Counseling Your PatientsKeeping your patients informed about the proper course of action for treating their diarrhea is important. Many patients underestimate the severe impacts that dehydration can cause, as well as how eating a proper diet and drinking plenty of fluids will keep their stool soft and help them to avoid any pain during their bowel movements. Further treatments such as medication can be helpful, but are not always necessary.
DehydrationStress the importance of staying hydrated with your patients. Patients should know that if they become dehydrated while they have diarrhea, their case can severely worsen and could lead to hospitalization, especially for children. For them, rehydration via oral rehydration solutions (ORS) is the first treatment for all cases of diarrhea.
Adults with diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids to replenish the water their body has lost. A diet of clear liquids will have the best effect against most cases of diarrhea. Along with water, juices, bouillons and weak teas are helpful in order to avoid becoming dehydrated.
FoodChildren who require rehydration should continue to be fed. Food should not be withdrawn for longer than 4 to 6 hours after the onset of rehydration. For the optimal management of mild to moderate dehydrated children, normal feeding should be continued. Continue breast-feeding during acute gastroenteritis. For adults, advise them to try and eat something while experiencing diarrhea. Eating solid foods will help to ease and prevent stomach cramps.
Other InformationIf the case of diarrhea is mild, patients can exercise, but should avoid strenuous activities until symptoms have passed. The risk of dehydration is increased in such cases, which can enhance the severity of the diarrhea's condition. Practicing good hygiene can help prevent diarrhea. Advise washing hands with soap, such as before eating or preparing food, and especially after using the bathroom.
Suggest that patients suffering from diarrhea rest as much as possible. This will help the healing process.
Children that are suffering from diarrhea should stay home from school or day care until their symptoms have passed. Not only will this give them time to rest and recover, but it will prevent other children from catching their diarrhea as well. Encourage patients to seek emergency treatment if their symptoms worsen. Such symptoms include:Diarrhea that last more than three daysStool that is either black or containing bloodSymptoms of dehydrationStomach pains that persists even after bowel movementsA fever that accompanies the diarrheaDiarrhea that appears while taking medicationAn infant under three months experiencing diarrhea and vomitingInfants older than three months vomiting for more than 12 hours
