What are the best ways to treat diarrhea quickly. How can you prevent dehydration during a bout of diarrhea. Which foods should you eat and avoid when experiencing diarrhea. Are probiotics effective in treating diarrhea. When should you seek medical attention for diarrhea.

Replenishing Fluids: The First Line of Defense Against Diarrhea

Diarrhea can lead to rapid dehydration, making fluid replacement crucial. But how exactly should you go about replenishing lost fluids?

Water is essential, but it’s often not enough on its own. Your body needs to replace lost electrolytes and minerals like sodium and potassium. Fruit juices and sports drinks can help, but be cautious of their sugar content, as excessive sugar can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms.

For children, oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte are often recommended. These specially formulated drinks help restore electrolyte balance more effectively than water alone.

• Drink plenty of water
• Consume clear broths and soups
• Consider fruit juices and sports drinks (in moderation)
• Use oral rehydration solutions, especially for children

In severe cases of diarrhea, intravenous (IV) fluid therapy may be necessary. This treatment, administered by healthcare professionals, quickly replenishes fluids and electrolytes when oral intake is insufficient or impossible.

The Bland Diet Approach: Easing Digestive Distress

When dealing with diarrhea, what you eat can significantly impact your recovery. A bland diet is often recommended to ease digestive distress and help alleviate symptoms. But what exactly constitutes a bland diet?

A bland diet consists of soft, non-spicy, and low-fiber foods that are easy on your digestive system. This approach helps reduce irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and can speed up recovery.

Foods to Include in a Bland Diet:

• Bread, crackers, and pasta made with refined white flour
• Clear broths and soups
• Cooked, canned, or frozen vegetables (without added spices or fats)
• Eggs
• Tofu
• Lean, tender proteins (e.g., steamed or baked poultry, whitefish)

Foods to Avoid During Diarrhea:

• Fatty or fried foods
• Raw vegetables
• Sugary foods
• Dried fruits or seedy fruits (e.g., berries, figs)
• Whole-grain products
• Strong cheeses
• Spicy or strongly flavored items
• Highly seasoned, cured, or smoked meats and fish

It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider about when to transition back to your regular diet. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and recovery progress.

Probiotics: Balancing Gut Bacteria for Faster Recovery

Probiotics have gained attention as a potential treatment for diarrhea, but how effective are they really? These beneficial microorganisms can help restore balance to the intestinal tract by boosting the levels of “good” bacteria in your gut.

A comprehensive analysis of 63 studies involving about 8,000 participants shed light on the effectiveness of probiotics for acute diarrhea. The results were promising:

• Without probiotics: 34 out of 100 people were diarrhea-free after three days
• With probiotics: 55 out of 100 people were diarrhea-free after three days

This suggests that probiotics may help resolve diarrhea faster in approximately 21 out of 100 people. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to determine the most effective bacterial strains and optimal dosages.

Probiotics are available in various forms, including:

• Capsules
• Liquid supplements
• Fortified foods (e.g., certain yogurt brands)

If you’re considering probiotics for diarrhea treatment, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can guide you on the most appropriate probiotic options based on your specific situation and medical history.

Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common digestive issue that affects everyone from time to time. But what exactly causes this uncomfortable condition, and what are the telltale signs?

Common Causes of Diarrhea:

• Viral infections (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella)
• Parasitic infections
• Food intolerances or allergies
• Medications (e.g., antibiotics)
• Digestive disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease)
• Stress or anxiety

Key Symptoms of Diarrhea:

• Loose, watery stools
• Increased frequency of bowel movements
• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Fever (in cases of infection)
• Dehydration (if severe or prolonged)

Understanding the underlying cause of your diarrhea can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach. In many cases, diarrhea resolves on its own within a few days. However, persistent or severe symptoms may require medical attention.

Preventing Traveler’s Diarrhea: Tips for a Worry-Free Journey

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness, particularly in certain regions of the world. How can you protect yourself from this unwelcome travel companion?

Key Prevention Strategies:

1. Be cautious with water: Drink only bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice cubes in drinks.
2. Choose foods wisely: Opt for well-cooked, hot foods and avoid raw or undercooked meats and seafood.
3. Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food.
4. Consider preventive medications: Consult your doctor about antibiotics or other preventive measures for high-risk areas.

While these precautions can significantly reduce your risk, it’s also wise to be prepared. Pack an antidiarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts in your travel kit, just in case.

