How to stop diarrhea at home. What are the best over-the-counter medications for diarrhea. When should you see a doctor for diarrhea. What foods help with diarrhea.

Understanding Diarrhea: Causes and Symptoms

Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal issue characterized by loose, watery stools and sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain. It can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, bacterial infections, food poisoning, or underlying digestive problems. While most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own within a day or two, it’s essential to understand when home remedies are sufficient and when medical attention is necessary.

Common Causes of Diarrhea

• Viral infections (e.g., stomach flu)
• Bacterial infections
• Food poisoning
• Medications
• Dietary changes
• Stress

Recognizing Diarrhea Symptoms

The primary symptom of diarrhea is loose, watery stools. However, it may also be accompanied by:

• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Fever
• Dehydration

Over-the-Counter Medications for Diarrhea Relief

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be effective in managing diarrhea symptoms. However, it’s crucial to use them appropriately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

Loperamide (Imodium)

Loperamide works by slowing down the movement of fluids through the intestines, allowing for more water absorption. How should you take loperamide? Take it after your first loose bowel movement. Is loperamide safe for everyone? It’s not recommended for children or in cases of bacterial infections, so consult a doctor before use.

Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate)

Bismuth subsalicylate is a versatile medication that addresses multiple aspects of diarrhea. How does bismuth subsalicylate work? It reduces intestinal inflammation, slows digestion, decreases stomach acid, and may even combat bacteria causing the diarrhea.

Fiber Supplements

While fiber is often associated with treating constipation, it can also help manage diarrhea. How do fiber supplements help with diarrhea? Products like psyllium (Metamucil) can bulk up watery stools, providing more form and consistency.

Hydration: The Key to Managing Diarrhea

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial when dealing with diarrhea, as the body loses significant amounts of fluids and electrolytes through frequent bowel movements.

The Importance of Fluid Intake

Why is hydration so important during diarrhea? Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous, especially for young children and older adults. What are the signs of dehydration? Watch for increased thirst, decreased urination, fatigue, dizziness, or confusion.

Recommended Fluids

What should you drink when you have diarrhea?

• Water
• Clear broths
• Rehydration solutions (e.g., Pedialyte)
• Sports drinks (e.g., Gatorade)
• Chamomile tea
• Lemongrass tea

Which beverages should you avoid? Steer clear of caffeinated drinks and milk, as they can irritate the stomach and potentially worsen diarrhea symptoms.

Dietary Considerations for Managing Diarrhea

Your diet plays a crucial role in managing diarrhea and promoting recovery. While it’s normal to experience a decreased appetite initially, gradually reintroducing foods can help stabilize your digestive system.

The BRAT Diet

What is the BRAT diet? This acronym stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. Why is the BRAT diet recommended for diarrhea? These foods are easily digestible, help firm up stools, and provide essential nutrients without irritating the digestive system.

Foods to Eat

What foods can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms?

• Bananas
• Plain white rice
• Boiled potatoes
• Lean, grilled chicken or turkey
• Cooked carrots
• Crackers
• Pretzels

Foods to Avoid

Which foods should you steer clear of when experiencing diarrhea?

• Dairy products
• Fatty or greasy foods
• Spicy foods
• High-fiber foods
• Caffeine
• Alcohol

Probiotics: Restoring Gut Health

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to your gut microbiome, potentially alleviating diarrhea symptoms and preventing future occurrences.

Benefits of Probiotics

How do probiotics help with diarrhea? They can:

• Reduce the duration of diarrhea
• Improve stool consistency
• Enhance the immune system
• Prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Probiotic Sources

Where can you find probiotics? Consider incorporating these sources into your diet:

• Yogurt with live cultures
• Kefir
• Fermented vegetables (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi)
• Kombucha
• Probiotic supplements

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of diarrhea can be managed at home, certain situations require professional medical attention. Recognizing these signs is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring proper treatment.

Warning Signs

When should you see a doctor for diarrhea? Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
• More than six loose stools in 24 hours
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of dehydration (e.g., extreme thirst, infrequent urination, dizziness)
• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)

Special Considerations for Children and Older Adults

Why is diarrhea more concerning in children and older adults? These age groups are more susceptible to dehydration and its complications. What should parents and caregivers watch for? Pay close attention to signs of dehydration, changes in behavior, and the frequency and consistency of bowel movements.

Prevention Strategies for Diarrhea

While it’s not always possible to prevent diarrhea, certain practices can significantly reduce your risk of developing this uncomfortable condition.

Hygiene Practices

How can proper hygiene help prevent diarrhea?

