What causes diarrhea? How can you treat diarrhea quickly and effectively? Get the facts and expert tips on managing diarrhea.

Understanding Diarrhea: What It Is and What Causes It

Diarrhea is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by loose or watery stools. It can be classified as acute, lasting for a short period, or chronic, persisting for weeks or recurring regularly. Diarrhea occurs when there is an excess of water in the stool, often due to the digestive tract not absorbing enough water or the digestive process moving too quickly.

Some common causes of diarrhea include:

• Consuming contaminated food or water
• Bacterial or parasitic infections
• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Viral illnesses like the flu or norovirus
• Food sensitivities or intolerances
• Certain medications, such as antibiotics or cancer drugs

The Dos and Don’ts of Treating Diarrhea

When dealing with diarrhea, there are some key steps you can take to find relief:

Do:

1. Hydrate: Since diarrhea leads to water loss, it’s essential to replenish fluids by drinking plenty of water, broths, or electrolyte-rich beverages.
2. Eat the right foods: Opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Avoid dairy, fatty, or spicy items that could further upset your stomach.
3. Take over-the-counter medications: Anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide can help slow down bowel movements and firm up stools.
4. Get plenty of rest: Your body needs time to recover, so make sure to get adequate sleep and avoid strenuous activities.

Don’t:

1. Ignore severe or persistent symptoms: If diarrhea lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by severe symptoms like fever, blood in the stool, or severe abdominal pain, seek medical attention.
2. Consume dairy products: Dairy can exacerbate diarrhea, especially for those with lactose intolerance.
3. Consume caffeine or alcohol: These can further dehydrate the body and worsen diarrhea.
4. Take antibiotics without guidance: Antibiotics can sometimes disrupt the gut’s natural balance and lead to diarrhea. Consult a healthcare provider before taking them.

How Long Does Diarrhea Last?

The duration of diarrhea can vary widely depending on the underlying cause. Acute diarrhea typically resolves within 1-2 days, while chronic diarrhea may persist for weeks or even months. If diarrhea lasts longer than a few days or is accompanied by severe symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Preventing and Managing Recurring Diarrhea

To help prevent and manage recurring diarrhea, consider the following strategies:

• Identify and avoid trigger foods or substances that seem to worsen your symptoms.
• Maintain good hygiene and food safety practices to prevent foodborne illnesses.
• Manage underlying conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases or irritable bowel syndrome.
• Consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations on dietary modifications, probiotics, or other treatments.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While mild, acute diarrhea can often be managed at home, there are certain situations when you should seek medical care:

• Diarrhea persists for more than 2-3 days
• You experience severe abdominal pain, fever, blood in the stool, or signs of dehydration
• You have a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition that puts you at higher risk
• You are an infant or young child, as dehydration can occur more quickly in this age group

Conclusion

Diarrhea can be an unpleasant and disruptive experience, but with the right management strategies, most cases can be resolved quickly and effectively. By staying hydrated, eating the right foods, and avoiding potential triggers, you can find relief and get back to your normal routine. Remember to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, as diarrhea can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

The Dos and Don’ts of Treating Diarrhea for Quick…

Sep 4, 2019

Articles

“In confirmed diarrhoea, vomiting, when it comes on spontaneously, removes the diarrhoea.”
-Hippocrates, Aphorisms

Hippocrates may have been the “father of medicine,” but his thoughts on diarrhea were decidedly wrong. His words do illustrate, however, that mankind has been dealing with this unpleasant ailment for millennia. Indeed, one of the great equalizers of the human experience is diarrhea. It happens to the best of us! 

We’ve all been in those uncomfortable situations when the feeling starts; perhaps sitting on the couch, watching a show—or worse, being out and about and living your life … and then an internal gurgling sensation starts to come from deep inside. You might think at first it’s just indigestion or some momentary wave of discomfort. But then suddenly you’re keenly aware that it’s not a passing feeling. Then it becomes a mad race to the bathroom, and you just hope it isn’t already occupied.  

Yes, diarrhea can be a major disruption in your daily life. Sometimes it seemingly creeps up without warning, and you’re not sure why. So what is happening to your body? And what do you do about it?

What is Diarrhea?

So what precisely is diarrhea? While there are gradations and degrees of severity, diarrhea is defined as a gastrointestinal condition with loose or watery stools. Essentially any time you pass stool that isn’t fully formed or solid, it can be categorized as diarrhea. 

If you have the condition for a short time—say one or two days for example—it would be considered acute diarrhea; this type tends to resolve itself after enough time. If your diarrhea lasts more than a few days, it could be an indicator of a deeper problem. If it lasts for weeks or continues to be a problem on a regular, recurring basis, then it would be considered chronic diarrhea. 

