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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
Whilst she should increase her fluid intake, another option may be more appropriate for symptom relief
Refer her to her GP
This customer could manage her symptoms with OTC products
Loperamide 2mg capsules
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
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
Due to the risk of dehydration, a GP referral would be appropriate
Loperamide 2mg capsules
Loperamide should not be given to children under 12 years of age

Caroline is suffering from diarrhoea but advises that she has swallowing difficulties. Which Imodium product would be most suitable for her?

What could you recommend?
Click on the most appropriate option

Colpermin IBS Relief Capsules
Although Colpermin IBS Relief Capsules may help relieve acute diarrhoea, they are in the form of soft capsules - another Imodium product would be better suited
Imodium Instants
This would be a good option as there is no need to swallow or chew Imodium Instants
Imodium Original
Although Imodium Original would relieve the diarrhoea, they may not help with the cramps/bloating as well as another option could

Lucas is suffering from diarrhoea and is also complaining he is feeling bloated and has stomach cramps. Which Imodium product would be most suitable for him?

What could you recommend?
Click on the most appropriate option

Imodium Dual Action
Imodium Dual Action would be the most appropriate option to effectively relieve Lucas' diarrhoea, in addition to relieving the bloating and cramps that he is suffering with
Imodium Instants
Although Imodium Instants would offer relief of Lucas' diarrhoea within an hour, it would not provide relief for the bloating and cramps that he is also suffering with - another Imodium product would be better suited
Imodium Original
Although Imodium Originals would offer relief of Lucas' diarrhoea, it would not provide relief for the bloating and cramps that he is also suffering with - another Imodium product would be better suited

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. May 2021. 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 Bo wel 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.england.nhs.uk/north-west/keeping-you-well/

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

11. Imodium Classic 2mg Capsules SmPC. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/522/smpc

Online references last accessed July 2024