• Wash hands frequently, especially before meals and after using the bathroom
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Food Safety

What food safety measures can help prevent diarrhea?

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
• Cook meats to proper temperatures
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products
• Store food at appropriate temperatures
• Be cautious when eating out, especially in unfamiliar locations

Travel Precautions

How can you reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea?

• Drink bottled or boiled water in areas with questionable water quality
• Avoid raw or undercooked foods
• Be cautious with street food
• Consider probiotics or preventive medications for high-risk areas

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for diarrhea, you can effectively manage this common condition and minimize its impact on your daily life. Remember to stay hydrated, choose appropriate foods, and seek medical attention when necessary. With proper care and prevention strategies, you can reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea episodes, promoting overall digestive health and well-being.

Home Remedies for Diarrhea | Buoy Health

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Most cases of diarrhea can be treated at home.

Medically reviewed by

Chandra Manuelpillai, MD.

Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine

Last updated October 25, 2022

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Treat at home or see a doctor?

Take an anti-diarrheal medicine

Drink plenty of fluids

Eat bland foods

Take probiotics

Avoid irritating foods

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Medically reviewed by

Chandra Manuelpillai, MD.

Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine

Last updated October 25, 2022

Diarrhea quiz

Take a quiz to find out what’s causing your diarrhea.

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1

• Mild, occasional bouts of diarrhea can often be treated at home.
• OTC treatments like anti-diarrhea medications and fiber supplements can help relieve symptoms.
• Drink fluids to stay hydrated.

See home treatments

2

• You’ve had diarrhea for more than 24 hours.
• You have other symptoms like severe abdominal pain or blood or mucus in the diarrhea.

See care providers

Go to the ER if you have signs of severe dehydration. These include:

• Extreme thirst
• Urinating less frequently or not urinating at all
• Not sweating
• Headache
• Dizziness

Diarrhea quiz

Take a quiz to find out what’s causing your diarrhea.

Take diarrhea quiz

Treat at home or see a doctor?

Pro Tip

Most infectious diarrhea or diarrhea from food poisoning will get better on its own. But if you have bloody stool or fever, this could be a sign of a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. —Dr. Chandra Manuelpillai

Diarrhea is a common problem with a range of causes—from flu to a stomach virus to food poisoning. It means that you have loose, watery stool and sometimes abdominal pain. And it often sends you racing to the bathroom.

Many bouts of diarrhea are short-lived, lasting a couple of hours to a day. And it can be treated at home.

However, if your diarrhea lasts more than a day or so, or you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor. It may be a sign of a bacterial infection—and you will need an antibiotic—or of a more chronic digestive problem.

• You have diarrhea for more than 24 hours.
• You have more than six loose stools in 24 hours.
• You have blood or mucus in the diarrhea.
• You have severe abdominal pain.
• You have signs of dehydration: Such as dry mouth, dizziness, confusion, muscle cramping, and excessive thirst.
• You have a fever over 100.4.

Take an anti-diarrheal medicine

There are several types of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that will make your stool less watery and calm your gut.

But they are not recommended if you have a stomach virus or food poisoning. Diarrhea is your body’s way of getting rid of the infection so slowing it down only prolongs the infection.

Call your doctor first. These can be dangerous in children so contact your child’s doctor before giving to them.

• Loperamide (Imodium) slows the gut to allow more water to be absorbed back into the body. It can make diarrhea less watery. Take it after your first loose bowel.
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) works in multiple ways including decreasing intestinal inflammation, slowing your digestion, reducing stomach acid, and potentially killing or slowing the growth of the bacteria that is causing the diarrhea.
• Though fiber is often recommended for constipation, it can also help with diarrhea. Adding a fiber supplement like psyllium (Metamucil) to a drink can bulk up watery stool.

Diarrhea quiz

Take a quiz to find out what’s causing your diarrhea.

Take diarrhea quiz

Drink plenty of fluids

Dr. Rx

The most important thing to understand is diarrhea can lead to dehydration, particularly in the very young or very old. It is very important to look for signs and symptoms of dehydration including increased thirst, decreased urination, fatigue, dizziness or confusion. —Dr. Manuelpillai

Diarrhea causes you to lose a lot of fluids, so you need to drink liquids to prevent dehydration. It may be easier to take frequent sips of liquid, like water or broth, rather than trying to down a big glass of water.

If you have frequent episodes of diarrhea or you notice signs of dehydration, you may need to drink a rehydration liquid, like a sports drink (Gatorade) or Pedialyte for children. These contain electrolyte—minerals that are also lost when you have diarrhea. There’s also some evidence that chamomile tea and lemongrass tea can help calm the stomach.