It’s also worth noting what diarrhea is not, since there are a number of other gastrointestinal conditions and sensations that people may confuse or conflate with diarrhea. Here are a few other symptoms which may accompany diarrhea but are different and can happen independently of diarrhea: 

• Rectal urgency: the sensation of having a sudden strong urge for a bowel movement
• Incontinence: being unable to control bowel movements or to delay them until a toilet is available
• Having a bowel movement directly following a meal
• Rectal tenesmus: the sensation of having an incomplete bowel movement

Why Does Diarrhea Develop?

When diarrhea begins to be a problem, it’s natural to wonder something along the lines of: what did I eat? Do I have food poisoning? The truth is that there are a number of possible explanations for what can cause diarrhea. Some incidences of diarrhea can be environmental—in other words, external factors like diet or infection—and some can be related to genetics. 

In practical terms, diarrhea happens when there is a larger-than-normal amount of water in the stool. When your digestive tract is operating under normal, healthy circumstances, food that has been processed by the stomach and small intestine—with assistance from the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver—then proceeds to the colon; in the colon, water is absorbed from the remaining waste matter until a solid stool is formed. But if not enough water is absorbed, or if the processed food moves through the gastrointestinal tract too quickly, the stool won’t be solid and it will be passed in a loose or watery form.

There are a variety of possible reasons why the colon might not be absorbing enough water or why the digested food is moving too quickly through the intestines, but here are some of the most common causes: 

• Ingesting food or water that has been contaminated by bacteria
• Ingesting food or water that has been contaminated by parasites
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) that affect the gastrointestinal tract
• Viruses like norovirus, rotavirus, or the flu
• Sensitivities or intolerances to certain types of foods—a classic example is lactose intolerance
• Some medicines, including cancer drugs, antibiotics, or magnesium-containing antacids

Lifestyle Dos and Don’ts When You Have Diarrhea

There are some more serious possible causes of diarrhea, and if it lasts more than a few days, you should consult a gastroenterologist for a comprehensive exam. But for the vast majority of people, this affliction is mild and temporary, and it will resolve itself eventually. 

But if you can safely rule out one of the more serious conditions, then it’s helpful to know some basic dos and don’ts to treat diarrhea when you’ve been experiencing the symptoms: 

DO:

• Hydrate: since one of the fundamental issues with diarrhea is the lack of absorption of water in the colon, this means that your body is not getting all the water it needs for regular, healthy functioning. So it is vitally important to stay hydrated when you have diarrhea. 
• Eat properly: there are definitely foods that are a better idea for your gastrointestinal system when you have diarrhea. One of the best choices is the so-called “BRAT diet,” which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast; these choices will help solidify your stool. You can also turn to boiled potatoes, oatmeal, or chicken soup for some other healthy choices.  
• Consider probiotics: probiotics are known as “good” bacteria—the kind of bacteria that some studies have shown to improve gastrointestinal health. You can take a probiotic supplement, but they can also be found in fermented foods like yogurt, cottage cheese, pickles, or sauerkraut. 
• Utilize anti-diarrheal medications: over-the-counter medications like Imodium (which contains loperamide) or Pepto-Bismol (which contains bismuth subsalicylate) can be extremely helpful in the short term at treating the symptoms of diarrhea. 

DON’T:

• Eat the wrong foods: especially high fiber foods should be avoided when you have diarrhea. Also, greasy, oily, or fried foods will be similarly unhelpful. Some other foods and beverages to steer clear of alcohol, coffee, berries, dairy products, and leafy green vegetables. 
• Drink very hot or very cold beverages: avoid extreme temperatures to avoid nausea in addition to your diarrhea.  
• Exercise strenuously: intense exercise can make your dehydration worse or even lead to greater distress in your gastrointestinal tract. 

If you follow these guidelines and home remedies, your acute diarrhea should resolve itself in short order. In most circumstances for most people, your body should be able to respond well to the kinds of adjustments that will encourage your digestive system to function better. 

When Should I Contact a Doctor?

It is important for general gastrointestinal health to be mindful of your bowel habits and note any changes over time. If you have tried the methods above and still have symptoms after a week, you should consider seeking out a gastroenterologist. These specialists are specifically trained to diagnose and treat all manner of bowel health issues. It is also important to note that children and infants are much more prone to dehydration and diarrhea should be reported to their pediatrician. Chronic diarrhea in children could be a symptom of a number of GI conditions. The pediatric department of GI Associates is specially trained to diagnose and treat children and infants.

