VERTEX COLLEGE OF

NURSING
HAROON BACHA
HAMZA ISHTIAQ
BS-NURSING 3RD YEAR
SIR KHURSEED
DATE 24/04/2019
Diarrhea
 Objectives
Explain Diarrhea.
Discuss types of Diarrhea.
Inlist causes of Diarrhea.
Inlist Sign & Symptoms of Diarrhea.
ExplainDiagnosis of Diarrhea.
 Discuss Prevention of Diarrhea.
Explain Treatment of Diarrhea.
Complications of Diarrhea
 Diarrhea

• Diarrhea is loose, watery stools three or more times a day.

• Diarrhea may be acute, persistent, or chronic.

• Most cases of diarrhea are caused by bacteria, viruses, or

parasites.

• Incubation periods are brief, usually 1 to 3 days.

 Types of Diarrhea
• Acute diarrhea:
Acute diarrhea is a common problem that typically lasts 1 or 2 days and
goes away on its own.
• Persistent diarrhea:
Persistent diarrhea lasts longer than 2 weeks and less than 4 weeks.
• Chronic diarrhea:
Chronic diarrhea lasts at least 4 weeks. Chronic diarrhea symptoms may
be continual or may come and go.
Causes of Diarrhea
1. Viral infections: Norovirus & Rotavirus
2. Bacterial infections: E. coli, Salmonella , and Shigella
3. Parasitic infections: Entamoeba histolytica.
4. Food allergies and intolerances
5. Infections
6. Digestive tract problems (irritable bowel syndrome).
7. Abdominal surgery
8. Long-term use of medicines
 Sign & Symptoms
1. Stomach pain
2. Abdominal cramps
3. Bloating
4. Thirst
5. Weight loss
6. Fever
7. Blood or pus in the stools
8. Persistent vomiting
9. Dehydration
 Diagnosis of Diarrhea
1. Endoscopy
2. Blood tests (CBC)
3. Stool test
4. Physical exam
5. Medical history
 Prevention

1. Clean and safe drinking water

2. Good sanitation systems, for example, waste water and sewage
3. Good hygiene practices, including handwashing with soap after
defecation, after cleaning a child who has defecated, after disposing
of a child's stool, before preparing food, and before eating
4. Breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life
5. Education on the spread of infection
 Treatment
• Fluids can be replaced by simply drinking more fluids, or they can be
received intravenously in severe cases.
• Oral rehydration solution or salts (ORS)
• Antidiarrheal medication (Loperamide, or Imodium)
• Antibiotics (Penicillins, amoxicillin or Cephalosporins )
• Eat foods high in soluble fiber.
 Complications
• Dehydration, with acute or chronic diarrhea.
• Malabsorption, with chronic diarrhea.
• Electrolyte loss