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Things to help diarrhea. 5 Effective Diarrhea Remedies: Quick Relief for Digestive Distress

by alexxlab

What are the most effective remedies for diarrhea. How can you manage symptoms and prevent dehydration. Which over-the-counter treatments provide relief. Why are probiotics beneficial for digestive health. When should you seek medical attention for diarrhea.

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Understanding Diarrhea: Causes and Symptoms

Diarrhea is a common digestive issue characterized by frequent, watery stools, often accompanied by abdominal cramping and bloating. It’s the body’s natural response to disruptions in the gastrointestinal system. Acute diarrhea, lasting less than two weeks, can stem from various sources:

  • Viral or bacterial infections
  • Food poisoning
  • Recent antibiotic use
  • Consumption of contaminated water

Infectious diarrhea is particularly prevalent in young children, often caused by viruses. Traveler’s diarrhea can occur when visiting areas with compromised water quality, while improperly stored or cooked food typically leads to food poisoning.

The Importance of Hydration in Managing Diarrhea

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial when dealing with diarrhea, as dehydration can be particularly dangerous for young children and older adults. For infants experiencing diarrhea, it’s essential to continue breastfeeding or formula feeding. Pediatric oral hydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, are recommended for children and should be administered frequently in small amounts.

Adults with mild diarrhea symptoms can benefit equally from sports drinks and over-the-counter rehydration solutions. However, it’s important to avoid certain beverages that may exacerbate symptoms:

  • Alcohol
  • Milk
  • Soda and other carbonated drinks
  • Caffeinated beverages

Can popsicles help with hydration during diarrhea?

Yes, popsicles made from oral hydration solutions can be an effective and appealing way to maintain hydration, especially for children. These frozen treats provide the necessary electrolytes while offering a soothing, cold sensation that can be comforting during bouts of diarrhea.

The Power of Probiotics in Digestive Health

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that contribute to a healthy gut environment. They play a vital role in protecting the intestines against infection and maintaining normal gastrointestinal function. When the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted by antibiotics or overwhelmed by harmful microorganisms, diarrhea can occur. Probiotics help restore this balance, potentially alleviating diarrhea symptoms.

Natural sources of probiotics include:

  • Aged soft cheeses
  • Yogurt
  • Kefir
  • Kimchi
  • Sauerkraut
  • Kombucha
  • Tempeh
  • Miso
  • Natto
  • Pickles
  • Sourdough bread

How does Saccharomyces boulardii help with diarrhea?

Saccharomyces boulardii is a unique yeast probiotic that acts similarly to beneficial bacteria. It has shown promise in improving antibiotic-associated diarrhea and providing relief for traveler’s diarrhea. This probiotic may help the intestines fight off unwanted pathogens and enhance nutrient absorption. However, due to its yeast nature, it should be used cautiously in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Diarrhea Relief

Several over-the-counter medications can help manage acute diarrhea symptoms when they’re not severe. Common options include:

  • Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate)
  • Loperamide (Imodium)

While these medications can provide symptom relief, it’s important to note that they don’t address the underlying cause of diarrhea. For chronic diarrhea (lasting more than 14 days), consult a healthcare provider before using these drugs, as chronic cases often have different causes and may require specialized treatment.

Are over-the-counter diarrhea medications safe for children?

Over-the-counter medications are generally not recommended for treating diarrhea in children without a doctor’s guidance. Dehydration can occur rapidly in young children with diarrhea and can be life-threatening if severe. It’s crucial to consult a pediatrician for proper treatment, especially for infants under 3 months old who experience diarrhea.

Dietary Considerations for Managing Diarrhea

Adjusting your diet can play a significant role in managing diarrhea symptoms and promoting recovery. The BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, has long been recommended for its easily digestible, low-fiber foods that can help firm up stools.

Other foods that may be beneficial during a bout of diarrhea include:

  • Boiled potatoes
  • Lean meats like chicken or turkey (baked or grilled, not fried)
  • Cooked carrots
  • Cooked eggs
  • Clear broths

It’s equally important to know which foods to avoid when experiencing diarrhea:

  • Fatty or greasy foods
  • Spicy foods
  • Dairy products (except for yogurt with live cultures)
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Artificial sweeteners

How does the BRAT diet help with diarrhea?

The BRAT diet helps with diarrhea in several ways. Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps replace electrolytes lost through diarrhea. Rice and toast provide easily digestible carbohydrates that can help firm up stools. Applesauce offers pectin, a soluble fiber that can help reduce diarrhea. This diet is low in fiber and bland, which allows the digestive system to rest and recover.

Natural Remedies and Home Treatments for Diarrhea

In addition to over-the-counter medications and dietary changes, several natural remedies and home treatments may help alleviate diarrhea symptoms:

  1. Chamomile tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile can help soothe the digestive tract.
  2. Peppermint: This herb may help reduce abdominal pain and bloating associated with diarrhea.
  3. Ginger: Known for its digestive benefits, ginger can help reduce nausea and inflammation.
  4. Coconut water: Rich in electrolytes, it can help prevent dehydration.
  5. Apple cider vinegar: Some people find that it helps balance gut bacteria and reduce diarrhea.

Can turmeric help with diarrhea symptoms?

Yes, turmeric may help alleviate diarrhea symptoms. Its active compound, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can soothe the digestive system and combat harmful bacteria. However, it’s important to use turmeric in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While most cases of acute diarrhea resolve on their own with home care, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

  • Bloody stools
  • Severe abdominal or rectal pain
  • Signs of dehydration (excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness)
  • Fever of 102째F (39째C) or higher
  • Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days

For infants and young children, it’s crucial to be even more vigilant. Seek immediate medical care if your child:

  • Has a fever of 102째F (39째C) or higher
  • Has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours
  • Shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, no wet diapers for 3 hours or more)
  • Has bloody or black stools

How can you differentiate between acute and chronic diarrhea?

Acute diarrhea typically lasts less than 2 weeks and often resolves on its own or with simple treatments. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, persists for more than 4 weeks and may be a sign of an underlying condition such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. If you experience diarrhea that lasts longer than 2 weeks, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Preventing Diarrhea: Hygiene and Food Safety Practices

While it’s not always possible to prevent diarrhea, especially when caused by viruses or bacteria, certain practices can reduce your risk:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
  2. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
  3. Avoid consuming untreated water, especially when traveling to areas with poor sanitation.
  4. Ensure food is cooked thoroughly and stored at proper temperatures.
  5. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
  6. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and raw or undercooked meats and seafood.

How effective are probiotics in preventing traveler’s diarrhea?

Probiotics can be effective in preventing traveler’s diarrhea, with studies showing a reduction in risk by up to 15%. Certain strains, such as Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus GG, have demonstrated particular efficacy. However, it’s important to start taking probiotics a few days before travel and continue throughout the trip for maximum benefit. While probiotics can help, they should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures like proper hand hygiene and careful food and water choices.

Managing diarrhea effectively involves a combination of proper hydration, dietary adjustments, and appropriate use of over-the-counter medications or natural remedies. By understanding the causes and implementing these strategies, most cases of acute diarrhea can be managed successfully at home. However, it’s crucial to recognize when symptoms warrant medical attention, especially in vulnerable populations like young children and older adults. With the right approach, you can minimize the discomfort and duration of diarrhea episodes while supporting your body’s natural healing processes.

5 Effective Diarrhea Remedies

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A bout of diarrhea is never fun. Plenty of options, from anti-diarrheal medication to dietary changes that soothe your digestive system, can help you find relief.

Overview

We’ve all experienced bouts of diarrhea at some point in our lives. Common symptoms of diarrhea include frequent, watery stools, abdominal cramping, and bloating.

Diarrhea is often your body’s way of dealing with disruptions in your gastrointestinal system. Acute diarrhea lasts less than 2 weeks and can come from many sources, such as:

  • a viral infection
  • a bacterial infection
  • food poisoning
  • recent antibiotic use
  • water contaminated with an infectious agent

Infectious diarrhea is common in young children and is often caused by a virus. Traveler’s diarrhea can occur if you travel to underdeveloped areas with contaminated water. Bacteria from improperly stored or cooked food are typical causes of food poisoning.

Read on for some of the most effective ways to manage acute diarrhea.

Hydration is very important when you have diarrhea. Dehydration from diarrhea can be fatal in young children and older adults. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding infants who are experiencing diarrhea. Over-the-counter oral pediatric hydration solutions, like Pedialyte, are the recommended fluids of choice for children with diarrhea. Small amounts of hydration solutions should be given frequently. These formulas also come in popsicle preparations.

Studies have shown that for adults with mild symptoms of diarrhea, sports drinks and over-the-counter rehydration solutions are equally effective.

Alcohol, milk, soda, and other carbonated or caffeinated drinks should not be used for hydration, as they may make your symptoms worse.

Probiotics are sources of “good” bacteria that work in your intestinal tract to create a healthy gut environment. They’re essentially live microorganisms that exist in certain foods, including:

  • aged soft cheeses
  • beet kvass
  • cottage cheese
  • dark chocolate
  • green olives
  • kefir
  • kimchi
  • kombucha
  • sauerkraut
  • miso
  • natto
  • pickles
  • sourdough bread
  • tempeh
  • yogurt

Probiotics also come in powder or pill form.

The good bacteria that live in your intestinal tract are necessary for the normal functioning of your gastrointestinal system. They play an important role in protecting your intestines against infection. When your system is changed by antibiotics or overwhelmed by unhealthy bacteria or viruses, you can get diarrhea. Probiotics can help with diarrhea by restoring the balance of bacteria in your gut.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast probiotic. While it’s not a bacterium, it acts like one. S. boulardii may improve antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It also seems to provide relief for traveler’s diarrhea. Studies suggest it may help your intestines fight off unwanted pathogens and ensure they’re absorbing nutrients properly. Because it is yeast, it should be used with caution in people with inadequate immune systems.

It’s important to receive proper medical care in cases of acute diarrhea. Talk with your health care provider before taking probiotic supplements to treat your diarrhea.

With your doctor’s supervision, several over-the-counter medications can help with acute diarrhea if your symptoms are not severe. Common over-the-counter medications include:

  • bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate)
  • loperamide (Imodium)

While these drugs can relieve the symptoms of diarrhea, they don’t treat the underlying cause.

If you have chronic diarrhea, you shouldn’t use these drugs without your doctor’s consent. Chronic diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts more than 14 days. It often has different causes.

You should be especially cautious if your child has diarrhea. Dehydration resulting from diarrhea can be dangerous and can occur quickly in young children. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Over-the-counter medications are not recommended for treatment in children, so it’s important to talk to your doctor. Infants under 3 months old who have diarrhea should be taken to the doctor right away.

If you have bloody diarrhea, a fever, more than seven days of symptoms, intense abdominal pain, or diarrhea that is getting worse, you should seek medical attention.

While it might sound counterintuitive to eat if you have diarrhea, eating certain foods can help alleviate your diarrhea symptoms and ensure your health doesn’t worsen from not eating. Stick to low-fiber “BRAT” foods that will help firm up your stool. These include:

  • bananas
  • rice (white)
  • applesauce
  • toast

Other foods that are usually well-tolerated when experiencing diarrhea include:

  • oatmeal
  • boiled or baked potatoes (with skins peeled)
  • baked chicken with skin removed
  • chicken soup (which also aids in rehydration)

Fried and greasy foods are usually not well-tolerated in people who have diarrhea. You should also consider limiting high-fiber foods like bran as well as fruits and vegetables that can increase bloating. Foods to avoid include:

  • alcohol
  • artificial sweeteners (found in chewing gum, diet soft drinks and sugar substitutes)
  • beans
  • berries
  • broccoli
  • cabbage
  • cauliflower
  • chickpeas
  • coffee
  • corn
  • ice cream
  • green leafy vegetables
  • milk
  • peas
  • peppers
  • prunes
  • tea

Plus Causes and Prevention Tips

Treatment to get rid of diarrhea fast can depend on the cause but typically involves taking anti-diarrheal medications or antibiotics. Certain food and drinks may also help you manage your symptoms.

Diarrhea, or watery stools, can be embarrassing and strike at the worst times, such as during a vacation or special event.

But while diarrhea often improves on its own within two to three days, a few remedies can help promote firmer stools faster.

Keep reading to learn about five fast-acting methods, along with what typically causes diarrhea and prevention tips.

Some people see diarrhea as nothing more than a mild nuisance and let it run its course, especially since some bouts lasts less than 24 hours.

You might stay close to home or a bathroom, and load up on fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

But what if you can’t stay home?

In this case, taking an anti-diarrheal medication may reduce or completely eliminate loose stools after the first dose. Look for over-the-counter products like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, which have the ingredients loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, respectively.

The active ingredient in Imodium works swiftly because it slows the movement of fluid through the intestines. This can quickly restore normal bowel function. Pepto-Bismol, on the other hand, helps kill diarrhea-causing bacteria in your intestines.

Rice water is another fast, effective remedy for diarrhea. Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes, or until the water becomes cloudy.

Strain the rice and preserve the water for consumption. Rice water not only provides your body with fluid to prevent dehydration, it can also reduce the duration of diarrhea. Rice water has a binding effect in the digestive tract, resulting in firmer, bulkier stools.

Taking a probiotic supplement or eating probiotic foods like some brands of yogurt may also stop diarrhea.

Sometimes, diarrhea results from an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics help restore balance by providing a higher level of good bacteria. This can promote normal bowel function and shorten the duration of diarrhea.

Diarrhea from bacteria or a parasite may need an antibiotic. In this case, diarrhea can occur after coming in contact with contaminated food or water, often while traveling.

Keep in mind that antibiotics are ineffective when viral infections cause diarrhea. This type of diarrhea must run its course.

A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea.

BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they’re starchy, low-fiber foods.

These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier. And since they’re bland, they’re less likely to irritate your stomach or worsen diarrhea.

Along with these items, you could also eat (similarly bland) saltine crackers, clear broth, and potatoes.

Understanding the cause of diarrhea can help you avoid future bouts. Common causes include:

Stomach virus

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is one cause of diarrhea. Along with watery stools, you may have:

  • stomach pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • low-grade fever

These viruses include norovirus and rotavirus, which can develop after eating or drinking contaminated food, or sharing personal items with an infected person.

Medication

Sensitivity to certain medications can also trigger bouts of diarrhea. This may happen after taking antibiotics, pain relievers, or cancer-fighting drugs.

Foodborne illness

Also called food poisoning, diarrhea can develop if you eat food contaminated by bacteria, parasites, or toxins. Food-borne illnesses can include those caused by the following bacteria:

  • Salmonella
  • E. coli
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Clostridium botulinum (botulism)

Food allergy or sensitivity

If you’re lactose intolerant, diarrhea may develop after eating dairy products. These include milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.

Having a food allergy or sensitivity may also trigger diarrhea. For example, you may have diarrhea after eating foods containing gluten — wheat, pasta, or rye.

Artificial sweeteners

This is a lesser known cause of diarrhea. But if you’re sensitive to artificial sweeteners, you may have a bout of diarrhea after eating foods or drinks containing these sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are found in diet drinks, sugar-free products, chewing gum, and even some candy.

Digestive problems

Diarrhea is sometimes a symptom of digestive disorders. You might have frequent bouts of loose stools if you’re diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Also, irritable bowel syndrome can cause alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.

Diarrhea caused by a virus or bacterial infection is contagious. You can protect yourself by:

  • washing your hands frequently
  • avoiding sick people
  • disinfecting commonly touched surfaces
  • not sharing personal items

If you have diarrhea after starting a new medication, ask your doctor about an alternative drug or possibly lowering your dosage.

You can also protect yourself by thoroughly cooking food and washing fruits and vegetables before preparing. Also, make sure you know the proper way to wash your hands.

Use warm, soapy water and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If water isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

To identify possible food allergies or sensitivities, keep a food journal and write down everything you eat for a few weeks. Make a note of days that you have diarrhea.

Keeping a food journal can help determine whether you have a lactose intolerance or a gluten sensitivity. You can then try an elimination diet. Remove suspected problem foods from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.

For a digestive disorder, talk to your doctor if you feel that your current therapy isn’t working. You may need to adjust your medication.

See a doctor for diarrhea that lasts longer than three days, or if you show signs of dehydration. This can include extreme thirst, decreased urination, and dizziness.