Some additional symptoms to look out for include blood or pus in loose stools, severe abdominal pain, stool that is black or tar-like, fever greater than 102 degrees, or signs of dehydration. These symptoms may in fact point to a more extensive problem, and your doctor can work with you to determine what other conditions may be at work.

What to Do About Nutrition When You Have Diarrhea 

If you are concerned about your diarrhea symptoms—or about your digestive health in general—make an appointment to see a specialist. The professional doctors and staff at the GI Associates Endoscopy Center are experts in bowel health and will provide excellent medical advice.

Methods and what to avoid

Ways of managing diarrhea depend on the cause. Options that may speed up relief include over-the-counter (OTC) medications, eating soluble fiber, and drinking plenty of fluids. If an infection is present, a person may need antibiotics.

Most diarrhea episodes are short-term or acute and resolve after a few days. However, some people develop chronic diarrhea, which persists for weeks or longer.

This article outlines the typical duration of diarrhea, provides tips on how to get fast relief, and offers advice on when to see a doctor.

Below are several methods that adults can use to alleviate diarrhea quickly.

Anti-diarrheal medication

The most common and convenient solution for alleviating acute diarrhea is OTC medications, such as:

• Loperamide (Imodium): This medication slows down digestion so that the body can draw more water from the intestines. This helps to firm up stools and reduce the frequency of bowel movements.
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): This medication helps to coat and kill some of the diarrhea-causing bacteria that a person may have in their gut.

The above medications are not suitable for people whose diarrhea is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• fever
• signs of infection
• bloody stools

Learn more about the causes of chronic diarrhea and how to treat it here.

Antibiotics

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

People may contract harmful bacteria as a result of eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Bacteria that commonly cause diarrhea include:

• Campylobacter
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Salmonella
• Shigella

Learn about the side effects of antibiotics here.

Diet adjustment

Certain dietary adjustments may help alleviate an acute episode of diarrhea and reduce the risk of further complications. Examples include:

• Eating bland foods: Bland, easy-to-digest foods reduce the risk of further GI upset and diarrhea. A popular dietary option for an upset stomach is the BRAT diet, which is an acronym of the following bland foods:
  • banana
  • rice
  • applesauce
  • toast
• Increasing intake of soluble fiber: Soluble fiber is a type of fiber that absorbs fluid in the intestines. As such, it helps to firm up stools and alleviate diarrhea. Foods that are high in soluble fiber include:
  • fruits and vegetables
  • legumes
  • bread and pasta
  • cereals
• Eating smaller meals: People should aim to eat smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day instead of eating two or three large meals.
• Resting after meals: Relaxing after a meal helps to slow the movement of food through the gut. This helps to reduce the frequency of bowel movements.

Learn more about what foods to eat with diarrhea here.

Hydration

Loose, watery stools cause a person to lose fluids and electrolytes. This can quickly lead to dehydration and associated complications.

Signs of dehydration include:

• low urine output
• increased thirst
• dizziness
• confusion

To prevent dehydration, a person should drink at least one cup of fluids after each bout of diarrhea. Fruit juices and sports drinks are good options as they are high in potassium and other important electrolytes.

Learn more about dehydration here.

Supplements

According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, the following supplements may help to alleviate diarrhea:

• psyllium
• pectin
• blackberry root bark
• probiotics

Psyllium, pectin, and blackberry root bark may help slow down the digestive system, reducing the frequency and urgency of bowel movements.

Probiotics may help reduce the duration of diarrhea in children. However, people who are taking antibiotics should finish the course before taking probiotics.

Find out more ways to treat diarrhea at home here.

The treatment for acute diarrhea in infants differs from that for adults. For example, OTC anti-diarrheal medications are not suitable for children unless a doctor has prescribed them.

Below are some methods for treating diarrhea in infants.

Rehydration

An infant with diarrhea must continue to feed and drink as normal. People who are breastfeeding should continue to do so if the infant is still willing to drink fluids.

Oral rehydration solutions can help replace the fluids and electrolytes lost during episodes of diarrhea. Examples of such solutions include:

• Pedialyte
• Naturalyte
• Enfalyte
• CeraLyte

Zinc supplementation

A 2014 review article notes that daily zinc supplements may help to treat and prevent episodes of acute diarrhea in infants. They suggest that children older than two months may benefit from 20 milligrams of zinc per day over 10 days.

Additional research is necessary to determine whether this type of treatment has applications for adults.

Learn more about diarrhea in children and why they might have green poop here.

