A09.0/A09.9/K52.2/K52.8/K52.9
DESCRIPTION
Diarrhoea for 7–14 days.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Assess for possible HIV infection, and manage appropriately.
- Prevent dehydration using homemade sugar and salt solution.
- Counsel mother regarding feeding.
- If breastfeeding, give more frequent, longer feeds.
- If replacement feeding, replace milk with breast milk or with fermented milk products such as amasi (maas) or yoghurt, if available.
- Continue with solids: give small, frequent meals at least 6 times a day.
- Follow–up 5 days later. If diarrhoea persists, refer to doctor.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Give an additional dose of Vitamin A:
- Vitamin A (retinol), oral.
| Age range | Dose IU | Capsule 100 000 IU | Capsule 200 000 IU |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Infants 6 - 11 months old |
100 000 | 1 capsule | – |
|
Children 12 months - 5 years |
200 000 | 2 capsules | 1 capsule |
- Administration of a vitamin A capsule
- Cut the narrow end of the capsule with scissors.
- Open the child's mouth by gently squeezing the cheeks.
- Squeeze the drops from the capsule directly into the back of the child’s mouth. If a child spits up most of the vitamin A liquid immediately, give one more dose.
- Do NOT give the capsule to the mother or the caregiver to take home.
- Zinc (elemental), oral for 14 days:
- If < 10 kg give 10 mg/day.
- If ≥ 10 kg give 20 mg/day.
REFERRAL
- Child < 2 months of age.
- Signs of dehydration. See: Diarrhoea, acute in children.
- Malnutrition or weight loss.
- Diarrhoea still present at 5-day follow-up