Diarrhea

Definition of Diarrhea:-

               The passage of three or more than three episodes of loose stool within a 24 hours period is called Diarrhea.

Types of Diarrhea:-

1.Acute Diarrhea

2.Chronic Diarrhea

Causes of Diarrhea:-

A.Bacterial:-

 1.E.coli

 2.Salmonella

 3.Shigella

 4.Vibrio cholera

B.Viral:-

1.Rotavirus (most common)

2.Enterovirus

3.Adenovirus

C.Fungal:-

1.Candida

D.Parasitic:-

1.Giardia lamblia

2.E.histolytica

E.Other:-

1.Malabsorption

2.Food poisoning

3.Laxative abuse.

Definition of acute Diarrhoea:-

         Acute Diarrhoea (<4 weeks) is usually due to infection and is often self limited. It's may be associated with fever and dehydration.

Etiology (Causes):-

1.Viral

2.Bacterial

3.Protozoal

Clinical features (Sign and symptoms):-

1.Increase frequency of loose stool

2.Abdominal Pain or cramps

3.Fever

Features of dehydration:-

1.Reduced skin turgor

2.Sunken eyes

3.Dry mouth

4.Tachycardia

5.Decreased urine Output

Investigation:-

A.Stool examination:-

1.Isolation of organism

2.Routine and microscope examination

3.Stool culture

4.Rapid diagnostic kit can detect cholera

B.Serum electrolyte/Blood Gas

C.Blood:-

1.HB%,TLC,DC

2.Elevated hematocrit

3.Acidosis

4.Normal Na,K level

Management:-

 A.Replacement of fluid and electrolyte for Dehydration :-

1.ORS

2.IV fluid

B.Antibiotics:-

Give,

1.Metronidazole for protozoal diarrhoea

2.Ciprofloxacin for bacterial diarrhoea

C.Use of anti-motility drugs:- eg. Loperamide

D.Control vomiting Use antiemetic drugs.

E.Zinc therapy for under 5 years children:-

1.10mg OD 10days for upto 6 months of child

2.20mg OD 10days for 6months to 5 years child