Diarrhoea

Question 1

Diarrhea referral

Answer 1

• fever
• blood or mucus in stools
• unexplained weight loss
• lasts >14 days
• lasts > 2 days in children <12 or older person
• lasts >24h in infants
• severe vomiting

Question 2

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

Answer 2

• Dissolve 2 tablets into 200ml of water every hour for 6 hours: then prn (max 40 tabs /d)

Question 3

Loperamide (2mg) chewable tablets

Answer 3

• Adults, children >12; 2 tabs initially then 1 tablet after each loose stool (max 8 tabs/d)
• Adverse effects: abdominal cramps, nausea, constipation
• 1-2 DOSES ARE CONSIDERED SAFE IN P AFTER 1ST TRIMESTER
• if symptoms continue after 2 days of treatment —> go to GP

Question 4

Loperamide (2mg) chewable tablets

Answer 4

• Adults, children >12; initially 2 tablets then 1 after each loose stool as necessary (max 8/day)
• Adverse effects: abdominal cramps, nausea, constipation

Question 5

Classification of diarrhea

Answer 5

Acute
- duration < 14 days
- > 3 loose stools a day
Persistent
- duration >14 days - 4 weeks
Chronic
- duration > 4 weeks