Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is considered a key symptom of constipation?
What is considered a key symptom of constipation?
Which type of laxative retains fluid in the bowel through osmosis?
Which type of laxative retains fluid in the bowel through osmosis?
Which of the following is NOT a common cause of constipation?
Which of the following is NOT a common cause of constipation?
What is a serious warning symptom that warrants referral for constipation?
What is a serious warning symptom that warrants referral for constipation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common side effect of stimulant laxatives?
What is a common side effect of stimulant laxatives?
Signup and view all the answers
What is essential to do when using bulk-forming laxatives?
What is essential to do when using bulk-forming laxatives?
Signup and view all the answers
Which symptom is associated with chronic constipation?
Which symptom is associated with chronic constipation?
Signup and view all the answers
Which condition is a potential medical cause of constipation?
Which condition is a potential medical cause of constipation?
Signup and view all the answers
What symptom is indicative of hemorrhoids, particularly noticeable with stool?
What symptom is indicative of hemorrhoids, particularly noticeable with stool?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a less common risk factor for developing hemorrhoids?
Which of the following is a less common risk factor for developing hemorrhoids?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common treatment approach for managing symptoms of hemorrhoids?
What is a common treatment approach for managing symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Signup and view all the answers
Which symptom should prompt immediate referral to rule out serious conditions?
Which symptom should prompt immediate referral to rule out serious conditions?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a characteristic feature of thrombosed hemorrhoids?
What is a characteristic feature of thrombosed hemorrhoids?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most effective long-term treatment for hemorrhoids?
What is the most effective long-term treatment for hemorrhoids?
Signup and view all the answers
Which potential symptom could be misattributed to hemorrhoids?
Which potential symptom could be misattributed to hemorrhoids?
Signup and view all the answers
What common cause could contribute to the development of hemorrhoids due to increased intra-abdominal pressure?
What common cause could contribute to the development of hemorrhoids due to increased intra-abdominal pressure?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of diarrhoea is defined as lasting more than 4 weeks?
Which type of diarrhoea is defined as lasting more than 4 weeks?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary action of loperamide in treating diarrhoea?
What is the primary action of loperamide in treating diarrhoea?
Signup and view all the answers
Which symptom is NOT typically associated with diarrhoea?
Which symptom is NOT typically associated with diarrhoea?
Signup and view all the answers
Which electrolyte is typically lost during episodes of diarrhoea?
Which electrolyte is typically lost during episodes of diarrhoea?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended sugar-to-salt ratio for a home-made rehydration drink?
What is the recommended sugar-to-salt ratio for a home-made rehydration drink?
Signup and view all the answers
What are common causes of medication-induced diarrhoea?
What are common causes of medication-induced diarrhoea?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT considered a danger symptom in diarrhoea?
Which of the following is NOT considered a danger symptom in diarrhoea?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended first course of action for mild diarrhoea?
What is the recommended first course of action for mild diarrhoea?
Signup and view all the answers
Which mechanism is NOT listed as a cause of diarrhoea?
Which mechanism is NOT listed as a cause of diarrhoea?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following OTC medications is most commonly recommended for diarrhoea in adults?
Which of the following OTC medications is most commonly recommended for diarrhoea in adults?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Treatment of Minor Ailments
- Focuses on diarrhea, constipation, and hemorrhoids.
- Provides learning outcomes for the conditions
- Includes a "WWHAMM" summary slide with questions to help assess patients.
Learning Outcomes (Diarrhea)
- Understand the lower GI tract ailment—diarrhea.
- Recognize symptoms, causes, and treatments.
- Identify OTC medications for treatment.
- Understand the impact on electrolyte balance and how rehydration salts correct it.
Diarrhea
- Characterized by passing watery stools more than three times a day.
- Types:
- Acute: sudden onset, lasting up to 14 days.
- Persistent: lasting more than 14 days.
- Chronic: lasting more than 4 weeks.
Diarrhea Mechanisms
- Increased osmotic load in the gut lumen.
- Increased secretion.
- Inflammation of the intestinal lining.
- Increased intestinal motility.
- Often multiple mechanisms are involved.
Symptoms of Diarrhea
- Watery stools, possibly with abdominal cramps.
- Flatulence, weakness, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, and loss of appetite.
- Fluid loss can lead to electrolyte imbalance (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Cl-).
Treatment of Diarrhea
- Drink fluids to prevent dehydration (rehydration drinks recommended).
- Eat high-carbohydrate foods as soon as possible.
- Consider anti-diarrheal medicine (e.g., loperamide).
- Use pain relievers if fever or headache is present.
Rehydration Drinks
- Replace lost electrolytes but don't treat diarrhea
- Commercial products available (e.g., Dioralyte).
- Dissolve a sachet in 200ml of fresh water and drink after each loose stool.
- Helps restore fluids and electrolytes.
