Week 6 - GIT Flashcards
Approach to Diarrhoea:
- Probability diagnosis? (6)
- Serious disorders not to be missed? (3)
- Pitfalls (often missed)? (13)
- Masquerades checklist? (3)
- Is the patient trying to tell me something?
Diarrhoea - Key history?
Establish what the patient means by diarrhoea. Analyse the nature of the stools, frequency, associated symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain) and constitutional symptoms such as fever and weight loss. Drug history, travel history and family history.
Diarrhoea - Key history?
Focus on the general state (esp. of severe gastroenteritis), the abdomen, rectum and skin
Ideally the stool should be examined (note the presence of blood, mucus or steatorrhoea)
Diarhhoea - Key Investigations?
In some instances such as acute self-limiting diarrhoea nil is required. Consider:
1. microscopy and culture of stool
2. FBE
3. ESR/CRP
4. C. difficile tissue culture assay
5. U&E
6. specific tests for organisms
7. endoscopy
8. Selective radiology (e.g. small bowel enema)
What are some drugs that can cause diarrhoea?
Some drugs that can cause diarrhoea: alcohol, antibiotics, digoxin, colchicine, cytotoxic agents, H2-receptor antagonists, iron compounds, laxatives, metformin, sildenafil, statins, thyroxine.
What is the definition of diarrhoea?
The WHO defines diarrhea as ≥ 3 loose or watery stools per day or more frequent passage than is normal for the individual.
Evaluation of acute diarrhoea in adults?
Evaluation of acute diarrhoea in children?
Evaluation of chronic diarrhoea in children?
Aetiology of diarrhoea in children by age?
Approach to chronic diarrhoea in adults?
