GI Conditions Flashcards
How is constipation classified in children? (symptoms)
2 or fewer defecations a week
history of excessive stool retention, painful/hard bowel movement, large diameter stool, retentive posture
one episode/week of incontinence after acquisition of toileting skills
What is the step-wise treatment of functional constipation in children?
1) regular doses of stool softener or osmotic laxative
2) if 1 not work, use stimulant laxative
3) ineffective monotherapy, combination of laxatives
4) glyceryl suppositories
Name the stool softeners used to treat constipation (children)
Poloxamer = <6months, 6-18months, 18-36 months
Docusate = 3-6, 6-12 years old
liquid paraffin = 1-6 yrs, 7-12 yrs, <12 yrs
It is a first line treatment
Name the osmotic laxatives used to treat constipation (children)
lactulose = <1 yrs, 1-5 yrs, 6-12 yrs, >12 yrs
Macrogol +/- electrolyte = 1-12 yrs
Name the stimulant laxatives used to treat constipation (children)
Senna = 2-6 yrs, 7-12 yrs
Bisacodyl = >3 yrs, 6-months -2yrs
Sodium picosulfate drops = 4->10 years
All stimulant laxatives are given at night
What are some key points to consider when treating constipation in children?
regular doses of laxatives
gradual reduction of laxative meds = prevent further impaction
med treatment can be continued for several months
avoid prune juice/brown sugar water
Referral points for constipation in children
Faecal impaction
ineffective general treatment
chronic (>6 months duration)
pain
affecting child’s lifestyle
What is diarrhoea?
defined as at least three loose or liquid bowel movements, accompanied by increased freq and fluidity relative to normal stool
What is the main focus for diarrhoea treatment?
prevent dehydration and correct fluid loss & electrolyte loss
treat cause if possible
relieve symptoms
Referral points for diarrhoea
diarrhoea alternating constipation, intermittent
blood or mucus/both in stool, chronic med conditions, suspected laxative misuse, fam history of GI disease
symptoms >14 days, severe symptoms (8-10 motions/day)
severe abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss
pregnancy, infant <6 months, <1 year (Symptoms last >24 hrs)
recent overseas travel
What is the first line treatment for diarrhoea?
oral rehydration therapy, avoid sugar hydration products
What is second line treatment for diarrhoea?
Antimotility agents:
symptomatic relieve adults/children >12 yrs old
for mild/moderate acute diarrhoea
short term control for social inconvenience
What are some contraindications for antimotility/ anti-diarrhoeal agents?
Severe diarrhoea
possibility of invasive organism
severe irritable bowel syndrome
Acute management of infants and young children
What are the available anti-motility agents?
loperamide (+/- simethicone)
diphenoxylate (+atropine)
What schedules do loperamide belong to?
unscheduled= 8 pack or less
S2 = 20 pack or less
GastroStop has PBS listing = authority requirements
What schedules do diphenoxylate belong to?
S2 = 8 pack or less
S4 = 20 pack or more
PBS listing available
Briefly mention Giardiasis
parasitic infection of small intestine found in water contaminated by raw sewage or animal waste
Transmitted also person-person (poor hygiene)
Symptoms (come and go)= diarrhoea, stomach cramps, gas, nausea
What commonly treats giardiasis?
metronidazole, three times a day for 5 days
Discuss rotavirus
cause of acute viral gastroenteritis in children, most common cause of severe diarrhoea in children
resolves = 3-9 days
Transmission = rota virus shed in stool, spread via contaminated hands/objects
How is rota virus diarrhoea treated?
treated depending on severity of dehydration
Oral rehydration supplements
How is rota virus diarrhoea prevented?
Oral rotavirus vaccine
85-98% effective against severe rota virus after 3 doses (2, 4, and 8 months of age)
won’t prevent diarrhoea and vomiting caused by other organisms
What causes GORD?
weakened or impaired function of lower GI sphincter
Inc intra-abdominal pressure –> reduced oesophageal clearance –> impaired mucosal defence
reduction of salivary secretion can inc exposure to gastric acid
When is GORD classified?
heartburn/reflux symptoms occur more than 2+ days per week and become troublesome
What are some GORD symptoms/signs?
heartburn, excessive burping
regurgitation of food or acid, upper abdominal pain/discomfort
sore throat, waterbrash, difficulty swallowing, persistent dry cough, angina-like chest pain
What factors exacerbate GORD?
Diet, supine position post eating
medications
inc gastric pressure
Tobacco smoking, bending or straining, wearing tight clothing, stress
What medications worsen GORD?
Anticholinergics, sedating antihistamines
antidepressants, nitrates, CCB, nicotine, benzodiazepines, beta blockers, NSAIDs