Diarrheal diseases Flashcards
Burden of diarrheal diseases?
Second leading cause of death for children under five (525 000 per year)
What is the leading cause of malnutrition for children?
Diarrheal diseases
Definition of diarrhea?
Passage of three or more loose stools per day
What causes diarrhea?
Different bacteria, viruses and parasites
What are the most common agents that cause diarrhea?
E. coli and rotavirus
How is diarrhea often spread?
Through feces contaminated water with a lack of sanitation
How common is diarrhea?
Average of three times a year in LIC
Why is diarrhea dangerous?
Drains the sick of fluids, nutrients and salt leading to dehydration and malnutrition
What are some symptoms of severe dehydration?
Lethargy or unconciousness, sunken eyes, unable to consume food and drink
Symptoms of mild dehydration?
Restlessness, irritability, sunken eyes, drinks eagerly
Why is malnutrition and diarrhea dangerous?
The diarrhea will make it even worse and risk death
How can you prevent diarrheal diseases?
Ensuring access to drinking water, sanitation, exclusive breastfeeding, good overall hygiene, health education, rotavirus vaccination
What are some treatments for diarrheal diseases?
ORS, zinc supplements, IV (severe), nutrient rich foods
What is cholera?
Acute diarrheal diease that can be lethal within hours if not treatet - not always dangerous
How to prevent cholera?
Standard control measures and an oral vaccine
