Diarrhoea Flashcards
1
Q
What are the causes of diarrhoea?
A
Viral infection e.g. norovirus Bacterial Infections e.g. salmonella Travellers diarrhoea - caused by contaminated water or food that has not been washed properly Stress/anxiety Alcohol Antibiotics Antacids containing magnesium
2
Q
Self-care tips to prevent diarrhoea
A
Always wash and cook food properly.
Regularly wash hands with hot, soapy water.
Clean toilet with disinfectant after use.
3
Q
Self-care tips when suffering from diarrhoea
A
Keep sipping water
Plenty of rest
Eat easily digestible foods
Avoid dairy and foods that are high in fat
4
Q
Treatment options?
A
Fluid replacement (sipping water due to the loss of fluids) Diet of soups, pasta, bread. Dioralyte (replaces fluids and salts) Loperamide (Imodium) Morphine salts e.g. kaolin morphine
5
Q
What age is loperamide suitable for?
A
Over 12 years of age
6
Q
When to refer diarrhoea?
A
If symptoms persist after treatment If the sufferer is a baby, young child or an elderly patient Fever Recently been abroad Stools are bloody or black Severe abdominal pain
