Diarrheoa

Question 1

Symptoms?

Answer 1

Main symptoms:

Loss of appetite 
Fever 
Blood in the stool 
Headache 
Vomiting 
Stomach cramps 
Dehydration 

Signs of dehydration from diarrhoea include: 
Rapid heartbeat 
Nausea 
Loss of appetite 
Dry tongue 
Sunken eyes 
Muscle cramps

Question 2

Red flags?

Answer 2

Severe dehydration or they are continuously vomiting.

Co-existing medical conditions. For example, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid disease etc.

Abdominal pain and tenderness

People over 60 as they have a higher risk of complications.

Question 3

Treatment?

Answer 3

loperamide - generally sold as Imodium:
- soldin tablet, capsule and liquid form over the counter

 Acute diarrhoea - Initially 4 mg, followed by 2 mg for up to 5 days, dose to be taken after each loose stool; usual dose 6–8 mg daily; maximum 16 mg per day.

Chronic diarrhoea - Initially 4–8 mg daily in divided doses, adjusted according to response; maintenance up to 16 mg daily in 2 divided doses.

ORRR

Bismuth subsalicylate:
Adults - 525mg 4 times a day for 7 days for first and second line eradication therapy

Not for under 16 years old

Avoid when breastfeeding except essential

Question 4

Questions?

Answer 4

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