GuidelinesIMCI
Diarrhoea / Persistent Diarrhoea - Follow-Up
IMCI - Child (Age 2 months up to 5 years)
Care for the child who returns for follow-up using ALL the boxes that match the child’s previous classifications
If the child has a new problem, assess, classify and treat the new problem as on the ASSESS AND CLASSIFY Chart
Diarrhoea
After 2 days (for some dehydration) or 5 days (for no visible dehydration, but not improving):
- Assess the child for diarrhoea - See Assess & Classify
- Check if zinc is being given - See Assess & Classify
- If blood in the stools, assess for dysentery - See Assess & Classify
Ask:
- Are there fewer stools? - See Assess & Classify
- Is the child eating better? ) - See Assess & Classify
- If some dehydration, refer
- If diarrhoea still present, but no visible dehydration, follow- up in 5 days
- Assess and counsel about feeding
- Advise caregiver when to return immediately
Persistent Diarrhoea
After 5 days:
Ask:
- Has the diarrhoea stopped?
- How many loose stools is the child having per day
- Assess feeding
Treatment:
- Check if zinc is being given
- If the diarrhoea has not stopped reassess child, treat for dehydration, then refer
- If the diarrhoea has stopped:
- Counsel on feeding
- Suggest caregiver gives one extra meal every day for one week
- Review after 14 days to assess weight gain
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness 2022; Child (Age 2 months up to 5 years); Give Follow-up Care; Diarrhoea, Persistent Diarrhoea
Last checked for updates: June 2023