About all

Nausea loose stools. Nausea and Loose Stools: 20 Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

What are the common causes of nausea and loose stools. How can you identify the symptoms of various digestive issues. What are the most effective treatments for nausea and diarrhea.

Содержание

Understanding Nausea and Loose Stools: A Comprehensive Overview

Nausea and loose stools are common digestive symptoms that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. These symptoms often occur together and can be caused by various factors, ranging from mild infections to more serious health conditions. Understanding the underlying causes, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing the appropriate treatments are crucial for managing these uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating issues.

Common Causes of Nausea and Loose Stools

Several factors can trigger nausea and loose stools. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
  • Food poisoning
  • Emotional stress and anxiety
  • Cyclic vomiting syndrome
  • Traveler’s diarrhea
  • Motion sickness
  • Pregnancy-related digestive issues

Each of these causes has its unique set of symptoms and potential complications. Let’s delve deeper into some of these causes to better understand their impact on digestive health.

Viral Gastroenteritis: The Stomach Flu

Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is a highly contagious condition caused by various virus strains, including the norovirus. It’s important to note that despite its name, it’s not related to the respiratory flu.

How does viral gastroenteritis affect the digestive system? The virus causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. These typically include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Chills

Can viral gastroenteritis resolve on its own? In most cases, yes. The condition usually clears up within a few days without specific treatment. However, the primary concern during this period is avoiding dehydration. Sipping water or other clear fluids is crucial to maintain hydration levels.

Food Poisoning: A Common Culprit

Food poisoning occurs when you consume food or drinks contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. It’s a widespread issue, affecting millions of people in the United States annually.

What are the typical symptoms of food poisoning? The most common signs include:

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps

How long does food poisoning usually last? In most cases, symptoms are mild and resolve within one to two days. However, severe cases may require medical attention, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

The Impact of Emotional Stress on Digestive Health

The connection between our emotions and our gut is more significant than many realize. Strong emotions can have a profound effect on our digestive system, often leading to what’s commonly referred to as a “nervous stomach.”

How do emotions affect our digestive system? When we experience fear, stress, or anxiety, our body triggers the fight-or-flight response. This physiological reaction activates stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can have several effects on our digestive system:

  • Signaling the intestines to empty
  • Diverting blood away from the stomach to vital organs
  • Causing abdominal muscles to clench

These physical reactions can result in diarrhea, vomiting, or dry heaving. Managing stress through techniques like deep breathing exercises and seeking help from mental health professionals can significantly alleviate these symptoms.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A Mysterious Condition

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a perplexing condition characterized by recurring episodes of severe vomiting with no apparent cause. These episodes can be intense and long-lasting, significantly impacting an individual’s quality of life.

What are the distinguishing features of cyclic vomiting syndrome? CVS episodes typically:

  • Start at the same time of day
  • Last for the same duration
  • Have consistent severity

Besides vomiting, what other symptoms are associated with CVS? Additional symptoms may include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Intense sweating
  • Retching
  • Severe nausea

While the exact cause of CVS remains unknown, stress and a family history of migraines may be contributing factors, especially in children. Certain triggers, such as caffeine, cheese, or chocolate, have been identified. Avoiding these potential triggers may help reduce or eliminate attacks in some individuals.

Traveler’s Diarrhea: A Common Travel Companion

Traveler’s diarrhea is a frequent concern for those visiting areas with less-than-optimal sanitary conditions. This condition typically results from consuming contaminated food or water.

What are the primary symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea? The most common signs include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

How long does traveler’s diarrhea usually last? In most cases, the condition resolves on its own once you stop consuming the contaminated items. However, if symptoms persist for more than a few days, are accompanied by severe dehydration, or include bloody diarrhea or persistent vomiting, it’s crucial to seek medical attention.

What treatments are available for traveler’s diarrhea? Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications can often provide relief. In some cases, prescribed medications may be necessary, especially if a specific bacteria or organism is identified as the cause.

Motion Sickness: When Travel Turns Uncomfortable

Motion sickness can affect individuals of all ages and is often triggered by various forms of travel, including car rides, boat trips, and air travel.

What causes motion sickness? This condition occurs when the central nervous system receives conflicting information from the inner ear and other sensory systems about the body’s movement. This sensory mismatch can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

What are the typical symptoms of motion sickness? Common signs include:

  • Feeling queasy
  • Breaking out in cold sweats
  • Experiencing urgent diarrhea
  • Vomiting

How can motion sickness be prevented or managed? Several strategies can help:

  • Taking medications prior to traveling
  • Resting during the journey
  • Chewing gum
  • Drinking ginger ale or taking ginger supplements

In most cases, motion sickness symptoms subside within several hours after the journey ends.

Pregnancy and Digestive Issues: A Common Combination

Pregnancy often brings about various digestive challenges, especially during the first trimester. These issues can range from mild discomfort to more severe symptoms that may require medical attention.

What are the most common digestive issues during pregnancy? Pregnant women frequently experience:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation

When do these symptoms typically occur? Nausea and vomiting, often referred to as morning sickness, are most common during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. This period coincides with significant hormonal changes in the body.

Are these symptoms dangerous for the pregnancy? In most cases, these digestive issues, while uncomfortable, do not pose a significant risk to the mother or the developing fetus. However, severe or persistent symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure proper management and to rule out any potential complications.

Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cases of nausea and loose stools resolve on their own, there are instances where medical intervention may be necessary. It’s crucial to recognize the signs that indicate a need for professional medical help.

When should you consult a doctor for nausea and loose stools? Consider seeking medical attention if you experience:

  • Symptoms persisting for more than a few days
  • Signs of severe dehydration (extreme thirst, dark urine, dizziness)
  • Bloody or severe diarrhea
  • Persistent vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down
  • High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
  • Severe abdominal pain

How will a healthcare provider diagnose the cause of your symptoms? Diagnosis typically involves:

  • A thorough medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Possibly laboratory tests (blood tests, stool samples)
  • In some cases, imaging studies may be necessary

Remember, early intervention can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment, especially in cases of severe dehydration or underlying medical conditions.

Treatment Strategies for Nausea and Loose Stools

The treatment for nausea and loose stools largely depends on the underlying cause. However, there are several general strategies that can help manage these symptoms effectively.

Hydration: The First Line of Defense

Why is hydration crucial when experiencing nausea and loose stools? Diarrhea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous if left unchecked. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for recovery and preventing complications.

What are the best fluids for rehydration? Consider the following options:

  • Water
  • Clear broths
  • Oral rehydration solutions (available over-the-counter)
  • Diluted fruit juices (avoid those high in sugar)

It’s important to sip these fluids slowly and frequently rather than consuming large amounts at once, which may trigger vomiting.

