• Condition that results in kidney failure, anemia and low platelets
• May affect the entire body
• Symptoms may include diarrhea, pinpoint purplish spots on the skin, swelling and a decrease in urine output
• Cause may be unknown but often follows a bacterial or viral infection or may be due to certain medications
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age but more common in toddler and school age children
• Can be life threatening without prompt treatment especially in adults and older children

FOR DIARRHEA

• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
• Home oral rehydration solution (ORS):
  • Six (6) level teaspoons of Sugar
  • Half (1/2) level teaspoon of Salt
  • 1 L (5 cupful’s) of clean drinking or boiled water and then cooled
• Eat the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Apple sauce, Toast)
• If accompanied by nausea, suck on small pieces of ice (not small enough to choke on!)
• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendation for dosage):
  • Loperamide
  • Bismuth subsalicylate

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen