Diarrhoea

Leading cause of death in children under 5 globally; the highest mortality from diarrhoeal diseases is in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia

Aetiology

  • Rotavirus, E. coli
  • Usually caused by faeces-infected water or food
  • Major cause of malnutrition, and malnourished children are more likely to fall ill from diarrhoea

Management

Prevention

  • Safe drinking water, good hygeine and sanitation
  • Breastfeeding and good nutrition
  • Vaccination

Management

  • Oral rehydration solution (ORS)
    • Sodium glucose co-transport system - glucose and sodium creates osmotic pull for water
    • Instantly absorbed in jejunum aoviding most of intestine
    • For mild and moderate dehydration avoids IV fluids, and only costs pennies
  • Zinc supplements