Cryptosporidium
Drug-induced
Antibacterial agents
Cytotoxic agents
Laxatives
Mg products
AIDS-associated
Refer
Food-induced
Food allergy
Excessively fatty or spicy
High amount of roughage
Lactase deficiency
Complications
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalance dehydration
Mild Dehydration
3-5% wt. loss <3 unformed stools/day Mild thirst Slight dry mouth Slight UO Afebrile/low-grade fever Normal BP *Self-treat
Mod Dehydration
6-9% wt. loss 4-5 unformed stools/day Sunken eyes/fonatanelle Dry mouth UO/ tearing Restlessness Fever >101 Orthostatic BP/pulse *Self-treat
Severe Dehydration
10% wt. loss or more 6-9 unformed stools/day Rapid, thready pulse Cyanosis Cold extremities Rapid breathing Lethargy and dizziness Fever > 101 Low BP Severe abdominal pain *Refer
who should be referred?
- Chronic medical condition(s)
- Pregnancy
- 65 years of age
- Same or worsening after 48 hours of onset
Treatment Goals
- Prevent or correct fluid and electrolyte loss and acid-base disturbances
- Relieve symptoms
- Identify and treat cause
- Prevent acute morbidity and mortality
General Treatment Approaches
Fluid electrolyte balanceDietOTC meds
F&E balance
For mild to moderate diarrhea
Carbohydrates- facilitate Na and H2O absorption
Electrolytes
Carbs
Glucose
Dextrose
Rice syrup solid
Crystalline fructose
Electrolytes
Sodium Chloride Citrate Potassium *Pedialyte is only fluid with an osmolarity 300 will make water go into the GI tract – BAD
General Dosing: Pedialyte
• 1-2oz per lb. of body wt over 2-4 hours
- 1 tsp q10min x 30min, if tolerated
- 1 tbsp q20min x 1hr, if tolerated
- 2 tbsp q30min x 1hr, if tolerated
- 4-6oz q 3-4hrs up to 1-2L/day