Dietary Modifications

How should you adjust your diet when experiencing nausea and loose stools? Follow these guidelines:

  • Start with bland, easily digestible foods (such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast – the BRAT diet)
  • Gradually reintroduce other foods as symptoms improve
  • Avoid fatty, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods
  • Stay away from dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol until fully recovered

Over-the-Counter Medications

What over-the-counter medications can help manage nausea and loose stools? Several options are available:

  • Anti-diarrheal medications (e.g., loperamide)
  • Anti-nausea medications (e.g., dimenhydrinate)
  • Bismuth subsalicylate for both diarrhea and nausea

It’s important to note that these medications should be used cautiously and according to package instructions. In some cases, such as bacterial infections, anti-diarrheal medications may not be recommended as they can prolong the infection.

Rest and Relaxation

Why is rest important when dealing with nausea and loose stools? Adequate rest allows your body to focus its energy on fighting off infections or recovering from whatever is causing your symptoms. It also helps reduce stress, which can exacerbate digestive issues.

How can you promote relaxation? Consider these strategies:

  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Practice deep breathing exercises
  • Try gentle yoga or meditation
  • Avoid stressful activities or situations until you’re feeling better

Prescription Medications

When might prescription medications be necessary? In some cases, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications such as:

  • Stronger anti-nausea drugs
  • Antibiotics (if a bacterial infection is suspected)
  • Antispasmodics to relieve abdominal cramps

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when taking prescription medications.

Preventing Nausea and Loose Stools

While it’s not always possible to prevent nausea and loose stools, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing these uncomfortable symptoms.

Proper Food Handling and Hygiene

How can proper food handling help prevent digestive issues? Follow these guidelines:

  • Wash hands thoroughly before handling food
  • Cook foods to appropriate temperatures
  • Refrigerate perishable foods promptly
  • Avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods

Travel Precautions

What precautions can you take when traveling to reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea?

  • Drink only bottled or boiled water
  • Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself
  • Eat only thoroughly cooked foods
  • Be cautious with street food

Stress Management

How can managing stress help prevent digestive issues? Chronic stress can negatively impact your digestive system. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, such as:

  • Regular exercise
  • Meditation or mindfulness practices
  • Adequate sleep
  • Time management strategies

Regular Check-ups

Why are regular medical check-ups important for digestive health? Regular check-ups can help identify potential digestive issues before they become severe. They also provide an opportunity to discuss any ongoing digestive concerns with your healthcare provider.

Nausea and loose stools, while common, can significantly impact your daily life. Understanding the various causes, recognizing when to seek medical attention, and knowing how to manage these symptoms effectively can help you navigate these uncomfortable experiences. Remember, while many cases resolve on their own with proper care, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to maintain your digestive health, you can minimize the impact of nausea and loose stools on your overall well-being.

20 Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

You may experience nausea due to an infection, such as the stomach flu or food poisoning. It can also occur due to other health conditions, including food intolerances and heavy metal poisoning.

When your digestive system becomes irritated, or is exposed to something potentially damaging to your health, the nerves signal your system to expel its contents as quickly as possible. Vomiting, diarrhea, or both are the result.

These two symptoms often go together, and are typically linked to common conditions, such as a stomach virus or food poisoning.

Since diarrhea and vomiting are associated with many diagnoses, it may be hard to know what’s causing them. Here are some of the possible causes.

Viral gastroenteritis is a contagious, common condition caused by several different virus strains, such as the norovirus. Also known as the stomach flu, it’s not the same thing as the flu, which is a respiratory condition.

Viral gastroenteritis causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. You can get it from close contact with people or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms vary based on the underlying virus but typically include:

  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • achiness
  • fever
  • chills

Gastroenteritis usually clears up on its own within a few days. Treatment is centered on avoiding dehydration by sipping water or other fluids.

Food poisoning is caused by eating or drinking something contaminated with bacteria, a virus, or parasite. Mold and chemical or natural toxins can also cause food poisoning.

Millions of people come down with food poisoning annually in the United States. Symptoms include:

  • watery diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • stomach cramps

In most instances, these symptoms are mild and resolve on their own within one to two days. Food poisoning can, however, cause severe symptoms which require medical treatment.

If you’ve ever had a nervous stomach, you already know that strong emotion can affect your gut. Your digestive system can be adversely affected by fear, stress, or anxiety. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or dry heaving.

Powerful emotions trigger the fight-or-flight response. This puts your body on high alert, activating stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones signal your intestines to empty.

They also divert blood away from your stomach to the vital organs you may need most in an emergency, and cause abdominal muscles to clench. All of these physical reactions can bring on diarrhea or vomiting.

Reducing stress with deep breathing exercises and addressing anxiety with a mental health professional can help.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is earmarked by episodes of severe vomiting that have no obvious cause. These episodes can last for hours or even days.

They often start at the same time of day, last for the same amount of time, and are uniform in severity. These episodes may be interspersed with periods of time when no vomiting occurs.

Other symptoms can include:

  • diarrhea
  • intense sweating
  • retching
  • severe nausea

The cause of cyclic vomiting syndrome is unknown, but stress or a family history of migraine may be a factor, especially in children.

Some triggers for this condition include caffeine, cheese, or chocolate. Avoiding these foods may help reduce or eliminate attacks.

A change in environment, especially to a place with less-than-optimal sanitary conditions, may result in traveler’s diarrhea. This condition is caused by eating or drinking something unclean or contaminated. Symptoms include:

  • diarrhea
  • stomach cramps
  • nausea
  • vomiting

Traveler’s diarrhea usually clears up on its own once you’re no longer eating or drinking the contaminated items. See your doctor to identify the bacteria or organism that is causing the diarrhea if:

  • it persists for more than a few days
  • it’s accompanied by severe dehydration
  • you have bloody or severe diarrhea
  • you have persistent vomiting

Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications can help. In some instances, prescribed medications may be necessary.

Motion sickness can happen at any age. It can be triggered by traveling in a car, boat, airplane or other vehicle.

Motion sickness happens when the central nervous system receives conflicting information from the inner ear and other sensory systems about your body’s flow of movement. That’s why turning your head or body in a moving vehicle can instigate an episode of motion sickness.

Symptoms include:

  • feeling queasy
  • breaking out in cold sweats
  • getting urgent diarrhea
  • vomiting

There are medications you can take prior to traveling which may help you avoid motion sickness. A few home remedies include:

  • resting
  • chewing gum
  • drinking ginger ale
  • taking a ginger supplement

Motion sickness usually dissipates within several hours.

Digestive issues are common occurrences during pregnancy. These include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • constipation

Nausea and vomiting often occur during the first 16 weeks, when hormonal changes are taking place. It helps if you avoid strong-smelling foods and eat small, frequent meals.

Severe, unending nausea and vomiting during pregnancy may be caused by an uncommon disorder called hyperemesis gravidarum.

If diarrhea is accompanied by vaginal discharge and low back pain, let your doctor know immediately. Sometimes this triad of symptoms means you’re going into preterm labor.

Some prescription medications may cause vomiting and diarrhea as side effects. These include some antibiotics. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea may cause:

  • loose stool
  • frequent bowel movements
  • nausea
  • vomiting

These symptoms can occur a week or longer after you start taking the medication, and may last for weeks after you’ve stopped. Other prescribed medications can also cause these symptoms to occur.

Check the labels of your prescription medications to see if vomiting and diarrhea are listed. If so, make sure to stay hydrated if you experience these symptoms, and talk to your doctor about strategies for alleviating discomfort.

Taking antibiotics may also result in a C. difficile infection. C. diff is a type of bacteria which produces toxins that can cause antibiotic-associated colitis.

This can happen if antibiotic therapy throws off the balance of good and bad bacteria in your intestinal tract. Coming into contact with fecal matter or a contaminated surface can also cause a C. diff infection.

Common symptoms include:

  • mild-to-severe vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • cramping
  • low-grade fever

People with weakened immune systems and older individuals may be more susceptible to this type of infection. If you suspect that you have a C. diff infection, let your doctor know.

Heavy metal poisoning is caused by the accumulation of toxic amounts of heavy metals in the body’s soft tissue. Heavy metals include:

  • arsenic
  • lead
  • mercury
  • cadmium

Heavy metal poisoning can be caused by:

  • industrial exposure
  • pollution
  • medicines
  • contaminated food
  • exported good
  • other substances

Symptoms vary based on the toxin. They include:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • muscles weakness
  • abdominal pain
  • muscle spasms

Lead poisoning is most common in children between 1 and 3 years old. If you suspect heavy metal poisoning, your doctor will run tests and try to identify the toxin so you can eliminate it from your environment.

Other treatments, such as taking a chelating medication or having your stomach pumped, may also be needed.

Overeating can be taxing on the digestive system. This may be more likely to occur if you eat quickly, or if you eat fatty or spicy food. Symptoms include:

  • diarrhea
  • indigestion
  • nausea
  • feeling overly full
  • vomiting

Eating too much fiber can also cause these symptoms to occur, especially if you don’t typically eat a high-fiber diet.

Alcoholic beverages cause your stomach to secrete acid. Drinking to excess can cause inflammation in the stomach and digestive symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Drinking less alcohol and watering down alcoholic drinks with mixers can help.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic type of inflammatory bowel disease. Its cause is unknown. There are several kinds of Crohn’s disease. Symptoms include:

  • stomach pain
  • diarrhea, which may be bloody
  • excessive vomiting
  • chills
  • fever
  • feeling faint

These symptoms can be signals that your condition is worsening or requires medical attention.

Crohn’s disease is typically treated with prescription medications. You may also feel relief from taking over-the-counter anti-diarrheal drugs. Smoking cigarettes makes Crohn’s symptoms worse and should be avoided.

Colon cancer, lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, and some other types may cause gastric symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation. Some forms of cancer may go undiagnosed until gastric symptoms occur.

Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Let your doctor know if your symptoms are accompanied by:

  • pain
  • fever
  • dizziness
  • weight loss

There are medications and lifestyle changes that can help you alleviate nausea and other symptoms.

IBS is also known as spastic colon. It’s more common in women than in men. Symptoms can vary in intensity. They include:

  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • vomiting
  • bloating
  • stomach pain

IBS can be a chronic, long-lasting condition. There is no cure, but dietary changes and medication can help.

A peptic ulcer is an open sore which develops somewhere in the digestive system, such as in the stomach lining or lower esophagus. Drinking too much alcohol, cigarette smoking, and exposure to H. pylori bacteria are some potential causes.

Abdominal pain is the main symptom of a peptic ulcer. Other symptoms include:

  • watery diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • indigestion
  • blood in the stool

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, antibiotics, and acid blockers.

Some people have trouble digesting lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. This condition is more common in adults than it is in children. Lactose malabsorption can cause symptoms such as:

  • gas
  • bloating
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • diarrhea

Your doctor can diagnose lactose intolerance with a hydrogen breath test. Avoiding foods containing lactose is the best way to avoid symptoms.

Abdominal migraine is a subtype of migraine which includes diarrhea as a symptom. This condition can be debilitating. With abdominal migraine, the pain is centered in the stomach instead of in the head. Regular migraine attacks can also have diarrhea and vomiting as symptoms.

Migraine is more common in women than it is in men. Some women notice a pattern between their menstrual cycle and migraine. Migraine may also have a genetic link. Some people find relief by identifying and eliminating triggers in their environment.

This rare condition is caused by long-term, heavy use of THC-rich marijuana. Symptoms include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • diarrhea

It causes a compulsion to bathe in hot water. If you suspect that you have this condition, eliminating marijuana use can help. You can also talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about lifestyle interventions which can help you to avoid this condition in the future.

A bowel obstruction is a potentially dangerous condition, caused by a blockage in the large or small intestine. Vomiting and diarrhea are early warning signs for this condition. Bloating, constipation, and cramping can also be symptoms.

There are many causes for this condition. They include impacted stool, postsurgical adhesions, and tumors. A bowel obstruction requires medical care. Treatments range from medication to therapeutic enemas or surgery.

Since diarrhea and vomiting can have many causes, it’s important to seek medical help if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen. Those who should always see a doctor for chronic diarrhea and vomiting include:

  • infants
  • toddlers
  • children
  • older adults
  • those with compromised immune systems

Anyone should check in with their doctor if they have:

  • diarrhea that’s bloody or lasts longer than three days
  • uncontrollable vomiting or retching, which makes it impossible to keep down fluids for more than one day
  • symptoms of dehydration, including:
    • light-headedness
    • sunken eyes
    • crying without tears
    • inability to perspire or urinate
    • very dark urine
    • muscle cramps
    • dizziness
    • weakness
    • confusion
    • fever over 102°F (38. 9°C)
    • extreme pain or muscle cramping
    • uncontrollable chills

Nausea and diarrhea can be caused by a wide range of conditions but are most often linked to viral infections or food poisoning.

These symptoms often respond well to at-home treatments. If your symptoms last longer than a few days or are severe, check in with your doctor.