Avoid beverages with caffeine, which can dehydrate you. Also avoid milk, which can irritate your stomach.

Eat bland foods

At first, you may not want to eat anything until your stomach starts to feel better. It’s fine to stick with liquids like broth, clear soups, or Jell-o. Move on to bland foods and then slowly get back to your normal diet as your diarrhea improves.

Take probiotics

Probiotics are “good” bacteria, similar to naturally occurring bacteria in your digestive tract. They are thought to help restore the balance in your gut when you’re fighting a virus or bacterial infection. Studies show that probiotics can reduce the length of time that you have diarrhea.

Two well-researched probiotics, lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, are sold in a powder form. You can add to drinks or take in a capsule. Probiotics are also in certain foods such as live or active culture yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices and soy beverages.

Diarrhea quiz

Take a quiz to find out what’s causing your diarrhea.

Take diarrhea quiz

Avoid irritating foods

• Avoid dairy products. They contain lactose, which may be hard to digest when you have diarrhea. One exception is yogurt, which contains “good” bacteria that can help settle your stomach.
• Avoid greasy, high-fat, and spicy foods. They can upset your stomach.
• Avoid alcohol. It can speed up your digestive system, contributing to diarrhea.

Pro Tip

Some diarrhea is caused by other disorders besides infection such as food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), and irritable bowel disease. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor so an accurate diagnosis may be made and treatment started as soon as possible. —Dr. Manuelpillai

Chandra Manuelpillai, MD.

Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine

Dr. Manuelpillai is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician. She received her undergraduate degree in Health Science Studies from Quinnipiac University (2002). She then went on to graduated from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences/The Chicago Medical School (2007) where she served on the Executive Student Council, as well as was the alternate delegate to the AMA/ISMS-MSS G…

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Watery Diarrhea Symptoms, Causes & Common Questions

Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. Liquid diarrhea can also be caused by protozoa. If you have watery diarrhea lasting for 3 days or longer, you may have a chronic condition. Read below for more information on causes and how to treat runny diarrhea.

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Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Viral gastroenteritis—usually called a stomach flu or bug—is a common infection. It’s also highly contagious. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but usually goes away in a day or two.

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Causes of Mucus in Diarrhea

Noticing mucus in diarrhea could be a variation of normal. Mucus is secreted by your intestines and is part of the digestive process. But seeing large amounts may indicate something is off in your digestive tract. Analyzing additional symptoms can help you clue into next steps for diagnosis and treatment.

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8 Causes of Diarrhea

Diarrhea is loose or watery stool, or having a stool at least 3 times in 24 hours. Common causes include viral gastroenteritis, bacterial infection, C. Diff colitis, medications, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease.

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Watery Diarrhea Symptoms, Causes & Common Questions

Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. Liquid diarrhea can also be caused by protozoa. If you have watery diarrhea lasting for 3 days or longer, you may have a chronic condition. Read below for more information on causes and how to treat runny diarrhea.

Read more

Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Viral gastroenteritis—usually called a stomach flu or bug—is a common infection. It’s also highly contagious. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but usually goes away in a day or two.

Read more

Causes of Mucus in Diarrhea

Noticing mucus in diarrhea could be a variation of normal. Mucus is secreted by your intestines and is part of the digestive process. But seeing large amounts may indicate something is off in your digestive tract. Analyzing additional symptoms can help you clue into next steps for diagnosis and treatment.

Read more

8 Causes of Diarrhea

Diarrhea is loose or watery stool, or having a stool at least 3 times in 24 hours. Common causes include viral gastroenteritis, bacterial infection, C. Diff colitis, medications, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease.

Read more

Watery Diarrhea Symptoms, Causes & Common Questions

Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. Liquid diarrhea can also be caused by protozoa. If you have watery diarrhea lasting for 3 days or longer, you may have a chronic condition. Read below for more information on causes and how to treat runny diarrhea.

Read more

Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Viral gastroenteritis—usually called a stomach flu or bug—is a common infection. It’s also highly contagious. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but usually goes away in a day or two.

Read more

Causes of Mucus in Diarrhea

Noticing mucus in diarrhea could be a variation of normal. Mucus is secreted by your intestines and is part of the digestive process. But seeing large amounts may indicate something is off in your digestive tract. Analyzing additional symptoms can help you clue into next steps for diagnosis and treatment.

