Tips on Managing Diarrhoea Geriatrics Diarrhoea is the passing of loose stools more frequently than what is normal for you. Stools may be soft, loose or watery. You may also have stomach pain, nausea or vomiting. With persistent diarrhoea, you will lose fluids and salts from the body which can make you feel weak. Some ways to manage diarrhoea include: ☐ Eat small meals that are easy to digest including clear soup, plain crackers, toast, boiled potatoes or white rice. ☐ Drink more fluids. Drinking more will help to replace the fluids you are losing. ☐ Replace lost salt by consuming oral rehydration salts or drinks.
☐ Avoid dairy products such as milk and cheese. Try lactose free products instead. ☐ Avoid spicy, oily or fried foods which may be difficult to digest. ☐ Avoid high fibre foods during this time such as fruits, leafy vegetables and wholegrain bread. ☐ Avoid alcohol, caffeinated or fizzy drinks. ☐
If you have been prescribed laxatives previously for constipation, you may consider reducing the dose or stopping them altogether.
☐ Ensure good hygiene of the skin near the anal/buttock region: - After passing stools, clean the area with warm water or wet wipes, instead of toilet paper. - Keep the area dry. - Apply soothing cream if the skin is sore, broken or painful. - For patients requiring the use of diapers, do change them regularly if dirty. ☐ Consider using disposable waterproof bed-padding for incontinent patients to prevent dirtying the bed linen. Do inform your doctor or nurse if you encounter the following - Persistent diarrhoea - Feeling weak or dizzy - Bleeding upon passing stools
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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