You should also see a doctor if you have:

  • a fever above 102°F (38.9°C)
  • bloody or black stools
  • abdominal pain

Diarrhea can come and go within 24 hours. Or it can last for days and disrupt your plans. But between medication, low-fiber foods, and avoiding foods that irritate your digestive system — such as dairy or artificial sweeteners — you can quickly relieve symptoms and enjoy diarrhea-free days.

What to do with diarrhea – Lifehacker

Likbez

Health

July 18, 2019

Sometimes even healthy habits, such as running, cause it.

Diarrhea is normal. Sooner or later, absolutely everyone faces it, and in most cases, diarrhea safely passes by itself – within a day or two. But sometimes diarrhea can become a serious problem.

When to see a doctor urgently

Most of the time, you don’t have to worry about diarrhea. But see your doctor as soon as possible or, depending on the severity of your symptoms, call 911 if:

  • You have not only loose stools, but also blood in them. Or it is black – this is a sign of clotted blood.
  • You have a high temperature (above 38.3°C) along with diarrhea.
  • You have severe nausea or vomiting that prevents you from drinking to replace lost fluids.
  • You feel severe pain in your abdomen or anus.
  • Diarrhea appeared after you returned from abroad.
  • Your urine is very dark in color.
  • Your heart rate has increased.
  • Diarrhea is accompanied by severe headache, irritability, clouding of consciousness.

These symptoms indicate either an acute inflammatory process associated with an infection or severe dehydration. Both situations are equally dangerous – even fatal. Therefore, do not rely on home remedies and do not delay in contacting a doctor.

If there are no ominous signs, diarrhea can be managed with simple methods.

Where does diarrhea come from

Diarrhea is called the disease of unwashed hands, and it’s true: most often diarrhea catches up with those who are not too concerned about hygiene. But it happens otherwise. Here are the most common causes of diarrhea.

1. Viral infections

They didn’t wash their hands, they swallowed water from a river or a warm sea, they bit an unwashed apple. And got, for example, a rotavirus infection. Or maybe viral hepatitis. From the same sources – the Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus and other gastrointestinal filth, accompanied by liquefaction of the stool.

2. Bacteria and parasites

They come from about the same place as viral infections – from the careless habit of dragging something poorly washed or filtered into the mouth. Diarrhea caused by bacteria and parasites often overtakes people in unfamiliar countries, which is why it has the “romantic” name of traveler’s diarrhea.

3. Taking certain medications

Diarrhea is often caused by:

  • antibiotics;
  • antacid preparations, especially those containing magnesium;
  • certain drugs for the treatment of cancer.

4. Artificial sweeteners

Sorbitol, mannitol, aspartame – the human digestive system is not always ready to deal with these sweet synthetic substances. They are poorly digested, sometimes causing bloating and diarrhea.

5. Fructose or lactose intolerance

Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products. Fructose is the same, but comes from fruits or honey. Despite the natural origin of these simple carbohydrates, the body of some people does not know how to process them. Hence the digestive problems, including diarrhea.

By the way, the number of enzymes that help digest lactose decreases with age. Therefore, intolerance to milk sugars is often manifested in older people.

6. Digestive disorders

Here is a list of diseases that can provoke diarrhea from time to time (not necessarily on a permanent basis):

  • ulcerative and microscopic colitis;
  • celiac disease;
  • irritable bowel syndrome;
  • Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

7. Alcohol abuse

A large amount of alcohol can damage the intestinal mucosa and disturb the composition of its microflora.

8. Some hormonal disorders

Diarrhea is a common symptom of diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland).

9. Running

For some people, this hobby also provokes diarrhea. It’s called runner’s diarrhea.

What to do if you have diarrhea

In most cases, diarrhea does not need to be treated because it resolves quickly on its own. To speed up this process:

  • Drink more liquids: water, broth, fruit drinks, compotes, juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Eat low fiber foods such as boiled eggs, boiled rice or chicken, white bread toast or crackers.
  • Avoid high-fat, high-fiber foods (raw fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread), and spices and condiments for a while.
  • Consider taking probiotics, substances that help restore normal intestinal microflora. It is best to choose the necessary drug with a therapist.

