Paediatrics - Queensland Health - Queensland Government

Gastrointestinal problems
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-- check length and do head circumference and plot against growth chart
- - check haemoglobin on haemoglobinometer (HemoCue®) (if not already
done)
- - collect stool for lactose intolerance testing
• Perform a complete physical examination:
-- -from head to toe assessing current state of health and looking for evidence of
undetected illness
4. Management
• Treat with oral iron supplement for 1 month under supervision (taking iron daily is
problematic as child is often asymptomatic. Do not give during diarrhoeal illness.
Parents to be advised about the risk of iron ingestion by children and to store
safely out of reach)
• Treat with IM ferrum H if family unable to give oral iron or child will not take oral
iron:
- - babies aged 6 - 12 months with haemoglobin