DIARRHEA

Diarrhea is the passage of liquid or water stool more than three times a day. Persistent Diarrhea is defined as diarrhea of presumed infectious origin that begins acutely. Incubation period for this diarrhea is about 14 days or more. It is caused by Vibrio cholera, rota virus, shigella etc.The main syndrome is dysentery which is characterized by the presence of blood and fever. Gross blood in the stool is the most reliable sign. The two main risks of diarrhea are malnutrition and death. Dehydration is the most common cause for death. A significant number of death occur as a result of malnutrition consequent to a series of diarrhea. Diarrheal illnesses are important contributors to the pool of malnourished children in developing countries. Rehydration is the first line of management and it can be carried out by oral rehydration solution. Drugs like Metronidazole, Tinidazole are used to cure this diahrrea. Loperamide should be avoided in moderate to severe diahrrea. Racecadotril decreases hyper secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen by preventing degradation of enkephalins.It is contraindicated in renal insufficiency, pregnancy and breast-feeding state. Oral rehydration solution is effective in preventing, treating and maintaining hydration in all except very severe cases of acute diarrhea.However one limitation of oral rehydration solutions is that it does not reduce the severity or duration of diarrhea.Water given to the child or used foe preparing feds should be clean, portable, preferably boiled these should be maintained for control of all the infectious illnesses including diarrhea. These measures should be sustained to achieve the desired goals.