GIT Lec 3 Pt 1 - Diarrhea

Question 1

What is diarrhea?

Answer 1

Diarrhea is defined as frequent passing of watery stool

Question 2

What are the causes of diarrhea?

Answer 2

Diarrhea occurs due to the imbalance between the secreted and absorbed fluid from the GIT.
Although there are many causes; some of the common ones include:
1. Infection with enteric agents (amoeba, giardia, e.coli, etc)
2. Due to some diseases like irritable bowl disease.
3. Due to some drugs like antacids and beta blockers.
4. Due to disordered gut motility

Question 3

What are the two types of movements in the intestine?

Answer 3

1. Segmental movement: assists in mixing of the intestinal contents as well as absorption.
2. Peristalsis: assists in propulsion of chyme throughout the intestine.

Question 4

How do we manage patients with diarrhea?

Answer 4

A. Replacing fluid and electrolyte losses:
It is essential to replace the fluids and electrolytes in patients that suffer from diarrhea before considering any other therapy by using the following combination:
1. Sodium chloride (3.5 g/L)
2. Potassium chloride (1.5 g/L)
3. Sodium citrate (2.9 g/L)
4. Anhydrous glucose (20 g/L)
All adding up to an osmolarity of 245 mOsm/L

B. Drug therapy:
1. Anti-motility agents (opioids)
2. Anti-secretory agents
3. Drugs that increase viscosity (adsorbents)
4. Fluid and electrolyte transport modifiers
5. Chemotherapeutic agents