How to Treat Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by excess water in the stool and can be quite debilitating. The cause may vary from tainted food or a virus to severe anxiety. These steps can help you cope.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Antidiarrheal Agents

1. Rest to give your body time to recover.

2. Avoid milk products, because temporary lactose intolerance is common after an insult to the intestine.

3. Wash your hands after every bowel movement to reduce the chance of transmitting the pathogen to someone else.

4. Consider your diet. Some people believe bananas help to form stools in children. Some doctors recommend a 'BRAT' diet: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. But use them sparingly and cautiously so as not to aggravate the problem.

5. Withhold food for 24 hours in moderate to severe cases, allowing only lukewarm clear liquids. As stools begin to form, slowly add soft foods.

6. Visit your doctor if the diarrhea is painful, is severe, contains blood or is accompanied by a high fever. Also, see or call a doctor immediately if you are taking antibiotic or prescription drugs.

7. Ask your pharmacist about any antidiarrheal medication you're considering to make sure that it does not interact with medications you are already taking.

Tips & Warnings

• In children, diarrhea that is due to bacterial infection is severe and can last up to twelve days.

• Check your medicines: Products containing magnesium may cause diarrhea.

• The elderly and children can quickly become dehydrated, which can turn an intestinal illness into a systemic emergency. Replace fluids by drinking water, an electrolyte replacement drink or juice if tolerable.

• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.