35. Diarrhoea and vomiting

Question 1

What is Diarrhoea?

Answer 1

Gastroenteritis (tummy bug, food poisoning, traveller’s diarrhoea, viral enteritis, intestinal flu
causes stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Question 2

Why?

Answer 2

A virus from other people
Bacteria from food that is not fresh or well cooked, or unclean water, hands, cooking or eating utensils.
Amoebas or parasites from food or water
Toxins from bacteria or virus.

Question 3

Symptoms?

Answer 3

An hour after being exposed to the bug, diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps, feeling sick and weak, lethargy, feeling shivery, headache, fever.

Question 4

Prevention?

Answer 4

Keep taking fluid avoid getting dehydrated, try to drink small amounts of water often
Get plenty of rest
Take paracetamol if you also have a fever or stomach pain
Take oral hydration salts if needed (these are available at local pharmacies without prescription)
Prevent the spread of diarrhoea – regular hand washing is important.
Drink Electrolyte drink

Question 5

Treatment?

Answer 5

Self care:
Fluid intake
Oral rehydration solutions
Avoid sugary drinks, Fruit juice, Milk
Avoid uncooked fruit, vegetables and alcohol
Loperamide 4mg initially followed by 2mg after each each loose stool 16 mg Max/day. (slow the movement of your gut, Reduce number of bowel motion and firm up runny poos). Not suitable for baby and children under 12 years of age.
Antibiotics
Intra Venus fluid for dehydration if admitted to hospital

Question 6

Red flag for Diarrhoea?

Answer 6

Collapses or becomes pale and clammy.
Is drowsy and unresponsive.
Has sudden, severe stomach pain.
Has pain when their stomach is touched.
Is vomiting blood or a ground coffee-like substance.
Has bloody or black, sticky poo.
Is finding it hard to breathe.
Has tightness or heaviness in their chest.
Finds the pain spreads up to their chest, neck or shoulder.
Can’t pee.