Recognizing and Managing Dehydration: A Critical Complication of Diarrhea

Dehydration is a serious concern when dealing with diarrhea, especially if it persists beyond a few days. But how can you recognize the signs of dehydration, and when should you seek medical help?

Signs of Dehydration:

• Extreme thirst
• Dry mouth and lips
• Decreased urine output or dark-colored urine
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sunken eyes (especially in children)
• Dry, cool skin

Mild dehydration can often be managed at home by increasing fluid intake and using oral rehydration solutions. However, severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention.

Seek medical help if you or your child experience:

• Inability to keep fluids down
• Bloody or black stools
• High fever (above 102째F or 39째C)
• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Signs of severe dehydration

Remember, children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to dehydration and may need medical attention sooner than healthy adults.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Severe Diarrhea

While most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own, some situations require professional medical intervention. How can you determine if your diarrhea needs medical attention?

Seek Medical Help If:

• Diarrhea persists for more than 2-3 days
• You have signs of severe dehydration
• There’s blood in your stool
• You have a high fever (above 102째F or 39째C)
• You experience severe abdominal or rectal pain
• You have recently traveled to an area with known parasitic infections
• You have a weakened immune system

For infants and young children, be especially vigilant. Seek immediate medical care if a child shows signs of dehydration, has a high fever, or if diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours.

Healthcare providers can perform tests to identify the underlying cause of persistent or severe diarrhea, such as stool cultures or blood tests. This diagnosis helps determine the most effective treatment approach, which may include antibiotics for bacterial infections or specific medications for parasitic causes.

Remember, while over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications can provide relief in some cases, they’re not always appropriate. For instance, they should be avoided in cases of bloody diarrhea or suspected bacterial infections, as they can prolong the illness. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using these medications, especially for children.

Long-Term Management: Dealing with Chronic Diarrhea

While most cases of diarrhea are acute and short-lived, some individuals experience chronic diarrhea that persists for weeks or even months. How does the approach to chronic diarrhea differ from acute cases?

Causes of Chronic Diarrhea:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Celiac disease
• Microscopic colitis
• Chronic infections
• Medication side effects
• Endocrine disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism)

Managing chronic diarrhea often requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond symptom relief. This may include:

1. Diagnostic tests: Identifying the underlying cause through blood tests, stool analyses, colonoscopy, or other specialized tests.
2. Dietary modifications: Eliminating trigger foods and possibly working with a dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan.
3. Medications: Depending on the cause, this could include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, or specific treatments for conditions like IBS.
4. Lifestyle changes: Stress management techniques, as stress can exacerbate many gastrointestinal conditions.
5. Regular monitoring: Ongoing check-ups to assess the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments.

It’s crucial for individuals with chronic diarrhea to work closely with their healthcare providers. This collaboration ensures proper management of the condition and helps prevent complications such as malnutrition or severe dehydration.

The Role of Diet in Managing Chronic Diarrhea:

Diet plays a significant role in managing chronic diarrhea. While specific dietary recommendations may vary based on the underlying cause, some general guidelines include:

• Identifying and avoiding trigger foods
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Staying well-hydrated
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
• Considering a low-FODMAP diet (for IBS-related diarrhea)
• Exploring the potential benefits of soluble fiber

A food diary can be an invaluable tool in identifying dietary triggers and patterns. By recording what you eat and any subsequent symptoms, you and your healthcare provider can develop a more tailored approach to managing your chronic diarrhea.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Diarrhea Management

The field of gastroenterology is continually evolving, with researchers exploring new approaches to treating and managing diarrhea. What are some of the promising areas of research in diarrhea treatment?

Microbiome-Based Therapies:

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestive health. Researchers are investigating various ways to manipulate the microbiome to treat diarrhea, including:

• Advanced probiotic formulations
• Prebiotics to support beneficial gut bacteria
• Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for recurrent C. difficile infections

Targeted Drug Therapies:

New medications are being developed to address specific causes of diarrhea more effectively. These include:

• Novel anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammatory bowel diseases
• Medications targeting specific receptors involved in intestinal motility
• Drugs that modulate the gut-brain axis for functional gastrointestinal disorders

Nutritional Interventions:

Researchers are exploring how specific nutrients and dietary compounds can help manage diarrhea. Areas of interest include:

• The role of specific amino acids in intestinal barrier function
• The potential of certain plant compounds to reduce inflammation and improve gut health
• Personalized nutrition approaches based on an individual’s genetic and microbiome profile

While many of these approaches are still in the research phase, they offer hope for more effective and personalized treatments for diarrhea in the future. As always, it’s important to consult with healthcare providers about the most current and appropriate treatment options for your specific situation.

