Pattern of acute diarrhea and its management among children at DHQ Hospital, Attock city from July-August 2014.

Abstract

Introduction: Acute diarrhea is the 2^nd most common cause of death among children under 5 years age countrywide. It is the passage of watery or loose stools 3 or more times in 24 hours and lasting less than 14 days.

Methodology: This Comparative study was carried out at DHQ Hospital Attock City from July-August 2014 by using a close ended questionnaire.

Results: From July 2014-August 2014, a total of 40 children having acute diarrhea were hospitalized in the DHQ Hospital Pediatric ward. There were more males n=24(60%) then females n=16 (40%) and the male to female ratio was 1.5: 1. 50% of the patients presented in 2^nd half of 1^st year.  n=32 (80%) children presented with 4 days of illness. All patients had passed 8-10 stools per day. One had passed 15-20 stools per day. n=9 (22.5%) child pass small amount of blood/ mucous in stools. Exclusive breastfeeding was reported in n=8 (20%) of the patients. n=18 (45%) children did not show any signs of dehydration, n=15 (37.5%) showed some dehydration and n=7 (17.5%) showed severe dehydration. Symptoms associated with diarrhea were fever n=31 (77.5%), cough n=17 (17.5%), vomiting n=8 (20%), oral thrush n=1 (2.5%). Blood CP n=39 (97.5%), ESR, Stool Examination n=31 (77.5%), X-Ray Chest n=8 (20%) were the investigations done in children. ORS/OEM use rate was 40 (100%) while rate of antibiotic (ceftriaxone) was n=7 (17.5%), n=33 (82.5%) received  Zinc Sulphate in syrup form, n=31 (77.5%) received Syrup Paracetamol.

Conclusion: Diarrhea is a common illness among children under 1-year age. Fever is the most common associated symptom with diarrhea. Parenteral diarrhea due to abdominal infections is also predominant condition.

Key Words: Diarrhea, Abdominal infections, Oral rehydration salt.