Diarrhoea, Chronic, in Adults

Description

General Measures

Medicine Treatment

Referral

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ICD-10 code: A07.1/A09.0/A09.9/K52.2/K52.8/K52.9

DESCRIPTION

Defined as diarrhoea lasting > 4 weeks.

LoE:IVb¹² 

GENERAL MEASURES

• Encourage HIV testing: Most cases are likely to be HIV related.
• Send a stool sample for microscopy for ova, cysts and parasites.
• Do not request culture and sensitivity of the stool sample. Giardiasis is a common cause of chronic diarrhoea in adults and may be difficult to diagnose on stools. Empiric treatment for giardiasis is recommended before referring such patients.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

Giardiasis

• Metronidazole, oral, 2 g daily for 3 days.
  •  Avoid alcohol.

Chronic diarrhoea in HIV/AIDS:

See: Diarrhoea, HIV-associated

REFERRAL

All HIV negative cases with no pathogen identified and significant diarrhoea.

Click here to access the pdf.

Click here for the  NEMLC Recommendations for medicine amendments (2020-4 review cycle).

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Standard Treatment Guidelines And Essential Medicines List For South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-4_Version 1_June 2024

Chapter 2: Gastro-Intestinal Conditions, 2.9 Diarrhoea, 2.9.4 Diarrhoea, Chronic, in Adults