By staying informed about these advancements and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals dealing with acute or chronic diarrhea can hope for increasingly effective management strategies in the years to come.

Treatment Options for Diarrhea

Make Sure You Replace Fluids

Since diarrhea can lead to dehydration, it’s important to replace the fluids your body is losing. Drink plenty of water when you’re suffering from diarrhea. However, many times water will not be enough as it does not contain the salts, electrolytes, and minerals (such as sodium and potassium) that your body also needs to recover.

You can help replenish electrolytes by drinking fruit juices or sports drinks and eating soups with clear broth. However, pay attention to the amount of sugar in these drinks, as too much sugar can worsen diarrhea symptoms.

For children, talk to your pediatrician about oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, as a way to treat diarrhea and prevent dehydration.

If the diarrhea is severe, your doctor may determine that you need to be treated with fluid via intravenous therapy (IV). (1)

Eat a Bland Diet

A bland diet will be easy on your digestive system and can help ease diarrhea symptoms. A bland diet consists of foods that are soft, not spicy, and low in fiber. You should also avoid raw foods, fried foods, and drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.

Some foods that are good to eat on a bland diet include bread, crackers, and pasta made with refined white flour; soup, especially broth; cooked, canned, or frozen vegetables; eggs; tofu; and lean, tender protein, such as poultry or whitefish, that is steamed, baked, or grilled with no added fat.

While you’re on a bland diet, foods that you may want to avoid include fatty or fried foods; raw vegetables; sugary foods; dried fruits or seedy fruits like berries or figs; whole-grain bread, crackers, or pasta; strong cheeses; spicy or strongly flavored items like hot peppers and garlic; and highly seasoned, cured, or smoked meats and fish. (2)

Talk to your doctor about when you should go back to eating other foods again.

Consider Taking Probiotics

Probiotics are microorganisms that can help restore balance to the intestinal tract by boosting the level of what doctors refer to as “good” bacteria. Probiotics are sold in pharmacies and health-food stores and can be taken in capsule or liquid form. They are also sometimes added to foods, such as certain brands of yogurt.

Studies show that taking probiotics might be helpful in treating certain cases of diarrhea.

More in Digestive Health

Can Probiotics Aid Digestive Health?

For example, in 2010 researchers from the Cochrane Collaboration analyzed 63 studies with about 8,000 total participants that looked at the effectiveness of probiotics for acute diarrhea.

The results showed that about 34 out of 100 people who didn’t take probiotics no longer had diarrhea after three days. Of the people who did take probiotics, 55 out of 100 were diarrhea free after three days. Another way to look at it is probiotics appeared to help diarrhea go away faster in 21 out of 100 people. (3)

However, more research is needed to better understand which strains of bacteria and what doses are most helpful.

RELATED: 3 Ways to Treat Diarrhea

What Is Diarrhea? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Everyone suffers from diarrhea from time to time. Get the facts on the signs of diarrhea, what could be causing it, and what to do to feel better.

By Ashley WelchOctober 27, 2022

Can Your Period Cause Diarrhea?

Though diarrhea is caused by the same bodily changes that cause period cramping, many women find it can be managed and prevented with medication.

By Diana RodriguezAugust 21, 2022

4 Tips to Prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. It occurs most often in Asian countries, minus Japan, and can be treated with a number …

By Brian MastroianniAugust 10, 2022

Dehydration: A Complication That May Arise From Diarrhea

If diarrhea persists beyond a few days, it may lead to severe dehydration, which can cause serious health problems. Find out what to do and when to seek…

By Ashley WelchJune 29, 2022

3 Ways to Treat Diarrhea

Diarrhea usually clears up on its own in a few days, but more long-term cases may need extra care. Here’s how to stop and cure diarrhea.

By Beth W. OrensteinJune 29, 2022

Dos and Don’ts for Quick Relief of Diarrhea

If you’re suffering from diarrhea, a condition that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, medication, foods, or a digestive disorder, there are things to…

By Sheryl KraftJune 28, 2022

Know the Symptoms of Diarrhea and When to See a Doctor

Occasional bouts of diarrhea are common and perfectly normal. But it’s important to know what to do when diarrhea is severe and when to seek medical attention…

By Ashley WelchJune 17, 2022

Diarrhea Prevention Strategies You Need to Know

Diarrhea, the passing of loose, watery stool accompanied by abdominal pain and cramping is never fun and can leave you feeling tired and drained of energy…

By Ashley WelchMarch 26, 2018

FDA Urges Makers of Diarrhea Drug to Help Stop Abuse

In an effort to curb access to opioids, the FDA is requesting that makers of anti-diarrheal medication reduce the amount of pills sold in packages. Opioid…

By Linda ThrasybuleFebruary 13, 2018

How to Keep Antibiotics From Causing Diarrhea

Antibiotics can upset the normal bacteria balance in the gut, causing diarrhea. Learn how to avoid or treat diarrhea as an antibiotics side effect.

By Beth W. OrensteinAugust 24, 2017

What to Eat and What to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

Occasional diarrhea is nothing to worry about. The causes of diarrhea can range from a stomach flu to a specific meal or ingredient you ate that didn’t sit well. Because certain foods can worsen symptoms, it’s good to know the foods you should eat when you have diarrhea — and what you should avoid. (1)

You want to eat plain, simple foods, especially in the first 24 hours, says Peter Higgins, MD, PhD, the director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

“It is best to eat thicker, bland foods, including oatmeal, bananas, plain rice, and applesauce,” he says.

Avoid These Foods When You Have Diarrhea

As important as it is to know what to eat when you have diarrhea, you should also know which foods to avoid. Certain foods can travel through your intestines very quickly and aggravate your digestion, or worsen diarrhea in other ways.

Avoid the following for diarrhea relief:

• Fatty Foods These include foods that are fried, greasy, or covered in gravy, which can make diarrhea worse.
• Milk, Butter, Ice Cream, and Cheese Even if the diarrhea isn’t caused by lactose intolerance — a difficulty processing lactose, a sugar found in dairy products — stay away from these foods when you have diarrhea. You may be temporarily sensitive to dairy products, even if you usually have no problem with them. Probiotic-rich yogurt may be the one exception to this rule, as some studies have shown probiotics help rebalance intestinal flora and could shorten the duration of a bout of diarrhea.
• Alcohol and Sodas When you have diarrhea, you want to steer clear of foods and beverages that cause you to lose fluids. Alcohol can act as a diuretic, meaning it’s dehydrating, and should be avoided, Dr. Higgins says. Sodas with high-fructose corn syrup can also pose a problem if you have diarrhea. Large quantities of fructose can overwhelm your digestive system and lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhea. (4)
• Sorbitol and Other Artificial Sweeteners Some people find that artificial sweeteners have a laxative effect on their digestive system. If you have diarrhea, it’s best to pass on sugarless candy and gum, diet soft drinks, and sugar substitutes. Consuming sugars, including artificial ones, causes your intestines to produce more water and electrolytes, which can then loosen bowel movements and lead to diarrhea. (5)
• Foods That Cause Excess Gas It’s important to eat generous amounts of fruits and vegetables every day. But when diarrhea strikes, you want to avoid choices that are likely to increase intestinal gas, such as cabbage, beans, broccoli, and cauliflower, until you’re feeling better.
• Foods That May Be Spoiled Stay away from foods that may have been mishandled, including foods that have been out of the refrigerator for too long or improperly stored. Raw meat or fish can be problematic, too. Follow the old maxim, “When in doubt, throw it out,” and you may save yourself some stomach upset.

Other Strategies for Tackling Your Diarrhea

One of the more serious complications of diarrhea is dehydration. When you have diarrhea for any length of time, take steps to avoid becoming dehydrated by consuming enough liquids, Higgins says.

More in Digestive Health

3 Ways to Treat Diarrhea

“Look for liquids with sugar and salt — Pedialyte or full-salt soups work well,” he says. “If your urine is not clear, or you are not making much urine, you are not drinking enough.”

In terms of diarrhea treatment, Higgins says, if you don’t have an infection and are not seeing blood, you can take over-the-counter loperamide (Imodium) to slow your bowel movements. But this kind of medication should only be taken for a day or two.

If diet and simple remedies aren’t working, and if symptoms persist for more than a few days and include bleeding, gas, and bloating, you should see a doctor. Your doctor can determine whether the diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, and can recommend treatment.

RELATED: When Diarrhea Is More Serious Than You Think

Additional reporting by María Villaseñor.

9 Signs of an Unhealthy Gut — and What You Can Do About It

An unhealthy gut is tied to a range of symptoms, from acne to unintentional weight changes. Follow these steps to restore balance to your gut health.

By Erica PatinoJune 12, 2023

11 Tips for Better Digestive Health

Maintaining a healthy digestive system is essential because it turns foods into nourishment. Learn 11 tips to improve your digestive health.

By Krisha McCoyMay 13, 2023

9 Foods That Help Relieve Nausea

Eating may be the last thing on your mind when your stomach is queasy, but some foods actually ease the symptoms and help stop nausea.

By Melissa JohnsonMarch 21, 2023

5 Ways to Incorporate More Fermented Foods Into Your Diet

Fermented foods act as a natural probiotic supplement, helping to populate your gut with good microbes. Here are 5 easy, dietitian-approved ways to add…

By Rachel Dyckman, RDNMarch 20, 2023

The Link Between Your Gut Microbiome and Your Health

Your gut microbiome, or the bacteria in your gut, can have a surprising impact on your health. Find out what steps you can take to promote your gut health…

By Erica PatinoFebruary 16, 2023

causes, symptoms, treatment of diarrhea: what to give, how to stop quickly

Diarrhea, also known as diarrhoea, is a fairly common ailment that affects people of all ages. In addition to tangible discomfort, it is characterized by a significant decrease in the quality of life. In some cases, there are serious complications that require treatment in a hospital, therefore, with severe diarrhea that does not stop for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

It is important to eliminate the problem in any case, even when it was provoked by taking medications or products that have a laxative effect. Sometimes you can get rid of diarrhea on your own, but there are situations when you cannot do without medical help. You will need to contact a specialist if:

• the onset of fever and its increase;
• severe pain in the abdomen;
• dehydration;
• blood and purulent inclusions in fecal secretions, as well as mucus detection;
• intoxication;
• lack of stabilization for more than two days.

What is diarrhea

Diarrhea is understood as a type of disorder of the lower gastrointestinal tract, occurring against the background of frequent bowel movements, liquefaction of feces and the appearance of cutting pains in the abdomen. The disease can be provoked by poisoning as a result of taking stale or low-quality products, or be a sign of a serious pathology.

It is appropriate to talk about diarrhea when adults and children over the age of one year have liquefied or unformed stools more than three times a day. Fecal masses may contain inclusions of pus, blood, mucus, or particles of undigested food, which occurs due to a failure in the absorption of nutrients or damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Often, the disorder is accompanied by vomiting and nausea, as well as sharp pains in the abdomen.

Diarrhea in acute form occurs suddenly. Its duration is approximately a day or two. The chronic form is characterized by a longer duration, equal to four weeks, during which exacerbations are replaced by periods without any symptoms. The latter include:

• increased gas formation;
• general weakness;
• the appearance of bloody inclusions in the feces;
• sensation of pain during the urge to empty the bowels.

Quite often, diarrhea causes pain in the abdomen, similar to contractions, as well as belching with an unpleasant odor. In addition, there is an increase in body temperature to thirty-eight degrees or more, vomiting and itching in the anus. In some cases, diarrhea pills help relieve unpleasant symptoms, but medical attention may also be required.

Varieties

The general description of diarrhea implies an increase in the process of defecation up to three or more times within 24 hours, accompanied by liquefaction of feces. This disease has several types, which are distinguished on the basis of a number of signs.

According to the clinical course

In accordance with this symptom, the disease is classified into:

1. Chronic . In this case, the symptoms bother the person for four weeks. The provocateurs are parasitic, bacterial or viral intestinal pathologies of an infectious nature.
2. Acute lasting less than four weeks. The causative agents are the same diseases as for the type of diarrhea described above.

Separately, it is worth noting the so-called “traveler’s diarrhea”, which is understood as a clinical syndrome characteristic of people traveling to other climatic zones and countries. This condition worries for no more than a week.

By pathogenesis

Depending on the characteristics of the occurrence and development of diarrhea, the following types of it are distinguished:

1. Osmolar characterized by copious excretion of liquid feces with a significant proportion of undigested food residues.
2. Exudative characterized by mild fecal discharge with bloody or purulent inclusions.
3. Secretory , occurring against the background of bowel movements in a volume exceeding a liter per day.
4. Hypo- and hyperkinetic , which is a mushy or liquid stool in small volumes (one-time).

Causes of diarrhea in adults

The appearance of the disease leads to damage to the intestinal mucosa, which occurs under the influence of pathogenic microorganisms. It could be:

• adenovirus;
• salmonella;
• rotavirus infection;
• Coronavirus
• dysentery;
• E. coli;

Any of these pathogens can be found in contaminated food or water. In addition, dirty hands are a source.

There are also other causes of diarrhea:

• Lactose or gluten intolerance.
• Taking antibiotics for a long time.
• Frequent consumption of foods containing artificial sweeteners.
• Food poisoning.
• Inflammatory processes occurring in the pancreas.

In addition, in some cases, stool liquefaction is observed:

• During pregnancy.
• After vaccination.
• As a result of abdominal surgery.

As a rule, the liquid load of the stomach and intestines per day does not exceed ten liters. This volume also includes the digestive secret. Almost all liquid is absorbed by the large and small intestine. If the absorption process is disturbed, an increase in the volume of fluid in the lumen is observed, which provokes liquefaction of the feces. This may be due to:

• increased osmotic load resulting in accumulation of unabsorbed water-soluble substances in the intestine;
• increase the rate of transit of digested food in the lower digestive tract;
• increased excretion of intestinal secretions, as a result of which the body is not able to fully absorb it.

What diseases cause diarrhea?

Irritation of the intestinal mucosa occurs with the development of the following diseases and pathological conditions:

• Ischemia of the colon and small intestine.
• Congenital disorders of absorption.
• Neurogenic disorders.
• Pancreatic enzyme deficiency, chronic pancreatitis.
• Intestinal dysbacteriosis.
• Diseases of the thyroid gland.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Tumors in the adrenal glands, pancreas or intestines.
• Obstructive jaundice.

Diarrhea with water is also a sign indicating the presence of diseases such as:

• ulcerative colitis;
• pseudotuberculosis;
• Crohn’s disease;
• amoebic dysentery;
• various viruses (roto-, COVID-19, adeno-, noro-).

Why do I have diarrhea during my period?

During the menstrual cycle, the concentration of prostaglandins in the body increases. They are hormones that affect the contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestines and uterus. This leads to the fact that during menstruation the activity of the muscle tissue of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract becomes higher. At the same time, food absorption slows down, and the release of electrolytes into the intestinal lumen increases. As a result, there is an increase in defecation. There is no need to treat diarrhea during menstruation.

Which doctor to contact for diarrhea

If there are signs indicating irritation of the intestinal mucosa and the development of diarrhea, you need to go to an appointment with a therapist. In addition, a gastroenterologist and a general practitioner can help solve the problem. Any of these specialists will prescribe the examination required for making an accurate diagnosis, which will determine the cause of the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms. Sometimes it may be necessary to consult a parasitologist or infectious disease specialist.

Diagnostics and examinations

In the event that the manifestations of the disease are noted for no more than three days, there is no reason for concern. However, the failure of attempts to independently eliminate the problem with the help of medications should be the reason for going to the doctor. In addition, you should make an appointment with a specialist if:

• fever;
• rapid weight loss;
• blood and purulent inclusions in feces;
• drop in blood pressure;
• dehydration and intoxication.

Before deciding what to give for diarrhea, the doctor will palpate the abdomen, find out the circumstances in which the symptoms arose, and also ask the patient about the presence of concomitant pathologies. In addition, the patient is weighed, body temperature and heart rate, as well as blood pressure are measured.

In the process of making a diagnosis, the specialist must solve the following tasks:

1. Determine the cause of the disease. You can understand how to stop diarrhea only when you identify its provocateurs.
2. Determine the duration of symptoms, which will make it possible to understand the nature of the disorder and determine the further tactics of the examination.
3. Identify disorders and their severity (dehydration, intoxication, etc.).
4. Exclude acute surgical pathologies.

Difficulties in making a diagnosis are rare. They appear only when diarrhea acts as the first sign of a systemic pathology, or becomes dominant in the clinical picture.

What tests should be done for diarrhea?

Analyzes are a standard component of the diagnostic program and make it possible to establish the reasons for the dilution of the drain and the increase in defecation. The list of necessary studies is determined by the doctor personally for each patient based on the duration and nature of the symptoms, as well as other factors. As a rule, the following laboratory tests are prescribed:

• general clinical and biochemical blood test;
• analysis of feces for helminth eggs, dysbacteriosis, intestinal infections.

Diarrhea guide

Most often, if such an unpleasant problem occurs, a visit to the doctor is not required due to the fact that it quickly passes on its own. In order to accelerate the pace of normalization of the state, it is recommended:

1. Drink as much fluid as possible while minimizing alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
2. Add low fiber foods such as crackers, boiled eggs, rice, etc. to your daily diet.
3. Avoid fatty or high-fiber foods, and spices and spices.
4. Take probiotics to help restore intestinal microflora. The choice of a suitable drug should be carried out together with the doctor.

At the first signs of an intestinal disorder, Polysorb should be taken. You will need to see a specialist for examination and treatment of diarrhea if you cannot get rid of it on your own within no more than three days. In addition, critically ill health should be the reason for an immediate visit to the doctor.

Popular drugs

Various drugs are prescribed as effective tools to combat intestinal upset. Only a doctor can prescribe this or that medication, taking into account the results of a verified examination. The most popular drugs are:

Antidiarrheal, with a complex action and able to solve several problems at the same time:

• slowing of intestinal motility;
• absorption activation;
• decreased tone of the intestinal musculature;
• prolongation of fecal transit.

Of this group, the most popular is smecta for diarrhea. Loperamide-based drugs are also prescribed.

Antimicrobials, indicated for patients in whom diarrhea is a sign of a bacterial infection. They are prescribed exclusively by a doctor after receiving the results of the diagnosis. The choice in favor of a particular drug depends on the established pathogen. It is important to remember that taking antimicrobials should be carried out exactly at the dosage indicated by the specialist. This is due to the fact that diarrhea after antibiotics is possible with their uncontrolled intake.

Other medicines aimed at combating such manifestations of the disease as abdominal pain, dehydration, etc. This group includes:

• antispasmodics to relieve pain;
• enterosorbents (activated carbon) that promote the removal of toxins;
• rehydrators, replenishing the lack of fluid;
• vitamins and minerals that help replenish the deficiency of nutrients in the body, which arose against the background of fluid loss.

Clinical treatment of diarrhea

Therapy of intestinal disorders can be carried out in a hospital. This need arises when:

1. Significant dehydration of the body, in which there is more than 10% underweight.
2. The elderly patient, when he does not feel thirsty and is not able to make up for the lack of fluid in the body.
3. Serious condition, expressed in fever, excessive weakness, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
4. Frequent vomiting and intestinal obstruction, which does not allow to restore the fluid content in the body to normal levels by the oral route.

Diarrhea Diet – Do’s and Don’ts

In order to stabilize the condition with diarrhea, the diet is adjusted. During this period, it is allowed to eat:

• boiled rice;
• white bread crackers or toast;
• lean meats and fish that are to be baked or steamed;
• mashed potatoes.

In addition, you can eat baked apples and fresh bananas for diarrhea. Drink as much clean drinking water as possible to avoid excessive fluid loss. From drinks, strong black tea is also allowed.

If this problem occurs, fried, spicy and fatty foods should be abandoned in order not to aggravate the condition. For the same purpose, it is worth refusing fruits for diarrhea, as well as excluding:

1. Dairy and fermented milk products.
2. Black bread.
3. Sweets and flour products.
4. Legumes.
5. Canned, salted, pickled and smoked products.
6. Dried fruits.
7. Coffee.
8. Alcohol.

Prophylaxis

Since diarrhea is most often caused by an infection, it can be avoided by following certain preventive measures:

1. Refusal to eat raw or undercooked food, as well as eating in establishments with a dubious reputation – in terms of sanitation.
2. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis.
3. Monitoring the expiration dates of consumed foods and drinks in order to avoid delays.
4. Immunization against E. coli, measles, salmonella, etc.
5. Refusal to drink water from the tap. Drink only boiled or bottled water.
6. Compliance with the rules of cooking in terms of temperature and duration.
7. Avoid eating fruits, vegetables and berries without first washing them.

How to get rid of diarrhea quickly in adults, prevention and treatment of diarrhea (diarrhea)

CONTENT:

1. Causes of diarrhea
2. Symptoms of diarrhea
3. How to stop diarrhea?
3.1. Proper nutrition
3.2. Maintaining the balance of microflora
3.2. Diagnosis and examination
4. Prevention of diarrhea

Diarrhea often catches at the most inopportune moment, accompanied by flatulence, discomfort, pain and rumbling in the abdomen. It is extremely important to know its causes and symptoms in order to understand how to quickly stop diarrhea.

Causes of diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by:

– poisoning

– Intestinal infections

– Diseases caused by a violation of the immune system

– taking medicines

– diseases and inflammations of the digestive system

– metabolic disease

– dysbacteriosis

– Diseases caused by parasites: protozoa, helminths, arthropods

– Excessive alcohol consumption

– stress

— Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

– Eating stale or incompatible food

Symptoms of diarrhea

In medicine, there are two types of diarrhea: acute and chronic. The most common causes of acute diarrhea are eating low-quality or unfamiliar foods, taking medications, intestinal infections, and inflammation.

Symptoms of acute diarrhea:

– Continues up to 2-3 weeks

– Watery, frequent stools, may contain mucus and streaks of blood

– Bloating and diarrhea go hand in hand, nausea and pain are also noted

– Reduced appetite and weight loss

– Diarrhea can lead to dehydration of the body, therefore, with it, dry skin and mucous membranes, fatigue

– The temperature rises

Chronic diarrhea can only be a sign of diseases of the digestive tract, the diagnosis of which is a paramount task for treatment. Only a doctor can identify the causes of this type of diarrhea by examining the medical history and conducting an examination.

Symptoms of chronic diarrhea include:

— Lasts more than 3-4 weeks

– False urge to defecate, abdominal pain, increased gas formation, vomiting

— Diseases of the small intestine are characterized by copious, liquid or fatty stools

– For pathologies of the large intestine, less abundant stools, feces with impurities of pus, blood and mucus are inherent.

– In diseases of the rectum, frequent scanty stools are noted – this is due to high sensitivity to the tension of the intestinal walls and false urge to defecate

How to stop diarrhea?

If diarrhea does not last long, and there are no symptoms that may indicate serious diseases, then the following methods will help stop it.

Proper nutrition

Diet for diarrhea should be balanced and regular. It is necessary to eat often, about 5-6 times a day, in small portions. It is recommended to add to the diet:

– Boiled rice

– lean meat and fish

– White bread crackers

– Boiled eggs

– Bananas

– applesauce, boiled and baked apples

– Drink more fluids to stay hydrated

From the diet, it is necessary to exclude foods that increase peristalsis, increase the rate of exit of water and food from the intestines. For the period of acute diarrhea, the following are excluded from the diet:

– Products that cause fermentation and gas formation: drinks with gas, legumes, dairy products

– spicy, fatty, smoked, fried

– Foods high in sugar

– indigestible foods

– pasta

– fresh vegetables

– spices, seasonings

— Alcohol and coffee

Maintaining the balance of microflora

Dysbacteriosis is a condition caused by a violation of the intestinal microflora. With dysbacteriosis, the number of beneficial bacteria decreases, and the number of “harmful” microorganisms increases, which can lead to diarrhea. The human microflora performs vital functions:

– Supports the immune system and acts as a barrier to pathogens by neutralizing toxins

– affects the absorption of nutrients

– Responsible for metabolism

– Synthesizes vitamins of group B, K and amino acids

– Supports the vital activity of the cells of the intestinal mucosa

– Regulates intestinal peristalsis

– Supports the activity of intestinal enzymes

– reduces inflammation in the intestines

– optimizes the permeability of the intestinal walls

Therefore, in order to get rid of diarrhea, it is extremely important to restore the balance of the microbiota and maintain it regularly. Probiotic remedies for diarrhea for adults, as well as products that improve the functioning of the digestive tract, can help with this.

Such a remedy is Lactoflorene® FLAT BODY – a complex of probiotics from Italy, which has been proven by numerous studies to be effective.

The innovative formula Lactoflorene® FLAT STOMACH includes:

– Bifidobacterium lactis HN019TM and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® restore the balance of intestinal microflora and help eliminate diarrhea.

– Enzymes alpha- and beta-galactosidase improve the processing of hard-to-digest foods.

– Extracts of plants such as chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower and ginger reduce the formation of gases in the digestive tract, eliminate pain in the abdomen, and relieve nervous tension.

Lactoflorene® FLAT STOMACH has a pleasant taste and is easy to use: just dilute the powder from the sachet in liquid and drink. Probiotics are very susceptible to moisture and interaction with other substances. The DUOCAM® dual-chamber packaging prevents the components from mixing with each other before using the product, thereby preserving the valuable qualities of probiotics. The sachet is convenient to take with you to work, on the road, travelling, so Lactoflorene® FLAT STOMACH is suitable for those who lead an active lifestyle.

Diagnostics and examination

Getting rid of diarrhea on your own is not always possible. In some cases, a violation of the stool is only a sign of diseases of the digestive tract, which can only be diagnosed and cured by a specialist. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following signs of diarrhea:

– Diarrhea does not go away for several days

– Temperature above 38°C

– Stomach ache

– The stool is dark, looks like tar

– Noticeable weight loss

– Blood, mucus, pus, fat are found in the stool

— Flatulence and diarrhea caused by food poisoning

As a treatment for symptoms, adsorbents, coatings and astringents are used that neutralize organic acids. It is worth remembering that only a doctor can prescribe an antidiarrheal agent.