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Home Remedies For Diarrhea: Ones That Really Work

Disease

• Posted on August 16, 2021May 20, 2023 by Metropolis Healthcare
• 29461 views
• 0

Diarrhea is characterized by unusual loose or watery stools. Most cases of diarrhea are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Disorders of the digestive system can also cause chronic diarrhea. Talking about statistics, every year 2 billion people are affected with diarrhea. Not only this, research has also shown that there are 1.9 million children in developing countries who are below 5 years of age, who lose their lives due to this disease every year. Know about the natural home remedies for diarrhea to prevent or cure it.

Repeated loose motions can cause electrolyte imbalance in the body. Make sure to keep an eye on your electrolytes levels.

Diarrhea is one of the most common health conditions people face in day-to-day life. And, often, they look for diarrhea home remedies to cure it. But, are you sure you are using the right natural home remedies for diarrhea or just a shot in the dark? It is all the more important to know what works and what not as the severity of diarrhea can range from a simple or temporary condition to a risky one at any time.

Here are some simple Home Remedies For Diarrhea:

Follow BRAT that helps in recovering from diarrhea:

B-Banana

R-Rice

A-Apple Sauce

T-Toast

It is important to know that the brat diet does not provide balanced nutrition and should not be consumed for more than 2 days (you’ll feel better in 2-3 days in mild cases).

Now how does this help? The purpose is to eat bland, easy-to-digest food to let your gut rest and produce less stool. However, there are some experts who do not approve of this diet for significant benefits. You can speak with your doctor to know if it will work in your case or not.

• Raw Bananas: This one works wonders for most of the people. Raw bananas are rich in pectin, a fiber that helps absorb water from the intestines and firms up the stool, and oligofructans to nourish your gut. It is also a rich source of potassium. Low potassium is a major effect of chronic diarrhea.

• Probiotics: At many times,the imbalance of good and bad gut bacteria can cause diarrhea. Probiotics are your best friends in such cases. These are nothing but a way of increasing your good gut bacteria and thus overcoming the negative effects of gut microbiota imbalance. Probiotics include curd, yogurt, and other fermented foods.

  In 2010, researchers conducted a large appropriate review of 63 studies on probiotics with more than 8,000 participants. From this research, they found that probiotics are capable of stopping any type of diarrhea in a very short time. Along with this, they also found that there would have been no ill-effects of this.

• Home-made ORS: It is essential to hydrate the body to recover from diarrhea. Loss of fluids can cause a deficiency of sodium and chloride i.e., electrolytes in the body. It is therefore important to restore fluids for recovery. You can also make an oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home by mixing 5 tsp salt and 5-6 tsp sugar in 1 litre of water. Consuming sugar and salt along with water allows the intestine to absorb fluids better. This solution rehydrates the body more properly after diarrhea than water alone.

• Mint, salt and sugar in lukewarm water: Mint is a traditional remedy for indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea. Sugar and salt help maintain electrolyte balance and water levels in your body.

Foods to Avoid in Diarrhea:

Stop yourself from consuming certain types of food. For example;

• Greasy and oily food
• Spicy food
• Foods which contain artificial sweeteners
• Foods that contain high fat

Very few people can have diarrhea when consuming milk and milk products, a condition called lactose intolerance. Your doctor can even forbid taking milk.

Have a healthy gut

A diet of small, frequent meals may be better than eating three large meals a day when recovering from diarrhea. The following items should be included in the diet-

• Foods rich in potassium
• Foods rich in pectin
• Foods rich in electrolytes
• Enough fluids

Diarrhea can be a life-threatening disease if not treated properly and at the right time. If you feel that your diarrhea has not been cured even after diarrhea home remedies, do not waste time and get yourself treated by an expert.

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CategoriesAugust 2021, Disease, Gastrointestinal, Health Tips, Lifestyle, Prevention HealthcareTagsdiarrhea remedy food, diarrhea symptoms, food to avoid during diarrhea

Top 4 causes of acute diarrhea in adults: causes, symptoms, treatment

Content

• 1 Acute diarrhea in adults: causes, symptoms and treatment
  • 1. 1 Acute diarrhea in adults: causes, symptoms, treatment
    • 1.1.1 Causes acute diarrhea in adults
    • 1.1.2 Symptoms of acute diarrhea in adults
    • 1.1.3 Treatment of acute diarrhea in adults
  • 1.2 What is acute diarrhea?
  • 1.3 Causes of acute diarrhea in adults
    • 1.3.1 Causes leading to acute diarrhea:
  • 1.4 Symptoms of acute diarrhea in adults
  • 1.5 Treatment of acute diarrhea in adults
    • 1.5.1 1. Drink plenty of fluids

    90 005 1.5.2 2. Diet

    • 1.5 .3 3. Take drugs
    • 1.5.4 4. See a doctor
  • 1.6 Related videos:
  • 1.7 Q&A:
    • • acute diarrhea in adults?
      • 1.7.0.2 What is the difference between acute and chronic diarrhea?
      • 1.7.0.3 What foods should be avoided in acute diarrhoea?
      • 1.7.0.4 How is acute diarrhea diagnosed?
      • 1.7.0.5 When should I see a doctor for acute diarrhea?
      • 1. 7.0.6 How to treat acute diarrhea?
      • 1.7.0.7 Can acute diarrhea lead to dehydration?
      • 1.7.0.8 How can acute diarrhea be prevented?

