Title: Childhood diarrhea and malnutrition in Pakistan, Part II: Treatment and management.

POPLINE Document Number: 108724

Author(s):

David S
Lobo M

Source citation:

JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NURSING, 1995 Jun;10(3):204-9.

Abstract:

Diarrhea and malnutrition are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children younger than age 5 years in developing countries. The prevention and management of diarrhea and malnutrition are frequently affected by local customs and vary from country to country. This paper reviews the treatment and management of diarrhea and malnutrition in Pakistan. Discussion of the management of diarrhea is divided into sections on rehydration, oral rehydration solution, the use of antibiotics and antidiarrheals, and the administration of foods and diet. The management of both moderate and severe protein-energy malnutrition is considered. Most mild cases of diarrhea can be managed on an outpatient basis. The authors note that physicians in Pakistan often treat children with diarrhea who are not severely dehydrated with expensive medications and intravenous fluids which lead to serious complications. Children who do, however, show clinical signs of severe dehydration require intravenous fluids and should be admitted to a hospital.

Keywords:

Pakistan
Diarrhea
Child
Malnutrition
Treatment
Asia, Southern
Asia
Developing Countries
Diseases
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Nutrition Disorders