20 Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

You may experience nausea due to an infection, such as the stomach flu or food poisoning. It can also occur due to other health conditions, including food intolerances and heavy metal poisoning.

When your digestive system becomes irritated, or is exposed to something potentially damaging to your health, the nerves signal your system to expel its contents as quickly as possible. Vomiting, diarrhea, or both are the result.

These two symptoms often go together, and are typically linked to common conditions, such as a stomach virus or food poisoning.

Since diarrhea and vomiting are associated with many diagnoses, it may be hard to know what’s causing them. Here are some of the possible causes.

Viral gastroenteritis is a contagious, common condition caused by several different virus strains, such as the norovirus. Also known as the stomach flu, it’s not the same thing as the flu, which is a respiratory condition.

Viral gastroenteritis causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. You can get it from close contact with people or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms vary based on the underlying virus but typically include:

  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • achiness
  • fever
  • chills

Gastroenteritis usually clears up on its own within a few days. Treatment is centered on avoiding dehydration by sipping water or other fluids.

Food poisoning is caused by eating or drinking something contaminated with bacteria, a virus, or parasite. Mold and chemical or natural toxins can also cause food poisoning.

Millions of people come down with food poisoning annually in the United States. Symptoms include:

  • watery diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • stomach cramps

In most instances, these symptoms are mild and resolve on their own within one to two days. Food poisoning can, however, cause severe symptoms which require medical treatment.

If you’ve ever had a nervous stomach, you already know that strong emotion can affect your gut. Your digestive system can be adversely affected by fear, stress, or anxiety. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or dry heaving.

Powerful emotions trigger the fight-or-flight response. This puts your body on high alert, activating stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones signal your intestines to empty.

They also divert blood away from your stomach to the vital organs you may need most in an emergency, and cause abdominal muscles to clench. All of these physical reactions can bring on diarrhea or vomiting.

Reducing stress with deep breathing exercises and addressing anxiety with a mental health professional can help.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is earmarked by episodes of severe vomiting that have no obvious cause. These episodes can last for hours or even days.

They often start at the same time of day, last for the same amount of time, and are uniform in severity. These episodes may be interspersed with periods of time when no vomiting occurs.

Other symptoms can include:

  • diarrhea
  • intense sweating
  • retching
  • severe nausea

The cause of cyclic vomiting syndrome is unknown, but stress or a family history of migraine may be a factor, especially in children.

Some triggers for this condition include caffeine, cheese, or chocolate. Avoiding these foods may help reduce or eliminate attacks.

A change in environment, especially to a place with less-than-optimal sanitary conditions, may result in traveler’s diarrhea. This condition is caused by eating or drinking something unclean or contaminated. Symptoms include:

  • diarrhea
  • stomach cramps
  • nausea
  • vomiting

Traveler’s diarrhea usually clears up on its own once you’re no longer eating or drinking the contaminated items. See your doctor to identify the bacteria or organism that is causing the diarrhea if:

  • it persists for more than a few days
  • it’s accompanied by severe dehydration
  • you have bloody or severe diarrhea
  • you have persistent vomiting

Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications can help. In some instances, prescribed medications may be necessary.

Motion sickness can happen at any age. It can be triggered by traveling in a car, boat, airplane or other vehicle.

Motion sickness happens when the central nervous system receives conflicting information from the inner ear and other sensory systems about your body’s flow of movement. That’s why turning your head or body in a moving vehicle can instigate an episode of motion sickness.

Symptoms include:

  • feeling queasy
  • breaking out in cold sweats
  • getting urgent diarrhea
  • vomiting

There are medications you can take prior to traveling which may help you avoid motion sickness. A few home remedies include:

  • resting
  • chewing gum
  • drinking ginger ale
  • taking a ginger supplement

Motion sickness usually dissipates within several hours.

Digestive issues are common occurrences during pregnancy. These include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • constipation

Nausea and vomiting often occur during the first 16 weeks, when hormonal changes are taking place. It helps if you avoid strong-smelling foods and eat small, frequent meals.

Severe, unending nausea and vomiting during pregnancy may be caused by an uncommon disorder called hyperemesis gravidarum.

If diarrhea is accompanied by vaginal discharge and low back pain, let your doctor know immediately. Sometimes this triad of symptoms means you’re going into preterm labor.

Some prescription medications may cause vomiting and diarrhea as side effects. These include some antibiotics. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea may cause:

  • loose stool
  • frequent bowel movements
  • nausea
  • vomiting

These symptoms can occur a week or longer after you start taking the medication, and may last for weeks after you’ve stopped. Other prescribed medications can also cause these symptoms to occur.

Check the labels of your prescription medications to see if vomiting and diarrhea are listed. If so, make sure to stay hydrated if you experience these symptoms, and talk to your doctor about strategies for alleviating discomfort.

Taking antibiotics may also result in a C. difficile infection. C. diff is a type of bacteria which produces toxins that can cause antibiotic-associated colitis.

This can happen if antibiotic therapy throws off the balance of good and bad bacteria in your intestinal tract. Coming into contact with fecal matter or a contaminated surface can also cause a C. diff infection.

Common symptoms include:

  • mild-to-severe vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • cramping
  • low-grade fever

People with weakened immune systems and older individuals may be more susceptible to this type of infection. If you suspect that you have a C. diff infection, let your doctor know.

Heavy metal poisoning is caused by the accumulation of toxic amounts of heavy metals in the body’s soft tissue. Heavy metals include:

  • arsenic
  • lead
  • mercury
  • cadmium

Heavy metal poisoning can be caused by:

  • industrial exposure
  • pollution
  • medicines
  • contaminated food
  • exported good
  • other substances

Symptoms vary based on the toxin. They include:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • muscles weakness
  • abdominal pain
  • muscle spasms

Lead poisoning is most common in children between 1 and 3 years old. If you suspect heavy metal poisoning, your doctor will run tests and try to identify the toxin so you can eliminate it from your environment.

Other treatments, such as taking a chelating medication or having your stomach pumped, may also be needed.

Overeating can be taxing on the digestive system. This may be more likely to occur if you eat quickly, or if you eat fatty or spicy food. Symptoms include:

  • diarrhea
  • indigestion
  • nausea
  • feeling overly full
  • vomiting

Eating too much fiber can also cause these symptoms to occur, especially if you don’t typically eat a high-fiber diet.

Alcoholic beverages cause your stomach to secrete acid. Drinking to excess can cause inflammation in the stomach and digestive symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Drinking less alcohol and watering down alcoholic drinks with mixers can help.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic type of inflammatory bowel disease. Its cause is unknown. There are several kinds of Crohn’s disease. Symptoms include:

  • stomach pain
  • diarrhea, which may be bloody
  • excessive vomiting
  • chills
  • fever
  • feeling faint

These symptoms can be signals that your condition is worsening or requires medical attention.

