Diarrhoea and Constipation

Question 1

define constipation

Answer 1

• twice a week or less, straining when pooping

Question 2

what causes constipation

Answer 2

poor diet
decreased fluid intake
disease
drugs

Question 3

What the general treatment of constipation

Answer 3

non drug - 1st line
increase fluid intake - 2L a day
increase fibre

drug - laxatives 
bulk forming 
stimulant 
osmotic 
faecal softener

Question 4

bulk forming agents

Answer 4

ispaghula

fiber retain fluid - increase stool size
increase fluid when taking
safe for pregnancy
increase size stimulates peristalsis

Question 5

stimulant laxatives

Answer 5

biscodyl, senna
stimulates colonic nerves - cause movement of stool
not for pregnancy

Question 6

osmotic

Answer 6

lactulose, PEG, lacirol, mg salts
salts retain fluid in bowel using osmosis
increase fluid when taking

Question 7

softeners

Answer 7

docusate sodium

surfactant will decrease surface tension

Question 8

what is lubiprostone

Answer 8

activiates CIC-2 chloride channels on gastric epithelial cells
produces increase in chloride rich fluid secretion
increase intestinal fluid secretion and intestinal mobility = laxative effect

Question 9

what is diarrhoea

Answer 9

passage of loose/watery stool
infection
can be. drug induced
can be due to IBS

Question 10

treatment for diarrhoea

Answer 10

increase fluid intake

Anti mobility drugs
loperamide - Imodium
-synthetic opioid binds to mu opioid receptor in the gut
- decrease peristalsis, increase transit time
-increase water and electrolyte re absorption
- drug of choice
morphine and codeine

antibiotics