DIARRHOEA WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHAT IS DIARRHOEA? Diarrhoea can be defined as frequent bowel movement or stooling.

WHAT ARE COMMON CAUSES OF DIARRHOEA?
1. Infection 1.e. Viral, bacteria or parasitic infection. All these enter the stomach through the mouth 1.e.
Through contaminated food or water.
2. Diarrhoea can also be caused by starting of a new drug/medication.
3. Diarrhoea is also one of the symptoms of malaria and measles.
IMMEDIATE CARE FOR DIARRHOEA
If there is no vomiting, oral rehydration solution (ORS) can be prepared at home before going to the hospital, as
most diarrhoeal episodes are self limiting (i.e resolves without medication). Be careful about the use of antibacterial
drugs e.g. tetracycline, amoxicillin, etc. when managing diarrhoea cases.
The use of Zinc tablet has been proven by Unicef to stop diarrhoea episodes and also to prevent frequent diarrhoea
episodes especially in children.
PREPARATION FOR ORS
Packets of ORS are available at health centres, pharmacies, markets and shops.
Check the packet for directions.
Put the content in a clean container that has cover and add the correct amount of water.
Add water only; do not add milk, soup, fruit juice, soft drinks or sugar
Stir well, drink clean cup and spoon and properly cover the remaining
Discard and prepare another after 24hours
Go to the hospital if diarrhoea persists.
COMPLICATIONS: Dehydration, Weakness, Shock, Kidney failure, Coma, Death
PREVENTION
Personal and Environmental hygiene must be kept (e.g Hand washing, proper disposal of wastes, covering
of food, washing of toilets and bathrooms etc.)
Always check the expiring date of food items or drinks before eating them.
Stop self medication.
Prevent Malaria by using mosquito nets.
NOTE: If there is no nausea and vomiting, food should be continued, dont deprive yourself or your child of
appropriate feeding, even breastfeeding is still encouraged. And if there is vomiting or complications please see your
doctor.