Lecture 12 Flashcards
What is diarrhoea?
Passing of watery stools 3+ times a day
Types of diarrhoea?
Acute: lasts up to 14 days
Persistent: More than 14 days
Chronic: up to 4 weeks
Mechanisms that cause diarrhoea?
Increased osmotic load, secretions, intestinal motility/inflammation of intestinal lining
Symptoms of diarrhoea?
Abdominal cramps, flatulence, weakness, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, loss of appetite
Treatment for diarrhoea?
Drink fluids (replace lost electrolytes), eat food high in carbs, painkillers for fever/aches, anti-diarrhoea meds not preferred treatment)
Meds that induce diarrhoea?
Laxatives, antibiotics, NSAIDs…
Warning symptoms of diarrhoea?
Blood/mucous in stools, weight loss, vomiting, fever, angina, abuse of laxatives, constipation alternating with diarrhoea
What are haemorrhoids (piles)?
Abnormal swelling of anal vascular cushions
Symptoms of haemorrhoids?
Rectal bleeding on surface of stool, pruritis (scratching), soiling, rectal fullness
Causes of haemorrhoids?
Excessive straining, old age, raised intra-abdominal pressure
Treatment for haemorrhoids?
Creams/ointments (treat not cure), local anaesthetic, astringent
What is constipation?
Passage of hard stools less frequently than normal pattern
Symptoms of constipation?
Stools become unusually hard/lumpy, change in stool frequency, stomach ache, bloated, nauseous
Causes of constipation?
Poor diet, lack of mobility, meds (antidepressants/opioid analgesics/iron supplements), medical conditions (diabetes/Parkinson’s)
Treatment for constipation?
Increase fibre in diet, fluids, exercise, laxatives (stimulant: 8-12hrs/bulk-forming: 24-36hrs/osmotic: up to 3 days)
