What To Do About Diarrhea

Diarrhea is term used to describe the condition of loose, watery stools. It affects millions of people. In most cases, diarrhea occurs along with an illness that affects a person for a few days. In some people, however, diarrhea may naturally occur more frequently. The most common causes include stomach flu and eating or drinking food or water contaminated by bacteria or parasites. Many medications cause diarrhea as a side effect including certain antibiotics, and some types of chemotherapy. Diarrhea can lead to the dangerous loss of water and other nutrients in the body needed for life.

Over-the-counter products like Rehydralyte and Cera-lyte are liquid solutions that help restore loss of water and nutrients. Loperamide (Imodium) can stop diarrhea by controlling the digestive muscles in the stomach. It should not be used in a person who has diarrhea and a fever. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help treat diarrhea that is complicated with other symptoms like fever and upset stomach. Soft foods like mashed bananas, applesauce, and dry crackers can be eaten to ease the digestive pathway. Prescribed medications and antibiotics may be given if there is also loss of blood, severe stomach pain, fever, and diarrhea for fourteen days or longer.






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