DIARRHOEA Flashcards
DIARRHOEA:
What are symptoms?
The frequent passing of watery stools. Symptoms include cramps and abdominal pain, vomiting and headache
DIARRHOEA:
What are danger symptoms ?
drowsiness or confusion
passing little urine
dry mouth and tongue
sunken eyes
weakness
cool hands and feet
sunken fontanelle in babies and young infants
DIARRHOEA:
What are differential diagnoses?
gastro-intestinal disorders gives rise to diarrhoea e.g IBD, IBS
A common side effect of medication so should be ruled out.
DIARRHOEA:
What are treatment options?
Oral rehydration therapy
sachets are made up of 200ml with boiled and cool water after each loose stool in addition to other fluids throughout the day.
Anti-motility drugs
loperamide help to reduce the duration of diarrhoea and improve symptoms.
reduce frequency and increase stool consistency, Two capsules after loose stools
Max 8 caps daily
DIARRHOEA:
What are non-pharmacological advice?
Most resolve in a few days
keep hydrated
eats as normally as possible
always wash hands after going toilet, regular cleaning of toilet including flush handle
Lasts longer than 3 days should refer may need earlier referral if
vomiting persistently
blood in vomiting or diarrhoea
drowsiness or confusion
concern about dehydration
DIARRHOEA in children:
treatment advice ?
stay hydrated
check for signs of dehydration
if vomiting as well for more than 1 day- doctors
diarrhoea for 48 hours in children under three yrs or 24 hours- one year
hygiene tips
DIARRHOEA in travellers:
REFER if recently come back from abroad
DIARRHOEA:
What are referral criteria
999- Pale/cold/ clammy
urgent GP- signs of dehydration
significant vomiting and not keeping fluids down
abdominal pain
fever
Routine GP: Continuous loose watery stools for over72 hours or intermittent over 72 hours
decreased fluid intake
drug withdrawals
drug induced
immunocompromised
Abx induced
failure of self care advice
overflow diarrhoea