Crohn’s disease is typically treated with prescription medications. You may also feel relief from taking over-the-counter anti-diarrheal drugs. Smoking cigarettes makes Crohn’s symptoms worse and should be avoided.

Colon cancer, lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, and some other types may cause gastric symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation. Some forms of cancer may go undiagnosed until gastric symptoms occur.

Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Let your doctor know if your symptoms are accompanied by:

  • pain
  • fever
  • dizziness
  • weight loss

There are medications and lifestyle changes that can help you alleviate nausea and other symptoms.

IBS is also known as spastic colon. It’s more common in women than in men. Symptoms can vary in intensity. They include:

  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • vomiting
  • bloating
  • stomach pain

IBS can be a chronic, long-lasting condition. There is no cure, but dietary changes and medication can help.

A peptic ulcer is an open sore which develops somewhere in the digestive system, such as in the stomach lining or lower esophagus. Drinking too much alcohol, cigarette smoking, and exposure to H. pylori bacteria are some potential causes.

Abdominal pain is the main symptom of a peptic ulcer. Other symptoms include:

  • watery diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • indigestion
  • blood in the stool

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, antibiotics, and acid blockers.

Some people have trouble digesting lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. This condition is more common in adults than it is in children. Lactose malabsorption can cause symptoms such as:

  • gas
  • bloating
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • diarrhea

Your doctor can diagnose lactose intolerance with a hydrogen breath test. Avoiding foods containing lactose is the best way to avoid symptoms.

Abdominal migraine is a subtype of migraine which includes diarrhea as a symptom. This condition can be debilitating. With abdominal migraine, the pain is centered in the stomach instead of in the head. Regular migraine attacks can also have diarrhea and vomiting as symptoms.

Migraine is more common in women than it is in men. Some women notice a pattern between their menstrual cycle and migraine. Migraine may also have a genetic link. Some people find relief by identifying and eliminating triggers in their environment.

This rare condition is caused by long-term, heavy use of THC-rich marijuana. Symptoms include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • diarrhea

It causes a compulsion to bathe in hot water. If you suspect that you have this condition, eliminating marijuana use can help. You can also talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about lifestyle interventions which can help you to avoid this condition in the future.

A bowel obstruction is a potentially dangerous condition, caused by a blockage in the large or small intestine. Vomiting and diarrhea are early warning signs for this condition. Bloating, constipation, and cramping can also be symptoms.

There are many causes for this condition. They include impacted stool, postsurgical adhesions, and tumors. A bowel obstruction requires medical care. Treatments range from medication to therapeutic enemas or surgery.

Since diarrhea and vomiting can have many causes, it’s important to seek medical help if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen. Those who should always see a doctor for chronic diarrhea and vomiting include:

  • infants
  • toddlers
  • children
  • older adults
  • those with compromised immune systems

Anyone should check in with their doctor if they have:

  • diarrhea that’s bloody or lasts longer than three days
  • uncontrollable vomiting or retching, which makes it impossible to keep down fluids for more than one day
  • symptoms of dehydration, including:
    • light-headedness
    • sunken eyes
    • crying without tears
    • inability to perspire or urinate
    • very dark urine
    • muscle cramps
    • dizziness
    • weakness
    • confusion
    • fever over 102°F (38. 9°C)
    • extreme pain or muscle cramping
    • uncontrollable chills

Nausea and diarrhea can be caused by a wide range of conditions but are most often linked to viral infections or food poisoning.

These symptoms often respond well to at-home treatments. If your symptoms last longer than a few days or are severe, check in with your doctor.

Nausea and diarrhea in a child and an adult: causes and treatment

Contents

  • Possible causes and their elimination
  • What examination is necessary?
  • What can be done to alleviate the condition?
  • How to prevent repeated seizures?
  • Nausea and diarrhea in children

Contents

Possible causes and remedies

Nausea and diarrhea can occur due to improper diet and not fresh foods. This often happens if you have a history of gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, dyspepsia, pancreatitis and others. Your pancreas might well not like yesterday’s meat pie of an incomprehensible date of manufacture. From here, nausea appears first, and then diarrhea.

These symptoms are often provoked by excessive consumption of fatty foods, overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, taking any medications that provoke similar work of the gastrointestinal tract, dysbacteriosis, as well as viral and bacterial infections. Lung diseases (pneumonia, bronchitis) can also cause nausea and diarrhea.

Very often diarrhea and vomiting are accompanied by headaches, pain in the stomach or intestines and spasms. You should be very careful about all the symptoms that accompany diarrhea and vomiting. Too frequent stools with streaks of blood and an unusual color may indicate pathologies. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Also, strong or very long stress can provoke these troubles.

Let’s look at each cause in more detail.

Food poisoning

Food poisoning is a common cause of these symptoms. Remember what you ate the day before. It is possible that you have come across a product that has expired, or contains poisons and carcinogens.

With the help of diarrhea, the body is freed from poisons that have entered the body. Under no circumstances should diarrhea or vomiting, if present, be suppressed . You can not use drugs that prevent the removal of toxins and harmful substances from the body through vomiting and diarrhea.

It is very important to take sorbents (Enterosgel, Phosphalugel, Polysorb, activated carbon and others). They act on the principle of a sponge: they absorb all the substances that poison the body and remove them. It is very important not to drink or eat anything for an hour before and after taking the sorbent, so that the sorbent absorbs harmful substances to the maximum.

Very important in case of food poisoning drink a lot and eat little . And it is better not to eat at all for several days, but only to drink. To prevent the excretion of salts and trace elements with diarrhea, it is necessary to drink Regidron. It compensates for the lack of potassium, salts, magnesium and other trace elements.

[warning] Important! If you don’t feel better within two days, you should see a doctor![/warning]

Acute Intestinal Infection

The symptoms of an intestinal infection are identical to those of food poisoning. The hallmark is an elevated body temperature. The cause of this disease is toxobacteria and toxoinfections that enter the body through the use of spoiled and poor-quality products, as well as non-compliance with the rules and norms of hygiene.

There are over 500 types of bacteria that, once in the body, continue to live and multiply, secrete waste products that cause intoxication, and as a result, diarrhea with nausea and vomiting. These include streptococci, staphylococci, salmonella, E. coli and many others.

Gastric lavage will be the very first aid . You can do it yourself. Drink several glasses of warm boiled water and put two fingers in your mouth. The result will not keep you waiting.

It is important to remove toxins from the body. For this, it is recommended to take sorbents (smecta, enterosgel, polysorb and others).

Also must be replenished with lost fluids and salts with minerals . This requires abundant drinking and the use of rehydration solutions (Rehydron, Oralit and others). When taking it is important to follow the instructions on the package of the drug.

Also, with intestinal infection , the use of Enterofuril is indicated. It not only eliminates the toxobacteria themselves, but also helps in restoring the intestinal microflora. But, despite this, it is still necessary to take bifido and lacto bacteria. So your body will cope with the disease much faster and recover.

Very often doctors prescribe antibiotics for intestinal infections . With a weak and moderate form of intoxication, it is quite possible to do without them, since in addition to all the problems, they cause dysbacteriosis. With a strong form of intestinal infection, antibiotics are required.

Overeating and malnutrition

Eating fried, fatty, spicy, salty, spicy foods and alcohol provokes improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in diarrhea and nausea. Diseases such as pancreatitis, dyspepsia, ulcers, gastritis, cholecystitis and many others develop.

It is very important to treat these diseases, as they will interfere more and more with your normal life throughout your life. For treatment, a diet is prescribed that excludes fried, salty, spices, pastries, and alcohol. The emphasis in the diet is on liquid, slimy food.

Also, the use of herbs is prescribed, which contribute to the speedy restoration of the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. These are decoctions of chamomile, elecampane, plantain and many others.

Find out about the best medicines for children for nausea and vomiting.

How to give an enema to a newborn baby? Read in this article.

Other causes

Stress

It’s no secret that many body diseases are provoked, first of all, by an increased level of stress. Therefore, it is extremely important to find peace. To do this, you can drink soothing herbs and preparations (motherwort, valerian, tenoten, glycine and others). If possible, it is advisable to additionally attend yoga. This is a great way to tidy up both the nerves and the body.

Fighting stress is necessary not only to eliminate nausea and diarrhea, but also to improve the body in general.

Allergies and food intolerances

Nausea and diarrhea can be the body’s immune system response to allergens or certain foods. It is important to treat allergies and use anti-allergic drugs. Do not eat foods that cause allergies.

Oncological diseases

Many endocrine diseases cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Treatment is prescribed by an oncologist.

What examination is required?

If nausea or diarrhea lasts less than two days, you do not need to see a doctor. If these symptoms accompany you for more than two days, be sure to consult a doctor. The doctor will not only identify the cause, but also prescribe treatment.

In case of poisoning and intestinal infection, it is necessary to take a swab from the pharynx and a swab from the anus for bacteriological analysis.

In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, obligatory examinations are ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, FGDS or gastroscopy. Additionally, a colonoscopy procedure may be prescribed.

What can be done to alleviate the condition?

To reduce the feeling of nausea you can drink strong warm sweet tea. It is allowed to consume a small amount (maximum half of your fist) of dietary food. Excellent decoctions of mint, lemon balm, chamomile help. It may be necessary to induce vomiting if necessary.

Diarrhea is a little more difficult, because it is not eliminated as quickly as nausea or vomiting. When diarrhea is necessary to drink sorbent. You should not take any anti-stool medication unless you are sure of the cause of the diarrhea. Drugs such as Loperamide eliminate diarrhea well, but they are forbidden to be taken for poisoning and intestinal infections.

Rice water helps a lot. It not only helps to stop diarrhea, but also works as a sorbent, collecting all harmful substances into itself.

What causes nausea and abdominal pain?

How to get rid of nausea and bitterness in the mouth? Find out from this article.

Instructions for the laxative Prelaks for adults and children – http://vashjeludok.com/lekarstva/sirop/prelaks.html

How to prevent repeated seizures?

To prevent the recurrence of diarrhea and nausea, you must follow the minimum set of rules:

  • Keep hands, dishes, food, premises, animals clean. Wash your hands often, wash dishes well, thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, clean indoor areas, wash animals, and wash your hands after interacting with them. Cleanliness is the key to health.
  • Eat only fresh foods you know are of good quality.
  • Watch your health. Take good care of your health. The body will always tell you if something is wrong with it.
  • Eat right. Proper nutrition contributes to the proper and harmonious functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract and preserves it and your health.

Nausea and diarrhea in children

Children are very inquisitive and try to taste everything. This is especially true for small children.

If nausea and diarrhea occur, the child becomes whiny and lethargic. It is necessary to pay special attention to the condition of the child, stool, vomiting and take the temperature. Call a doctor or an ambulance. The doctor will examine the child and prescribe the appropriate treatment and diet.

If these symptoms occur, all dairy and sour-milk products, as well as fruits, should be excluded from the diet.

In our world it is quite difficult to maintain good health and not once experience unpleasant diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. But with careful care of your body, the right choice of products and compliance with the rules of hygiene, your body will delight you with excellent work and good health.

How to get rid of loose stools: simple and effective ways

Contents

  • 1 Loose stools: Causes and effective solutions to the problem
    • 1.1 Loose stools: what is it?
    • 1.2 Causes of loose stools
    • 1.3 Symptoms
    • 1.4 Which doctor should I contact if loose stools appear?
    • 1.5 Vicious cycle of loose stools
    • 1.6 Loose stools in children
    • 1.7 Children’s causes of loose stools
    • 1.8 How can I help?
      • 1.8.1 Causes and symptoms of loose stools
      • 1.8.2 What to do?
      • 1.8.3 When should I see a doctor?
      • 1.8.4 What can the doctor prescribe?
    • 1.9 Diet for loose stools
      • 1.9.1 What to eat for loose stools?
      • 1.9.2 What should not be consumed in loose stools?
    • 1. 10 Treating loose stools
      • 1.10.1 Drink plenty of fluids
      • 1.10.2 Eat easily digestible foods
      • 1.10.3 Avoid certain foods
      • 1.10.4 Take medication
      • 1.10.5 Seek medical attention if symptoms persist
    • 1.11 Medicines for loose stools
        9 0005 1.11.1 Probiotics and prebiotics
      • 1.11 .2 Water-absorbing drugs
      • 1.11.3 Anti-motility drugs
      • 1.11.4 Antibiotics
    • 1.12 Folk remedies for loose stools
      • 1.12.1 Strawberry
      • 1.12.2 Rice water
      • 1.12.3 Ginger tea
    • 1.13 Loose stool prevention
      • 1.13.1 Proper nutrition 9 0006
      • 1.13.2 Drink plenty of fluids
      • 1.13.3 Maintain hygiene
      • 1.13.4 Maintaining a healthy gut
      • 1.13.5 Seeing a doctor
    • 1.14 Related videos:
    • 1.15 Q&A:
        • 9 0005 1.15.0.1 What is loose stool?
        • 1.15.0.2 When should I see a doctor if I have loose stools?
        • 1. 15.0.3 What foods and drinks should be consumed with loose stools?
        • 1.15.0.4 Should I follow a loose stool diet?
        • 1.15.0.5 What medicines can help loose stools?
        • 1.15.0.6 How can I support intestinal health to avoid loose stools?