Find out the top 4 causes of acute diarrhea in adults: intestinal infections, lactose intolerance, antibiotics, and stress. Identify the symptoms and apply effective remedies to quickly restore health.

Adults often experience gastrointestinal problems such as acute diarrhoea. This unpleasant disease can occur in almost everyone, regardless of age and lifestyle.

Acute diarrhea is unpleasant because of its symptoms, such as frequent involuntary bowel movements, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and even dehydration. But only knowing the causes of its occurrence, you can choose the right methods of treatment and restoration of the body.

Acute diarrhea is a very common disease, so it is important to know what factors can cause this disease and how to prevent its occurrence in the future.

Acute diarrhea in adults: causes, symptoms, treatment

Causes of acute diarrhea in adults

Acute diarrhea can be caused by various causes. It is most commonly associated with infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. In addition, diarrhea can be a consequence of the use of certain drugs, digestive disorders, food allergies, stress, etc.

Symptoms of acute diarrhea in adults

Acute stool disorder is characterized by frequent (more than 3 times a day) and loose stools. In addition, the patient may experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, weakness, etc.

Treatment of acute diarrhea in adults

Treatment of acute diarrhea in adults depends on the cause. In some cases, it is enough to change the diet and increase fluid intake. However, infections may require antibiotics. Symptomatic drugs are also used to relieve symptoms, such as anti-nausea drugs, pro- and prebiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and others.

• Seek medical attention if diarrhea lasts more than two days, is accompanied by severe pain or fever.
• Dairy products, fruits, fatty and spicy foods should be avoided in the treatment of diarrhea.
• It is important to increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

What is acute diarrhea?

Acute diarrhea is a condition characterized by loose or loose stools that recur frequently throughout the day. This is a problem that often occurs in adults and can have many causes, including bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, as well as nervous system symptoms or side effects from certain medications.

The first step in treating acute diarrhea is to determine its cause and take appropriate measures. Fluid and electrolytes must be restored, and some medications may be taken to relieve symptoms.

1. Acute diarrhea can be caused by infection, stress, certain medications, and other causes.
2. Symptoms may include soft or loose stools, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
3. Treatment should be aimed at preventing dehydration and electrolyte recovery, and at relieving symptoms as determined by the cause.

Causes of acute diarrhea in adults

Causes leading to acute diarrhea:

• Infections: Acute diarrhea is often caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections that are transmitted through food or water. Some types of infections, such as salmonellosis and hepatitis A, can cause severe symptoms.
• Food intolerance: Some people may have an intolerance to lactose, gluten, or artificial food additives, which can lead to severe diarrhea and other symptoms.
• Stress and anxiety: Some people may have acute diarrhea as a result of stress and anxiety.
• Medication use: Some medications, such as antibiotics, can interfere with normal bowel function, which can cause severe diarrhea.

It is important to see a doctor if acute diarrhea lasts more than 2-3 days, is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, high body temperature or bloody discharge.

Symptoms of acute diarrhea in adults

Acute diarrhea in adults may present with a variety of symptoms, including:

• Frequent visits to the toilet: In acute diarrhea in adults, a person may experience a constant desire to poison the toilet. Usually the number of bowel movements exceeds 3 times a day.
• Loose, watery stools: One of the most obvious symptoms of acute diarrhea is loose, watery stools, which may be accompanied by diarrhea.
• Red circles around the anus: Bowel movements can cause various irritations around the anus, which are manifested by red spots or circles.
• Abdominal pain: Adults with acute diarrhea may experience stomach and intestinal pain, which can sometimes be severe.
• Lack of appetite: Most people who experience acute diarrhea will lose their appetite and will not want to eat until fully recovered.

Acute diarrhea in adults can lead to dehydration, so be aware of the symptoms of dehydration, including fatigue, dry mouth, and dizziness. If these symptoms appear, contact your doctor immediately.