- "Home-made" options are available.
WHO Recommendation (Home-Made)
- ½ teaspoon salt and 6 teaspoons sugar per 1 liter of water.
- Lightly salted rice water is another option.
Antidiarrhoeals
- Loperamide is an example of an anti-diarrheal medication.
- Adults and children over 12 years can use loperamide (2 capsules initially, followed by 1 capsule after each loose stool, maximising use to 8 doses in 24 hours).
- It slows down transit time through the GI tract which improves the absorption of water and electrolytes.
Medication-Induced Diarrhea
- Detailed medical history is crucial.
- Newer or as needed medications are more prone to causing diarrhea.
- Medications like Laxatives, Antibiotics, Metformin, NSAIDs, and PPIs are potential culprits.
Warning Symptoms (Diarrhea)
- Blood or mucus in stools (bright red is okay in small amounts).
- Signs of dehydration (lethargy, headache, dry mouth).
- Duration of diarrhea longer than 5 days.
- Frequent vomiting.
- High fever.
- Recent change in bowel habits or travel abroad (especially for those who have recently traveled outside the country).
Learning Outcomes (Constipation)
- Understand the lower GI tract ailment—constipation.
- Recognize symptoms, causes, and treatments.
- Understand how to identify appropriate OTC medications for treatment.
Constipation
- Passing hard stools less often than normal.
- Inability to empty the bowels completely.
Symptoms of Constipation
- Change in stool frequency.
- Hard, lumpy, large, or small stools.
- Stomach ache and cramps.
- Feeling bloated, nauseous, loss of appetite.
- Chronic problems like hemorrhoids and fecal impaction can arise.
Causes of Constipation
- Poor diet (lack of fiber and/or fluids).
- Lack of mobility.
- Medications.
- Opioid analgesics, antidepressants, anti-epileptics and iron supplements.
- Pregnancy.
- Medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, Parkinson's, underactive thyroid).
Treatment of Constipation
- Lifestyle changes, including increasing fiber in the diet, bulking agents, and increasing fluid intake, as well as daily exercise.
- Laxatives, including stimulant, bulk-forming, and osmotic types.
Stimulant Laxatives
- Increase intestinal motility.
- Onset of action is within 8–12 hours.
- Often taken at night.
- Side effects include abdominal cramps, excessive fluid loss, and electrolyte imbalance.
- Examples include senna and bisacodyl.
Bulk-Forming Laxatives
- Stimulates peristalsis like dietary fiber.
- Onset of action is 24–36 hours.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid impaction.
- Side effects include flatulence and abdominal bloating.
- Examples include bran and ispaghula husk.
Osmotic Laxatives
- Retain fluid in the bowel via osmosis.
- Plenty of water intake is critical.
- Onset of action up to 3 days.
- Side effects include flatulence, abdominal pain, and colic.
- Examples include lactulose and magnesium salts.
Warning Symptoms (Constipation)
- Constipation alternating with diarrhea.
- Blood or mucus in stools (bright red is okay in small amounts).
- Weight loss.
- Abuse of laxatives.
- Vomiting.
- Fever.
- Angina.
Learning Outcomes (Hemorrhoids)
- Understand the lower GI tract ailment—hemorrhoids.
- Recognize symptoms, causes, and treatments.
- Identify appropriate OTC medications for treatment
Hemorrhoids (Piles)
- Anal vascular cushions swell or enlarge.
- Often self-reported, other conditions may be confused with hemorrhoids.
- Prevalence: 13–36% of the population.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
- Bright red rectal bleeding, not mixed in with stool.
- Pruritus (itchiness—caused by mucus discharge and irritation).
- Soiling (uncontrolled stool discharge—caused by impaired continence or mucus discharge).
- Rectal fullness or an anal lump.
- Large prolapsed hemorrhoids can thrombose (become painful and swollen).
Causes of Hemorrhoids
- Excessive straining (chronic constipation).
- Age.
- Intra-abdominal pressure (pregnancy and chronic cough).
- Other less common causes, like pelvic/abdominal masses, family history of hemorrhoids, cardiac failure, or portal hypertension.
Treatment of Hemorrhoids
- Treat constipation first.
- Use creams, ointments, and suppositories.
- These treat symptoms, not the condition.
- Topical remedies (local anesthetic, astringent, and barrier cream).
- Short-term treatment (5–7 days).
Warning Symptoms (Hemorrhoids)
- Exclude other causes of rectal bleeding (e.g., malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease).
- Other anorectal symptoms may be wrongly attributed to hemorrhoids (fissures, abscesses, or perianal fistulas).
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz focuses on the treatment of minor ailments, particularly diarrhea, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Participants will learn about the symptoms, causes, and OTC medications for diarrhea, along with the importance of rehydration. The quiz also emphasizes understanding the mechanisms and types of diarrhea.
