Acute Diarrhoea and Gastroenteritis in Childhood

1. Acute Diarrhoea and Gastroenteritis in Childhood By: Afifah binti Othman Masrina binti Hj. Mhmad Tahar

2. Diarrhoea in the 21st Century Second most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide WHO estimation (2002), diarrhoeal disease results in: 2.5 million people die annually, mostly children 1.6 million children <5yrs old (in developing countries)

3. In the U.S. 211-375 million episodes of diarrhoeal disease occur annually 73 million physicians consultations 1.8 million hospitalization Over 3000 death In Malaysia (2000) About 2 million episodes of diarrhoea annually among children < 15 yrs old 5% of total mortality among children <5 yrs old

4. What is Diarrhoea? An increase in the frequency of bowel movements or a decrease in the form of stool (greater looseness of stool)

5. Chronic diarrhoea Generally lasts > 3 weeks Common causes: IBS, AIDS, bacterial outgrowth of small int., Colon cancer, Chron�s disease Acute diarrhoea lasts a few days or up to a week

6. Common Causes of Acute Diarrhoea Infection � highly contagious Viral gastroenteritis (�stomach flu�)

7. Bacterial enterocolitis Sign of inflammation � blood or pus in stool, fever

15. Dehydration Excessive loss of fluids and minerals (electrolytes) from the body Common in infants and young children with viral gastroenteritis or bacterial infection Kidney failure, eg in infection by E.coli Electrolyte deficiency Irritation to anus due to frequent passage of watery stool containing irritating substances

16. Severe or prolonged episode of diarrhoea Fever Repeated vomiting, refusal to drink fluids Severe abdominal pain Diarrhoea that contains blood or mucus Sign of dehydration Dry, sticky mouth Few or no tears when crying Sunken eyes Lack urine or wet diaper Dry, cool skin Fatigue or dizziness

17. Measurement of BP in upright and supine post � demonstrate orthostatic hypotension, confirm dehydration Moderate � severe diarrhoea, blood electrolytes Examination of small amount of stool under microscope � if inflammation present, further test particularly for bacterial and parasitic infection

18. Antibiotics or antiviral medications are not prescribed for cases of diarrhoea caused by virus or bacteria Antibiotics may be given to very young children or children with weak immune system In parasitic infection � antiparasitic medicine usually given

20. Prevention Wash hands thoroughly before and after eating or when preparing the meals. Make sure that the tools used for eating and preparing the meals are clean. Cover our food or put them in the fridge to prevent any contamination.

21. Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page Medical Journal Malaysia VOL 62 http://www.mma.org.my World Health Organization � WHO http://www.who.int/topics/diarrhoea/en/ http://www.medicinenet.com/diarrhea/article.htm http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diarrhea/DS00292 http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/common/diarrhea.html