Treatment of acute diarrhea in adults

Acute diarrhea can lead to dehydration and poor health. Effective treatment includes controlling the symptoms and removing the cause. Here are some ways to help get rid of diarrhea faster:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is important to replenish the water balance in the body. The ideal choice is water, but you can also drink a low-fat fermented milk drink, weak tea or ginger tea.

2. Diet

Fatty, spicy, sweet and dairy foods should be avoided. It is better to eat cereals, brands, cookies without additives and fruits. It is recommended to eat often, but in small portions.

3. Take medications

Pharmacies have medications to help control diarrhea. Immodium and Smecta are the most common remedies for the treatment of acute diarrhea. Immodium reduces bowel activity by regulating the frequency and consistency of stools. Smecta relieves inflammation, relieves stomach pain and reduces diarrhea.

4. Seek medical attention

If diarrhea persists or is accompanied by headache, fever, vomiting and other symptoms, seek medical attention. The doctor will determine the causes of diarrhea and prescribe treatment in accordance with the identified problems.

Drinking and dieting properly, taking medications, and seeing a doctor are the main ways to treat acute diarrhea in adults.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What are the main causes of acute diarrhea in adults?

Acute diarrhea in adults can be caused by various causes such as infections, food allergies, lactose intolerance, stomach ulcers, physical exertion or stress. Other possible causes may be related to metabolic disorders, thyroid disease, or bowel disease.

What is the difference between acute and chronic diarrhea?

Acute diarrhea begins suddenly and usually lasts for several days, and the symptoms may be intense. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, may last more than 4 weeks and may be milder. Acute diarrhea is usually caused by an infection or food intolerance, while chronic diarrhea may be due to bowel disease or other disease.

What food should be avoided in acute diarrhea?

In acute diarrhea avoid heavy and fatty foods, foods that are too sweet or spicy, coffee, alcohol and too many fruits. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids such as water, sports drinks, or electrolyte solutions to restore balance.

How is acute diarrhea diagnosed?

Diagnosis of acute diarrhea includes complete blood, stool and urine tests. The stool may be tested for bacteria, viruses, or other infectious agents. Other diagnostic methods may be used to determine the specific cause, such as a lactose intolerance test or bowel examination with an endoscope.

When should I see a doctor for acute diarrhea?

If acute diarrhea does not stop after a few days, or if you have other symptoms such as fever or blood in your stool, you should contact your doctor immediately. You should also see your doctor if you have diabetes, are immunocompromised, or are taking medications that can affect your digestive system.

How to treat acute diarrhea?

Treatment of acute diarrhea may include dietary changes, drinking plenty of fluids to restore electrolyte balance, antibiotics for infectious causes, and bowel regulators. In some cases, hospitalization may be required for intravenous fluids or other treatment appointments.

Can acute diarrhea lead to dehydration?

Yes, acute diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration, especially if you don’t drink enough fluids. Dehydration can lead to serious complications, so it is important to monitor your fluid levels and seek medical attention if necessary.

How can acute diarrhea be prevented?

Acute diarrhea can be prevented by practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding food that has not been properly processed, such as raw meat or eggs, and avoiding contact with infected people. The use of probiotics and other drugs that increase the level of protection of the body can also help prevent the development of acute diarrhea.

Diarrhea after binge causes treatment

Alcohol abuse leads to a number of negative health effects. One of the first to suffer is the gastrointestinal tract. Alcohol burns the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, destroys the microflora, which causes indigestion. Diarrhea after binge is not only a natural reaction of the body to alcohol poisoning, but may also indicate the presence of serious diseases of the internal organs.

Causes of diarrhea after drinking

Upon entering the body, alcohol is absorbed into the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, causes irritation and disrupts the regulation of vital processes. Indigestion occurs as a reaction of the body, which is trying to get rid of toxins faster. Other causes of diarrhea after alcohol include:

• drinking low-quality alcohol with a lot of dyes and preservatives;
• poisoning by alcoholic surrogates;
• violation of the outflow of bile due to problems with the liver;
• allergic reaction to alcohol;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• violation of microflora. Ethanol causes the death of beneficial bacteria, which leads to the resistance of harmful microorganisms. The normal production of gastric juice stops, the formation of food waste is disrupted, peristalsis suffers. The result is indigestion;
• intake of junk food along with alcohol. Smoked, fatty, salty foods, carbonated drinks disrupt the digestive tract, which already suffers from alcohol;
• violation of the production of pepsin, which is responsible for protein metabolism;
• poor digestion of food by the intestines;
• the use of a large volume of liquid, which is poorly absorbed into the intestinal wall due to a violation of its functions under the negative influence of ethyl alcohol.