Loose stools are a delicate problem that can be solved with proper nutrition, drinking enough water and a holistic approach. Find out how to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and restore gut health with our article.

The problem of loose stools can occur in every adult. This delicate issue is not only unpleasant, but can lead to further health complications. Loose stools, or diarrhea, occur when the contents of the intestine pass through too quickly, preventing the body from absorbing water from the stool.

In this article, we will look at several ways to help get rid of loose stools. We will discuss how to eat right and what foods should be excluded from the diet. We will also look at what medications can help with diarrhea and what steps to take to prevent relapses. Our information will help you solve this delicate problem and return to normal life.

Loose stools: what is it?

Loose stools is a change in the consistency of the stool in which the stool becomes more liquid than usual. This condition can be associated with different causes and lead to different consequences, so it is important to understand its symptoms and causes.

If loose stools occur once and are associated with a specific cause, then for its treatment it may be sufficient to correct nutrition and recommendations to eliminate adverse factors. However, if stool fluid does not pass for a long time, causes pain, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting and fever, then it is necessary to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of loose stools

Loose stools in a person can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Infectious diseases – Certain bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause infection in the intestines, resulting in loose stools.
  • Food poisoning – Contaminated food or drink may cause loose stools and other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
  • Food intolerance – People who are intolerant to lactose, gluten or other foods may have loose stools after eating these foods.
  • Medication-induced diarrhea – Some medications can cause loose stools as a side effect.
  • Stress and anxiety – Emotional stress can cause changes in stool frequency and texture, including loose stools.

It is important to clarify that if loose stools last more than 2-3 days, accompanied by other symptoms, such as yellowness of the skin, blood in the stools or high fever, you should immediately consult a doctor to exclude serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms

Loose stools are one of the main symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. Usually, with this phenomenon, the stool has a fluid consistency and does not have a clear shape. In addition, other symptoms may occur:

  • Abdominal pain;
  • Frequent visits to the toilet;
  • Discomfort in the abdomen.

Also, if infections are the cause of loose stools, you may experience:

  • Vomiting;
  • High body temperature;
  • General weakness of the body.

If loose stools last longer than 3 days, this may be a sign of a serious gastrointestinal disease and requires a mandatory visit to the doctor. In some cases, these symptoms can have severe consequences for health and well-being.

Which doctor should I contact if I have loose stools?

If you are experiencing problems with loose stools, then consulting a doctor is the best solution. Depending on the symptoms and possible cause, you may need to see different specialists.

  • Therapist. If loose stools are not accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, fever, or abdominal pain, the first person to contact is a general practitioner. He will conduct the necessary examinations, identify the possible cause and prescribe the necessary treatment.
  • Gastroenterologist. If loose stools are accompanied by pain in the abdomen, then it is worth contacting a gastroenterologist. He will conduct an additional examination and identify possible diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Infectionist. If loose stools are accompanied by fever and vomiting, then it is worth contacting an infectious disease specialist. He will identify a possible infectious disease and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Seek medical attention, especially if loose stools are accompanied by other symptoms. Seeing a doctor early will help identify a possible cause and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Vicious cycle of loose stools

When you suffer from loose stools, serious disturbances occur in your body that can lead to a vicious cycle of disease. Loose stools can lead to dehydration, which in turn exacerbates the problem itself. If loose stools are not stopped in time, they can lead to further dehydration and make it difficult to restore health.

It is important to understand that loose stools must be treated immediately or they may become chronic. In this case, the vicious circle of the disease will intensify even more, and it will be much more difficult to stop it. Therefore, medical care should not be postponed until later, but it is better to contact a specialist as soon as possible.

  • Check your diet and reduce your intake of fatty and fried foods;
  • Take medication only as directed by your doctor;
  • Don’t put off seeing a doctor if loose stools get worse.

Loose stools in children

Loose stools in children is a common problem faced by many parents. Children are constantly in contact with many microbes and sometimes their gastrointestinal tract cannot cope with the infection that causes diarrhea. In such cases, it is necessary to take measures so that the child recovers quickly.

The main causes of loose stools in children:

  • Infectious diseases transmitted through food or water;
  • Food allergy;
  • Too fast feeding without sufficient chewing;
  • Taking antibiotics that destroy good bacteria in the gut.

What should I do if my child has loose stools?

  1. Keep your child hydrated to avoid dehydration;
  2. Maintain a healthy diet and avoid foods that cause diarrhea;
  3. Take probiotics to help restore the balance of microflora in the intestines;
  4. Stop giving the child antibiotics (if they cause diarrhea) or change them to other medicines;
  5. Monitor symptoms and if loose stools last more than 2-3 days or vomiting and fever occur, seek medical attention.

Conclusion:

Loose stools in children is a sensitive issue, but it needs to be addressed quickly and effectively. By following these recommendations, you can help your child recover quickly and avoid possible complications.

Children’s causes of loose stools

Viral infections is one of the most common causes of loose stools in children. Viruses can be introduced from the outside, for example, through food, water, household items, etc. A viral infection can cause several days of loose stools and nausea.

Bacterial infections is another cause of loose stools. Sometimes, bacteria can enter the body through food and cause poisoning. Symptoms can range from simple diarrhea to more severe ones such as dizziness and general weakness.

Intolerance to is another reason. Children may not be intolerant of certain foods, such as lactose or gluten, and this may cause loose stools.

Stress and anxiety can also cause loose stools in children. What may seem unimportant at first glance can be stressful for the baby and lead to loose stools.

Medication side effects is another cause of loose stools. Any medication you take can cause loose stools as a side effect. If loose stools appear while taking the medicine, contact your doctor.

  • Viral infections occur due to viral agents that enter the body through uncleaned food, water, household items, etc.
  • Bacterial infections can occur due to the consumption of foods that contain bacteria that cause poisoning.
  • Food intolerances can cause loose stools in children, foods such as lactose and gluten can be problematic.
  • Stress and anxiety can lead to liquid diarrhea in children.
  • Side effects of medication can cause loose stools.

How can I help?

Causes and symptoms of loose stools

Loose stools can be caused by various causes: digestive disorders, infectious diseases, stress, or certain medications. It is characterized by profusion, increased frequency, unformed stools, the possible appearance of intestinal colic or pain, nausea and vomiting.

