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.

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[JeanG]

on 5/30/2008 Need help with a diarrhea dilemma. I was prescribed Augmentin/amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 875 mg for a persistent sinus infection about a month ago, and have since had diarrhea. (I realized this was a side effect of the antibiotic) so did not worry about it. The infection was gone after 10 day course - but the diarrhea persists, a month later. My guess is the antibiotic wiped out the good bacteria and left me with the bad, causing the diarrhea. I admit to having some history of IBS - but never to this extent. As there is no blood or dangerous-looking element, I've not been overly concerned, but the persistence is concerning, not to mention the urgency and accompanying cramping. Have tried to follow a BRAT type diet, but shows little change no matter what I eat. Before I take the plunge for a colonoscopy, thought I would consider my options. Any ideas?

on 3/11/2006 At least 75% of all diarrheas are caused by viruses and are "self-regulating", meaning that your body will take care of the infection. This can take 3 to 9 days and the only thing to do is to take enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Be aware of the signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, and in small babies; a sunken fontanelle at the top of the head where the skull bones have not yet joined). If dehydration does occur, take Oral Rehydration Salt preparation. If fever occurs or there is blood in the stool, consult a doctor immediately.

on 11/22/2005 Pepto-Bismol and Immodium can be dangerous for children (and adults) when taken for diarrhea that is caused by viral infections (such as Rotavirus or the flu). By stopping the diarrhea, you may actually be trapping the virus inside your body and causing prolonged illness. Consult your doctor before taking over the counter medicines!

on 11/22/2005 I have found that Pepto Bismol works like a charm. Take one dose, two at most, give it a few hours and see if it helped.