If an upset stomach occurs some time after drinking alcohol or the next day, this is a consequence of intoxication of the body. In this case, the stool is accompanied by minor discomfort, sometimes vomiting, nausea, and normalizes after 1-2 days if you follow a diet and refuse alcohol. With chronic alcohol abuse, a person suffers from indigestion regularly. Constant binges lead to the fact that the body ceases to produce an enzyme that breaks down ethanol. As a result, chronic intoxication occurs. If you do not stop drinking alcohol, diarrhea becomes regular, accompanied by a number of unpleasant symptoms. Constant poisoning with alcoholic poisons leads to gastrointestinal diseases and other complications. Prolonged diarrhea after binge may indicate a number of pathologies. You can determine the exact cause of diarrhea after binge by the color, consistency of feces, as well as by the presence of concomitant symptoms.

Watery (secretory) diarrhea

Occurs when the functions of the small intestine are disturbed. The cause of the pathology may be enzymatic deficiency, an infectious process that occurs due to the death of beneficial bacteria under the influence of ethanol. The number of bowel movements with secretory diarrhea reaches 15-20 times a day. The condition is accompanied by severe weakness, nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness. If not treated immediately, secretory diarrhea causes severe dehydration that can be fatal.

Diarrhea with mucus

The appearance of mucus in the feces indicates irritation of the intestinal walls, an inflammatory process. The main reason is the regular use of alcohol. Mucus in the feces can also appear due to a violation of the intestinal microflora, the joint intake of certain medications (antibiotics, hormonal drugs) with alcohol. A large amount of mucus indicates the presence of serious pathologies up to malignant neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract.

Foamy stools

Loose stools with foam is the first sign of dysbacteriosis. Foamy feces occur after taking alcoholic beverages such as beer, champagne, which cause fermentation processes in the intestines. The cause of diarrhea can also be the simultaneous consumption of large amounts of carbohydrates with alcohol as a snack. If an upset stomach is accompanied by pain, pain in the abdomen, bloating, vomiting, this indicates diseases of the digestive tract – ulcers, colitis.

Light stool

Yellow stool is the first sign of several gastrointestinal pathologies after drinking. It indicates a violation of the liver, gallbladder. Fecal masses turn yellow when the pancreas is affected. As a rule, in this case, the stool is frothy and contains unprocessed fats, so it becomes oily. If the feces after drinking are white-yellow, the urine darkens, pains appear in the right hypochondrium, nausea, this indicates toxic damage to the liver by alcohol. Bile accumulates in the ducts and comes out with diarrhea, so blotches of yellow mucus appear.

Green feces

This is a dangerous symptom that indicates such pathologies as dysbacteriosis, enteritis, ulcers, damage to the liver, pancreas, gallbladder. The atypical color of the stool in this case is accompanied by discomfort, flatulence, pain during bowel movements. The condition requires medical attention, as it can lead to irreversible health consequences.

Diarrhea with blood

Blood impurities in the feces appear when the mucous membranes are damaged, ulcers, hemorrhoids that occur with chronic alcoholism. If the feces have become very dark in color, and the person did not take activated charcoal that stains food, this indicates severe internal bleeding. Black stools are also a sign of cirrhosis of the liver. In case of diarrhea with blood, you should immediately consult a doctor, otherwise a fatal outcome is possible.

How to get rid of diarrhea after a binge

First of all, if the stool is disturbed after alcohol, you need to stop taking ethanol so as not to cause even more harm to your health. After drinking a large amount of alcohol to stop acute intoxication and prevent diarrhea, it is recommended to artificially induce vomiting. To do this, you need to drink a large amount of liquid, and then press on the root of the tongue. It is necessary to induce vomiting no later than 30-60 minutes after taking alcohol. Then alcohol is absorbed into the digestive tract, and this method of cleaning the body will be meaningless. The method of detoxification with the help of artificial vomiting is dangerous, since vomit can injure the esophageal mucosa already damaged by ethanol. In addition, a person who is in a state of intoxication can simply choke. In case of intoxication with alcohol, it is recommended to ensure a drinking regimen, take a sorbent and consult a doctor. If there are indications, gastric lavage will be done by health workers.

Indigestion Diet

A strict diet is recommended for the first 12-24 hours of diarrhea. On the first day, it is allowed to eat crackers, drying, biscuit cookies to fix the chair. Then boiled rice, baked potatoes, lean meat, fish, and poultry can be introduced into the diet. You should eat fractionally, 5-6 times a day, and carefully monitor the condition. If after every meal you experience nausea, vomiting, you should seek medical help. It is important to observe the drinking regime, as diarrhea causes severe dehydration. It is better to exclude caffeine-containing drinks – after alcohol intoxication, they can worsen your well-being. It is recommended to drink mineral water without gas, Regidron to restore electrolyte balance. Persistent diarrhea for more than 2 days leads to severe dehydration. It is accompanied by the following symptoms:0003

• dry skin, pallor;
• rare or no urination;
• cold sweat, palpitations;
• weakness, nausea;
• thirst and dry mouth.

