Use of zinc in treatment of diarrheal diseases

[SUMAN-SAJAN]

Use of zinc in treatment of diarrheal diseases

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Every year children under 5 years of age suffer at least 1.7 times from diarrheal diseases.

Many efforts have been made to control such diseases. Recently WHO and UNICEF after s a study have published a report stating the use of zinc tablets in diarrheal diseases.

The study has shown that zinc is effective in controlling disease in about 19-26 % patient's suffering from diarrheal diseases. Similarly studies have shown that with use of zinc there is decrease in incidence of complications.

So government of Nepal has started the use of zinc tablets along with oral rehydrating solution (ORS). This program is conducted all over country by Swasthya Sewa Bibhag.

What is Zinc?

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It is a mineral that is essential for different functions of body.

Why is Zinc needed?
Since it is found in more then 100 enzymes it is needed to:
• Increases immunity
• Helps in regeneration of cells.

What happens in diarrhea?
• Loss of water and salt.
• loss of Zinc

Diarrhea results in a loss of zinc. Individuals who have had gastrointestinal surgery or who have digestive disorders that result in malabsorption, including sprue, Crohn’s disease and short bowel syndrome, are at greater risk of a zinc deficiency . Individuals who experience chronic diarrhea should make sure they include sources of zinc in their daily diet and may benefit from zinc supplementation. A medical doctor can evaluate the need for a zinc supplement if diet alone fails to maintain normal zinc levels in these circumstances.


Advantages of use of zinc
• Keeps integrity of cells of stomach and intestine
• Decrease incidence of loose stools
• Rapid recovery
• Decrease incidence of pneumonia and communicable diseases
• Helps in physical development of child


Dosage

• 2-6 month
10 mg (half cap.) once a day for 10 days
• 6 months- 5 years
20 mg (1 cap) once a day for 10 days


When to give zinc?
As soon as patient suffers from diarrhea.


Where to get zinc?
• Government health posts – free of cost
• Pharmacies


Method
1. Take a little water in a spoon.
2. Put Zinc tablet in water.
3. Let zinc dissolve.
4. Give to the child.



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Compiled By: Suman Prasad Adhikari

[Walrus]

Zinc has also said to be beneficial for the treatment of Pneumonia. There was a research going on in Children Hospitals of Nepal.

Does anyone know how was the results?

[SUMAN-SAJAN]

Zinc has been said to reduce incidence of Pneumonia as well but im afraid i do not have any ideas about researches going around .

please let us know if Somebody has idea about it .