Family practitioner's guide to patient self-treatment of acute diarrhea
Article Abstract:
Acute diarrhea is a common, transient condition, characterized by the frequent passage of unformed watery stools, and occurs in most adults at least once a year. Since acute diarrhea resolves spontaneously within a few days, only 20 percent of the population consults a physician, and most of the individuals who do so are parents of afflicted children. The family practitioner who receives a phone call from an afflicted patient must determine the severity of the patient's symptoms and decide if the condition can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) antidiarrheal medications. Safe and effective OTC agents that bind and inactivate intestinal irritants or decrease intestinal movement are available for the symptomatic management of acute diarrhea. Patients who have a high fever, vomiting, abdominal or rectal pain, blood in the stool, or show signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, excessive thirst or dizziness, should consult a physician since these symptoms warrant further evaluation. Blood in the stool may indicate an intestinal malignancy or dysentery, caused by invading microorganisms. Infants and children are very prone to develop diarrhea-induced dehydration, especially if the condition persists for more than 24 hours. Dehydration may be severe and is treated by giving the child solutions, such as Pedialyte, which contain salts and sugar. Fluids should be replaced gradually, and if there is no vomiting and diarrhea has improved within 24 hours, the child may gradually return to a regular diet. A child under six months of age with a fever over 100.5 degrees (Fahrenheit), or a child over six months of age with a fever greater than 102 degrees (Fahrenheit) should be brought to a physician immediately. Acute diarrhea in children is a more serious condition than in adults. Symptoms that are not severe may be treated with OTC antidiarrheal preparations, but more serious symptoms may necessitate medical intervention. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1990
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Acute diarrhea associated with travel
Article Abstract:
Acute diarrhea is a common, transient condition, characterized by the frequent passage of unformed, watery stools, and can be caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. Acute diarrhea associated with travel is called travelers diarrhea (TD). Symptoms occurring with TD include nausea, vomiting, fever, cramps, increased thirst, and a lack of energy. TD affects between 20 and 50 percent of people travelling to developing countries, such as Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Younger people of both sexes are equally affected and the onset of symptoms usually occurs within the first week of travel. TD can be caused by ingesting contaminated food or drink, or by coming in contact with the hands of an affected person. The Travelers Diarrhea Consensus Conference of 1985 recommended that: unpeeled fruits and vegetables, salads, ice, and dairy products be avoided; water should be sterilized by boiling or treatment with iodine; and over-the-counter antidiarrheals and prescription antibiotics may be of some use in the prevention of TD. Diarrhea-induced dehydration may be treated by oral rehydrating solutions. A person with TD who develops a high fever or blood in the stool should be immediately referred to a physician since these symptoms are indicative of infection. Although TD is a frequent nuisance for people travelling to distant lands, safe and effective OTC medications are available for the symptomatic management of this disorder, and can save the patient excess travels to the bathroom. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0002-9343
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
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