If at least one of the signs of dehydration appears on the background of diarrhea after drinking, you should call a doctor. Dehydration is life-threatening and can be fatal.

Medicinal herbs

For diarrhea after drinking, the following herbal decoctions are used to alleviate the condition:

1. Chamomile. Has an anti-inflammatory effect, improves digestion. Chamomile eliminates irritation of the mucous walls of the intestine, has an antispasmodic effect, and normalizes peristalsis.

2. St. John’s wort. Has an antimicrobial effect, relieves inflammation, envelops the intestinal wall. St. John’s wort promotes the regeneration of mucosa damaged by alcohol, eliminates spasms.

3. Oak bark. It has a powerful astringent effect, eliminates flatulence and pain. Oak bark is used in violation of the functions of the pancreas, liver.

4. Yarrow. Thanks to tannins, the plant quickly stops diarrhea. Yarrow binds and removes toxins, has a healing effect, relieves spasm and eliminates flatulence.

5. Peppermint. Contains tannins. Natural antispasmodic has a calming effect on irritated intestinal mucosa. Peppermint has a choleretic effect.

Herbal decoctions should be taken with care to avoid allergies. Some medicinal plants are incompatible with alcohol. Simultaneous use can lead to side effects and worsen the condition.

What medicines help with diarrhea

In case of diarrhea after binge, any sorbent should be taken to speed up the elimination of alcoholic poisons. Adsorbent preparations provide detoxification, improve well-being. You can drink any of the sorbents:

• Activated carbon. Adsorbent of natural origin absorbs and quickly removes toxins without disturbing the acid-base balance;
• Polysorb. The drug envelops toxins and removes them from the body without disturbing the intestinal microflora. Polysorb not only provides detoxification and eliminates diarrhea, but also helps restore liver function. It is used in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis;
• Enterosgel. Has a selective effect. Enterosgel binds and removes only harmful substances, but does not prevent the absorption of useful microelements. The drug eliminates the cause of diarrhea of ​​any etiology, has a regenerating effect.

After taking sorbents with severe diarrhea, it is recommended to drink an antidiarrheal agent. You should not take drugs together. Sorbents remove not only toxins from the body, but also drugs. Between doses, you need to withstand 1.5-2 hours. In case of indigestion after binge, use:

• Smekta. It has a powerful antidiarrheal effect. Relieves pain in the stomach, eliminates bloating, heartburn, has an enveloping effect without disturbing intestinal motility. Smecta accelerates the elimination of toxins, relieves the symptoms of acute alcohol poisoning;
• Loperamide. The drug relieves acute symptoms by acting on intestinal opioid receptors, but does not eliminate the cause of diarrhea. Contraindicated in indigestion, which is accompanied by hyperthermia, flatulence. Loperamide should only be taken with products that replenish the water-salt balance;
• Nifuroxazide. The drug belongs to a number of nitrofurans. It has a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. It affects only harmful microorganisms, without disturbing the intestinal microflora. It is used for alcohol intoxication;
• Linex. Refers to probiotics. Quickly eliminates diarrhea caused by dysbacteriosis. Restores the microflora, saturates the intestines with beneficial bacteria. Linex is not recommended for use in diarrhea with traces of mucus, blood in the stool without prior consultation with a specialist.

Any medication should only be taken as directed by a doctor after the exact cause of the diarrhea has been determined. Antidiarrheals inhibit intestinal motility, which leads to serious complications. Many drugs are incompatible with alcohol, which can increase or decrease their effect or cause severe side effects when taken together. Medicines should be taken only after detoxification from the breakdown products of alcohol.

Medical care for diarrhea

If symptoms such as persistent vomiting, severe pain, fever, blood or mucus in the stool appear simultaneously with diarrhea after drinking, you should immediately consult a doctor. First aid for indigestion is infusion therapy, which provides a quick and painless detoxification, alleviates the patient’s condition. Dropper for diarrhea after binge includes:

• saline and glucose. Drugs help fight dehydration, restore energy balance;
• antidiarrheals for the rapid relief of diarrhea;
• antimicrobials in the presence of an inflammatory process in the intestine;
• preparations for restoring intestinal microflora;
• antispasmodics;
• vitamins.