Dear Bush Doctor, I know that in summer diarrhoea & vomiting is a common affliction, what is the correct treatment?
Dehydration is your most important thing to look out for!
Diarrhoea is the number one cause of death in children in developing countries and remains a big problem in developed countries with hot climates.
A patient that has diarrhoea that is persistent (more than 4 profuse bowel movements in 6 hours), is listless and refuses to drink is in danger of dehydration. If the patient is also vomiting beware. Vomiting aggravates dehydration. If one is unable to control the vomiting seek medical intervention soonest.
If the patient drinks, then re-hydrating the patient with plenty of fluids such as 1 litre of boiled water, one teaspoon of salt and one tablespoon of sugar. One can purchase Sorol, or Rehydrat. Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is the key. If the patient is not eating for a period of more than 48 hours, seek medical help.
A patient that is complaining of severe thirst is 2,5% dehydrated; if the mucous membranes are dry the patient id 5,0% dehydrated. (The ongue and mouth will be dry, not shiny and wet. If the patient’s the skin sticks together when it is pinched, is feeling listless and irritable they are 10 % dehydrated. This is life threatening. Dehydration should never be allowed to reach this point.
Always re-hydrate your patient and seek medical help as soon as possible. The patient may need medication.
Yours truly,
The Bush Doctor
Dear Bush Doctor, I know that in summer diarrhoea & vomiting is a common affliction, what is the correct treatment?
Dehydration is your most important thing to look out for!
Diarrhoea is the number one cause of death in children in developing countries and remains a big problem in developed countries with hot climates.
A patient that has diarrhoea that is persistent (more than 4 profuse bowel movements in 6 hours), is listless and refuses to drink is in danger of dehydration. If the patient is also vomiting beware. Vomiting aggravates dehydration. If one is unable to control the vomiting seek medical intervention soonest.
If the patient drinks, then re-hydrating the patient with plenty of fluids such as 1 litre of boiled water, one teaspoon of salt and one tablespoon of sugar. One can purchase Sorol, or Rehydrat. Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is the key. If the patient is not eating for a period of more than 48 hours, seek medical help.
A patient that is complaining of severe thirst is 2,5% dehydrated; if the mucous membranes are dry the patient id 5,0% dehydrated. (The ongue and mouth will be dry, not shiny and wet. If the patient’s the skin sticks together when it is pinched, is feeling listless and irritable they are 10 % dehydrated. This is life threatening. Dehydration should never be allowed to reach this point.
Always re-hydrate your patient and seek medical help as soon as possible. The patient may need medication.
Yours truly,
The Bush Doctor