2. DEFINITION
o Diarrhea is a condition in which there is unusual
frequency of bowel movements ( < 3 times a day).
Changes in the amount
Change in consistency( liquid stool).
o It is a common cause of death in developing countries
and the 2nd most common cause of infant deaths
worldwide.
o WHO defines Having 3 or more loose or liquid stools
per day, or as having 3 or more loose stool.
3. TYPES OF DIARRHEA
1- Acute diarrhea
o Acute diarrhea is an attack of loose motion with
sudden onset which usually lasts 3 to 7days but
may last up to 10 - 14 days.
o It is caused by an infection of the large intestine,
but may be associated with infection of gastric
mucosa and small intestine.
o Usually termed "acute gastroenteritis"
2- Chronic diarrhea
o Chronic diarrhea is termed when the
loose motion is occurring for 3 weeks or
more.
o It is usually related to underlying
organic diseases with or without
malabsorption.
o Termed Persistent diarrhea
5. OTHER CAUSES OF DIARRHEA
oIntestinal disorders such as
Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome,
Ulcerative colitis, celiac disease,
Microscopic colitis and small intestinal
bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
oPancreatic disorders
oTumors
oAltered immune function
oLactose intolerance
oAbdominal surgery or radiation therapy
6. SYMPTOMS OF DIARRHEA
oAbdominal cramps & pain
oBloating
oNausea
oVomiting
oFever
oBlood in the stool
oMucus in the stool
oUrgent need to have a bowel movement
7. COMPLICATIONS
o Diarrhea is extremely common, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be dangerous.
o In extreme cases of diarrhea, you can become very dehydrated and this can lead to
serious complications.
o Dehydration is one of the most dangerous side effects of diarrhea. In the very young
(infants and small children) and the very old, this can have serious consequences.
o It’s important to drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes when you have diarrhea. This
allows your body to replace the fluid and electrolytes that are lost with the diarrhea.
8. SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION
oDry mouth and tongue
oNo tears when crying
oNo wet diapers for 3 hours or more
oSunken eyes, cheeks, or soft spot in the skull
oHigh fever
oListlessness or irritability
9. DEHYDRATION MANAGEMENT
o There are 3 pillars in management of dehydration.
1.) Correction of existing fluid deficit
2.) Replacement of ongoing losses
3.) Providing the normal daily requirement
o Using Oral rehydration solutions ORS such as
It has the right amounts of water, sugar, and salt to
with dehydration
You can buy it without a prescription at drugstores
10. DIARRHEA PREVENTION
Avoid coming into contact with infectious agents that can cause
it.
This means that good hand washing and hygiene
Drink only bottled water, even for tooth brushing.
Avoid eating food from street vendors.
Be sure that all foods you eat are thoroughly cooked and
served steaming hot.
Check expiration date of the packaged food
Never eat raw or undercooked meat or seafood.
11. NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL DIARRHEA TREATMENT
1- BRAT Diet
o The bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) diet has long been
used as a treatment for diarrhea.
o The idea is that these foods are not likely to cause more diarrhea
and also may help slow it down, all while keeping a person
somewhat fed.
2- Rest
o Taking a few days off from work and school.
o In addition, if diarrhea is from an infectious cause, such as a virus,
staying at home in order to avoid spreading the virus to others is
also a good idea.
12. 3- Probiotics
• Probiotics are strains of "friendly" bacteria that naturally occur
in the body particularly in the gut but also can be found in
foods such as yogurt, cottage cheese, and other fermented
foods.
4- Hydration
• Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a preparation that replaces
not only fluid, but also electrolytes.
• ORS is often sold in drugstores as a powder that can be
mixed with water, but it can also be made at home with
common ingredients such as sugar, salt, water, and baby
cereal.
13. PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT
1- Imodium (loperamide)
oImodium works by slowing down the contractions of the
muscles in the digestive tract.
2- Kaopectate
Kaolin is an adsorbent antidiarrhoeal agent that binds to and
traps bacteria and its toxins in the gut.
oIt also binds to water in the gut which helps to make the
stools firmer
oPectin binds substances in the intestine and adds bulk to the
stools
