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Acute diarrhoea: effective symptom management

Defining diarrhoea
When to refer
Dehydration
Signs of dehydration
IBS and diarrhoea
Diarrhoea treatment
Self-care advice
Mythbusting
Imodium range for diarrhoea
Managing IBS symptoms
Customer scenarios
Assessment questions

module menu icon Customer scenarios

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module menu icon Customer scenarios

Customer scenarios

Tina is 42. She wants to have a private word. In the consultation room, she asks if she can take anything for her upset stomach - she had an episode of diarrhoea this morning. She is nervous about a presentation she needs to give tomorrow for work, and wonders if you can recommend something to help.

What could you recommend?
Click on the most appropriate option

Drink fluids and wait for it to pass
Another option may be more suitable - Whilst she should increase her fluid intake, another option may be more appropriate for symptom relief
Refer her to her GP
Incorrect - This customer could manage her symptoms with OTC products
Loperamide 2mg capsules
Correct - This would be an appropriate option to slow the bowel movements and relieve her symptoms

Rizwan would like advice about his three-year-old daughter. She has had diarrhoea and been sick a few times over the last two days. She seems quite drowsy and isn't drinking or eating anything.

What could you recommend?
Click on the most appropriate option

Drink fluids and wait for it to pass
Another option may be more suitable - As she is young, drowsy and not eating/drinking, she may be dehydrated so should be referred to her GP
Refer her to her GP
Correct - Due to the risk of dehydration, a GP referral would be appropriate
Loperamide 2mg capsules
Incorrect - Loperamide should not be given to children under 12 years of age

Caroline is suffering from diarrhoea. She also mentions that she has stomach cramps and feels bloated. She's on no other medication. Caroline is considering which Imodium product would be most suitable.

What could you recommend?
Click on the most appropriate option

lmodium Instants
Another option may be more suitable - Although Imodium Instants would relieve the diarrhoea, they may not help with the cramps/bloating as well as another option could
Imodium Plus Comfort
Correct - This would be a good option as it works to relieve both diarrhoea and cramps/bloating
Imodium Original
Another option may be more suitable - Although Imodium Original would relieve the diarrhoea, they may not help with the cramps/bloating as well as another option could

Now you have completed this module, proceed to the next screen to test your knowledge and record your learning.

References

1. NICE CKS Diarrhoea - adult's assessment. December 2018. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/diarrhoea-adults-assessment#!topicSummary

2. UK U&A Digestive Health Care December 2015

3. https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/symptoms/diarrhoea/

4. NHS UK Diarrhoea and vomiting. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/

5. NHS UK Dehydration. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/

6. NHS UK Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/symptoms/

7. NICE Clinical Practice Guidelines: Irritable Bowel Syndrome in adults: diagnosis and management. Last updated April 2017. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61

8. The prevalence, patterns and impact of irritable bowel syndrome: an international survey of 40,000 subjects. 2003. Hungin et al

9. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/your-medicine-cabinet/

10. Management of traveller's diarrhoea. BMJ. 11th October 2008. David R Hill; Edward T Ryan

11. Imodium Plus Comfort tablet SmPC. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/369/smpc


Online references last accessed October 2020

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