Diarrhoea And Obesity

Question 1

Diarrhoea

Answer 1

Abnormal passing of losse or liquid stools, with increased frequency, volume or both

2 types- Acute - lasts more than 14 days (but symptoms usually improve between 2-4 days)

Chronic diarrhoea - anything more than 14 days

Question 2

What causes Diarrhoea?

Answer 2

Infection - salmonella, norovirus,C.difficile, E.coli

Gastroenteritis

Side effects to drugs

Symptom of gastro- intestinal disorder

Question 3

Drugs that cause it

Answer 3

Colchicine
Antibiotics
Laxatives
Magnesium- Antacids
Digoxin
CALM Diarrhoea

AIM of treatment - prevent dehydration and fluid/electrolyte + reduce the impact

Question 4

Signs of dehydration

Answer 4

• Tiredness
  -Headaches
• Light headedness
• Muscular cramps
• Sunken eyes
• Dry mouth and tounge
• Weakness, confusion, reduced urine output

Question 5

Diarrhoea red flags

Answer 5

• unexplained weightloss
  -rectal bleeding
  -presistent Diarrhoea
• Systemic illness
• Has received recent hospital or antibiotic treatment
• Reecent foreign trip Western Europe, North Africa, New Zealand

Question 6

Signs of dehydration

Answer 6

• Tiredness
  -Headaches
• Light headedness
• Muscular cramps
• Sunken eyes
• Dry mouth and tounge
• Weakness, confusion, reduced urine output

Question 7

How do we treat diarrhoea?

Answer 7

• Drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and eat as normal as possible
• Most bouts settle on their own within a few days without the need for medication
• ORAL REHYDRATION ORS - the main stay of treatment for acute diarrhoea, IV recommended for more severe cases of diarrhoea and dehydration
• Loperamide is the standard treatment for rapid control - also used for mild to moderate travellers diarrhoea
• Kaolin with morphine - abuse risk
• Ciprofloxacin - occasional prophylaxis for travellers diarrhoea, routine use not recommended