People who are experiencing diarrhea should avoid foods and ingredients that could make their diarrhea worse. This includes the following:

• caffeine
• alcohol
• foods high in fructose
• prune juice and dried fruits
• sugar replacements or substitutes
• fatty foods
• fried foods
• spicy foods

Persistent or recurrent episodes of diarrhea may indicate an underlying food sensitivity or intolerance. Anyone who has a suspected food sensitivity or intolerance should avoid foods that trigger bouts of diarrhea.

Some common triggers of food sensitivities and intolerances include:

• Lactose: A natural sugar found in milk and dairy products.
• Fructose: A natural sugar found in fruits.
• Gluten: Proteins that exist in grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley.

Learn more about alcohol and diarrhea here.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) defines “diarrhea” as passing three or more loose, watery stools per day.

The NIDDK categorize diarrhea into the following three types, based on its duration:

• Acute: Diarrhea that typically lasts 1–2 days and goes away on its own. This type is the most common.
• Persistent: Diarrhea that lasts between 2–4 weeks.
• Chronic: Diarrhea that lasts at least 4 weeks. The symptoms may be persistent, or they may come and go.

The NIDDK recommend that adults see a doctor if their diarrhea lasts more than 2 days. They add that children should see a doctor if their diarrhea lasts 24 hours or more.

Acute diarrhea can take a day or two to subside. In the meantime, people can follow the tips below to help alleviate their symptoms:

• drinking plenty of water, juices, and broths to help avoid dehydration
• taking OTC anti-diarrheal medications to help relieve pain from gas and bloating
• getting plenty of rest to help slow the digestive process

Adults should see a doctor if they have diarrhea that lasts longer than 2 days or experience six or more diarrhea episodes within 24 hours. They should also see a doctor if their diarrhea is accompanied by any of the following:

• signs of dehydration
• fever
• frequent vomiting
• severe pain in the stomach, abdomen, or rectum
• bloody or tarry stools

Infants should see a doctor if they have diarrhea that lasts 24 hours or more, or if any of the following symptoms accompany their diarrhea:

• signs of dehydration
• fever
• bloody, pus-filled stools
• dark, tarry stools

Adults and children with a weakened immune system or other underlying medical conditions should see a doctor immediately if they experience diarrhea.

Diarrhea can come on suddenly and resolve on its own just as quickly. Most cases are acute, lasting up to 2 days. However, people may also experience persistent or chronic diarrhea that comes and goes over several weeks.

Thankfully, there are methods for quickly and effectively alleviating diarrhea symptoms. These methods differ somewhat for children and adults.

People should see a doctor if their diarrhea persists, or they experience other worrying symptoms. A doctor will work to diagnose the cause of the diarrhea and provide appropriate treatments.

Diarrhea with stress and neurosis

Before the holidays, you were nervous: running around for gifts, preparing a feast, general cleaning, time pressure at work … And at the beginning of the year you violated your usual diet, overate, indulged in pickles and alcohol. And the stomach began to rebel – there was an irritable bowel syndrome. How to calm him down?

Doctor’s consultation

You can get the consultation of the necessary specialist online in the Doctis 9 application0005

Laboratory

You can undergo a comprehensive examination of all major body systems

• Irritable bowel symptoms
• Diarrhea with severe stress
• Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

Tortured intestines.

Now diarrhea, then constipation. And pain in the stomach, as if in contractions. Even
I did a colonoscopy – but, fortunately, everything turned out to be in order. The doctor suggested that it was a syndrome
irritated bowel. What are the symptoms of this disease?

There are a number of signs that indicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects between 15 and 48%
population. Among the most common are pain, rumbling and cramps in the abdomen, problems with stool
(diarrhea or constipation, and more often their alternation), increased gas formation (flatulence).
Sometimes there are also atypical complaints – for example, headaches and rapid
urination.

Most often, the “drum concerto with orchestra” is played in the stomach in the evenings, and especially
after eating gas-forming food (fresh vegetables and fruits, black bread). After a bowel movement
symptoms usually subside. Emotional shocks, anxieties and worries often lead to exacerbations. AND,
finally, an important point – by morning the pain and discomfort usually disappear. If the stomach aches in the morning
no less than in the evening, then this, most likely, does not speak of a functional disorder, but of some
more serious diagnosis.

In no case should you endure severe pain in the abdomen, with which
unable to cope with antispasmodics. After all, such a sign may hide a life-threatening
surgical pathology requiring urgent surgery (for example, acute appendicitis, cholecystitis or pancreatitis). In such
situation, you need to call an ambulance.