What to do if diarrhea persists

Diarrhea that lasts longer than two days is a direct indication for consultation with a physician. Probably, diarrhea is caused by some internal serious failure in the body.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and take a look at your medical history. You may need to take blood, urine, and stool tests. Depending on the results of the examination and tests, the doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

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  • Diarrhea: why it occurs and what to do?

Diarrhea is one of the main reasons adults visit a doctor. Diarrhea refers to all cases of rapid (more than 3 times a day) defecation with the release of liquid unformed feces. If the symptoms last no more than 14 days, such diarrhea is considered acute, and malaise for more than 4 weeks is equated to chronic diarrhea. About 800,000 cases of acute diarrhea in intestinal infections are registered annually in Russia, and chronic diarrhea occurs on average in 7-14% of the adult population.

Different types of diarrhea and how they differ

Doctors distinguish 4 types of diarrhea, and they differ not only in the mechanism of development, but also in the appearance of feces:

  1. Secretory. Occurs with excessive ingress of water and salts into the intestinal lumen under the influence of bacterial toxins, violations of the hormonal regulation of digestion, excessive intake of laxatives. Manifested by abundant watery stools without or with a small amount of impurities.
  2. Osmotic. It is observed with slow absorption of water, electrolytes and carbohydrates from the intestine due to insufficiency of digestive enzymes, deficiency of bile acids, anatomical and functional defects of the gastrointestinal tract. Manifested by abundant loose stools with a fetid odor, often accompanied by steatorrhea – “fatty” feces.
  3. Exudative. It develops when the intestinal wall is damaged by an inflammatory process in certain intestinal infections (dysentery, salmonellosis), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. In this case, the stool will be liquid or mushy, scanty, with an abundance of mucus and blood impurities.
  4. Motor. It occurs due to accelerated peristalsis in violation of nervous regulation (irritable bowel syndrome), excessive secretion of hormones, taking certain medications. During defecation, a moderate amount of liquid feces without pathological impurities is released.

What other symptoms might there be?

Violation of the intestines and / or direct damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive tract is accompanied by unpleasant manifestations:

● Abdominal pain and cramps

● rumbling in the intestines

● Bloating

● belching with an unpleasant odor

● Nausea and vomiting

● Painful urge to defecate

● increase in body temperature

In acute diarrhea, such symptoms occur suddenly within a few hours (up to a day), sharply disrupt the patient’s habitual life and performance. With proper treatment, the state of health is normalized within 7-10 days.

Chronic diarrhea is characterized by undulating symptoms. Exacerbation occurs with overeating, abuse of fatty and fried foods, alcohol intake, stressful situations.

First aid measures for diarrhea

If you have diarrhea and other signs of gastrointestinal upset, do not delay contacting your doctor. The specialist will quickly make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. However, before the doctor arrives, you can alleviate your condition:

● drink more fluids (water, dried fruit compotes, strong tea) to prevent dehydration

● refuse heavy fatty foods, starchy foods, sweets, spices and spices, fresh vegetables and fruits

● Eat more starchy soft foods – cereals, stewed vegetables, mashed potatoes, unsweetened pastries made from premium flour

● drink enterosorbents (Sorbex, Enterosgel, Polisorb, Laktofiltrum)

When to call an ambulance

Diarrhea can be severe or be the first sign of a serious gastroenterological or surgical pathology. To avoid complications, the patient is advised to seek emergency care.

Signs of deterioration:

● repeated vomiting without relief

● frequent and copious stools accompanied by dehydration

● Temperature increase over 39°C and no effect from standard antipyretic tablets

● The appearance of blood or pus in the stool

● disturbance of consciousness

Not allowed before consulting a doctor:

● Take antidiarrheal medicines

● Take painkillers and antispasmodics

● start taking antibiotics, intestinal antiseptics, antiviral and anthelmintic drugs

● Use folk recipes to help with diarrhea

Consultation at ID-Clinic

If you have symptoms of diarrhea, you can always contact the competent infectious disease specialists and therapists ID-Clinic. Doctors conduct appointments at the clinic, give online consultations and, if necessary, go to the patient’s home. Choose a convenient format for a doctor’s consultation and leave a request, and our administrator will find a free window at the doctor’s and answer all questions.

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