What to do?

If you have loose stools, the first thing to do is to compensate for the water and electrolyte balance of the body. To do this, you need to consume a large amount of liquid: water, herbal teas, rice water. It is also worth eating a balanced diet, giving up fatty, fried and spicy foods, as well as alcohol and strong tea and coffee. Maintain good hygiene, wash your hands periodically with soap and use disinfectants.

When should I see a doctor?

If loose stools do not stop for more than 3 days and are accompanied by other symptoms – fever, severe abdominal pain, blood or mucus in the stool, thirst, nausea, vomiting, you should consult a doctor. You should also seek medical help if you have difficulty managing loose stools on your own, if you have chronic gastrointestinal disease, or if you are pregnant or pregnant.

What can the doctor prescribe?

Depending on the cause of loose stools, your doctor may prescribe antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal medicines, and pro- and prebiotics. Rehydrating solutions may also be prescribed to restore the body’s water-salt balance.

A few tips for all occasions:

1. Eliminate dairy products from the diet, limit the intake of fruits and vegetables high in fiber.
2. Restore your fluids and electrolytes by drinking regular fluids, plain water, or rehydrating drinks.
3. Do not overuse drugs, especially antibiotics, and do not self-medicate.

Be attentive to your health, watch your diet, hygiene, and if necessary, do not delay going to the doctor.

Loose stool diet

What to eat with loose stools?

For loose stools, easily digestible foods should be prioritized, as they provide the necessary amount of nutrients for the body, which is under stress.

First of all, you should pay attention to foods rich in fiber. They contribute to the normalization of the intestines and stimulate peristalsis. These foods include fresh vegetables and fruits, such as apples, bananas, pears, carrots, and cabbage.

It is also important to eat foods that have indigestible carbohydrates containing prebiotics. It can be found in dairy products such as yogurt and kefir. They help to restore the normal microflora of the body and facilitate the absorption of food.

What should not be consumed with loose stools?

For loose stools, avoid foods that are difficult to digest or irritate the intestines. It can be fatty and spicy foods, coffee and freshly squeezed juices.

Also, it is not recommended to eat foods rich in sugars, as they can worsen the condition of the intestines. These foods include sweets, candy, and sodas.

In addition, you should not consume alcohol and smoking products, as they can adversely affect bowel function.

Treating loose stools

Drink plenty of fluids

When loose stools, it is important to drink more fluids to avoid dehydration. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of fluid per day, including water, soups, fresh juices, non-carbonated drinks, etc.

Eat easily digestible foods

Easily digestible foods such as applesauce, bananas, honey or marmalade toast, and chicken broth can help reduce loose stools and reduce more severe symptoms.

Avoid certain foods

  • Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and ice cream, can make loose stools worse
  • Alcohol can cause dehydration and make loose stools worse
  • Foods high in fat can make loose stool symptoms worse and cause additional digestive problems

Take your medicine

If the problem persists, your doctor may prescribe medicines such as probiotics, antibiotics, or drugs to stop diarrhea. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking medication.

Seek medical attention if symptoms persist

If loose stools do not improve or symptoms worsen, seek medical attention. Some serious causes of loose stools can include infections, allergies, and chronic conditions such as ulcers or colitis.

Liquid stool medicines

Probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial to the intestinal microflora. They contribute to the restoration of healthy microflora and improve digestion. Prebiotics are substances that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Usually, probiotics and prebiotics are used together to treat loose stools.

Examples of probiotics and prebiotics: Lactobacterin, Bifidumbacterin, Yoghurts, Kefir.

Water absorbers

Water absorbers can help reduce loose stools. They contain substances that bind with water to form gels. These gels then volumize and firm the stool.

Examples of water-absorbing agents: Polysorb, Smecta, Foliform.

Anti-motility drugs

Anti-motility drugs affect intestinal motility by slowing down or reducing its contractions. This helps to reduce the frequency and volume of loose stools.

Examples of drugs that reduce intestinal motility: Imodium, Loperamide, Photospan.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat loose stools caused by a bacterial infection. They kill bacteria that can cause diarrhea.

Examples of antibiotics: Ceftriaxone, Metronidazole, Azithromycin.

Folk remedies for loose stools

Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the most effective folk remedies that can help with loose stools. Strawberries can be consumed both fresh and in the form of jams, preserves or compotes. Strawberries contain substances that improve the digestive system and help normalize stools.

Rice water

If you have loose stools, try making rice water. To do this, pour 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water and cook until tender. After that, discard the water and save only the liquid. Rice water has the most pronounced fixative effect and can help in case of diarrhea.

Ginger tea

Ginger contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances that promote intestinal healing. Ginger tea can help with loose stools due to its anti-inflammatory properties. To do this, cut a small piece of ginger, pour boiling water and leave for 5-10 minutes. You can add lemon and honey to improve the taste.

  • Caution! Folk remedies do not always help. Some causes of loose stools can be serious and require medical attention.
  • Find out more. If loose stools persist for more than 2 days, accompanied by vomiting, fever, abdominal pain or bloody discharge, seek medical attention. Examination may be required for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Loose stool prevention

Proper nutrition

One of the main causes of loose stools is an unhealthy diet. To avoid this problem, you need to eat foods rich in fiber. The diet should include fruits, vegetables, grains, and low-fat dairy products. You should also avoid fatty, spicy, sweet and salty foods, easily digestible carbohydrates and alcohol.

Drink plenty of fluids

To prevent loose stools, you should also drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. It is recommended to drink clean water, natural juices, green tea and herbal decoctions. However, carbonated and sugary drinks should be avoided.

Hygiene

Hygiene is essential to prevent loose stools. It is recommended to wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet. It is also important to monitor the condition of dishes and kitchen utensils. When traveling by public transport, personal protective equipment should be used.

Gut Health

Gut health is essential to prevent loose stools. This can be done by monitoring your weight, exercising, taking probiotics, nutritional supplements rich in isoflavones.

Observation by a doctor

Finally, in order to prevent loose stools, it is necessary to periodically see a doctor. The doctor can talk about what to do in order to avoid this problem, prescribe the necessary medications and conduct additional research.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is loose stool?

Loose stool is a sudden change in the consistency of feces towards a rare, watery state. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as infections, allergies, dietary changes, and more.

When should I see a doctor if I have loose stools?

If loose stools persist for more than 2-3 days, accompanied by abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, you should consult a doctor. It is also worth being attentive to children, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system, their loose stools can lead to serious complications.

What foods and drinks should be consumed with loose stools?

If you have loose stools, you need to reduce your intake of fatty, indigestible and spicy foods, as well as excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol, so as not to worsen the situation.