However, even if the clinical picture fully matches this description, a diagnosis such as IBS can be made
only after examination, which will show that there is nothing more dangerous. If there are no changes in the mucous membrane, and discomfort
persists in the intestines for more than three months, and the stomach catches at least three times a week, then
doctor
has the right to talk about the presence of this very syndrome.

Diarrhea with severe stress

I noticed that when I get nervous, I immediately get diarrhea. First time this happened to me
still in school, before final exams. Since then, any stress or even just strong excitement leads
to what makes me weak. Before my own wedding, sorry for the detail, I didn’t get out of the toilet.
How to explain such a strange relationship?

Not only malnutrition, dysbacteriosis and physical inactivity are dangerous for
intestines. In 80% of cases, functional disorders of this organ occur due to stress. No wonder this
the disorder is also called “intestinal neurosis”.

The functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that develop in this case can be explained by a violation
interactions between the digestive and nervous systems. After all, our intestines have their own regulatory
mechanism, it is autonomous from the central nervous system, but is part of the autonomic nervous system
systems. The operation of this mechanism is controlled by the brain (by the way, the amygdala, located in this
organ, is responsible for both the response to stress and intestinal motility). The brain sends signals
to emptying, and the intestines in response report on the fulfillment of the order. But under stress from the brain
the wrong signals are already coming in, to which the intestines respond with pain.

No wonder people suffer most from stomach problems
emotional, with increased anxiety and low stress resistance. No wonder such a diagnosis
like irritable bowel syndrome, women are given 4 times more often than men, because they are usually more acute
perceive everything that happens. But in general, this malaise is more typical for young and middle-aged people.
ages engaged primarily in intellectual work.

Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Is it true that there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome? And if so, why do doctors
prescribe different pills? And without that, there is a lot of chemistry in our body!

Unfortunately, there really is no specific treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. You can only fight
with symptoms. Nevertheless,
consult a gastroenterologist
and, if necessary, to be treated. After all, an unstable chair not only significantly reduces the quality
life, but also leads to overload of the large intestine, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids, anal
fissures, fistulas and other proctological diseases.

Selective antispasmodics help relieve pain. However, pills alone cannot solve the problem, you need
set of measures. A necessary condition for good intestinal motility is regular physical activity. Useful
swimming, walking, dancing. A proper diet is also very important. You need to eat regularly and fractionally, excluding
fried, spicy, salty. With a tendency to constipation, vegetable fiber and dairy products are most useful.
products and kissels and crackers are harmful, and with frequent diarrhea – the opposite is true. And finally a big
help can bring the ability to manage their emotions. Yoga, meditation, psychotherapy are effective in this regard.
or taking sedative medication prescribed by a neurologist.

If you still have your questions, you can ask them using the Doctis service.

The author of the article: Evgeny Leonidovich Belousov

Self-help for vomiting and diarrhea

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Vomiting and diarrhea can make you feel extremely uncomfortable. Your stomach and intestines react to the irritant. It could be food, medicine, or a stomach virus. Vomiting and diarrhea are two ways your body tries to fix an internal problem. Nausea is a symptom that prevents you from eating. This gives the stomach and intestines time to recover. To get back to normal, start with self-care to ease the discomfort.

Drink fluids

Drink to avoid losing too much fluid (dehydration):

• Clear liquids such as water or broth are the best choice.

• Avoid drinks with a lot of sugar, such as juices and sodas. This can aggravate diarrhea.

• If you have severe vomiting or diarrhea, do not drink sports drinks such as electrolyte solutions. They don’t have the right mix of water, sugar, and minerals. They can also make symptoms worse. In this case, look for oral rehydration solutions.

• Suck on ice chips if the thought of drinking makes you feel sick.

When you can eat again

Use the following tips:

• When your appetite returns, you can smoothly return to a normal diet.

• Talk to your doctor about what foods to avoid for now.

Medicines

You need to know the following about medicines:

• Vomiting and diarrhea are ways your body gets rid of harmful substances such as bacteria. Do not take antidiarrheal or antiemetic (antiemetic) medicines unless your doctor tells you to.

• Aspirin, other medicines containing aspirin, and many aspirin substitutes can cause stomach problems. So don’t take them when you have an upset stomach.

• Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking that may be causing these symptoms.

• Some over-the-counter antihistamines help control nausea. Other medicines can help calm the stomach. Ask your doctor what medicines can help you.

When to see a doctor

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Bloody or black vomit or feces

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain

• Vomiting with severe headache or neck stiffness

• Vomiting after head injury

• Vomiting and diarrhea together for more than an hour

• Inability to retain even small sips of liquid for more than 12 hours

• Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours

• Severe diarrhea lasting more than 2 days

• Temperature 38°C (100.