Diarrhea – Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your medical history, review the medications you take, conduct a physical exam and may order tests to determine what’s causing your diarrhea. Possible tests include:

• Blood test. A complete blood count test can help indicate what’s causing your diarrhea.
• Stool test. Your doctor might recommend a stool test to see if a bacterium or parasite is causing your diarrhea.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Using a thin, lighted tube that’s inserted in your rectum, your doctor can see inside your colon. The device is also equipped with a tool that allows your doctor to take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) from your colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy provides a view of the lower colon, while colonoscopy allows the doctor to see the entire colon.

Treatment

Most cases of diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for diarrhea without success, your doctor might recommend medications or other treatments.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics might help treat diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won’t help.

Treatment to replace fluids

Your doctor likely will advise you to replace the fluids and salts. For most adults, that means drinking water, juice or broth. If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your doctor might recommend getting IV fluids.

Water is a good way to replace fluids, but it doesn’t contain the salts and electrolytes — minerals such as sodium and potassium — that are essential for your body to function. You can help maintain your electrolyte levels by drinking fruit juices for potassium or eating soups for sodium. But certain fruit juices, such as apple juice, might make diarrhea worse.

For children, ask your doctor about using an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, to prevent dehydration or replace lost fluids.

Adjusting medications you’re taking

If your doctor determines that an antibiotic caused your diarrhea, he or she might lower your dose or switch to another medication.

Treating underlying conditions

If your diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor will work to control that condition. You might be referred to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, who can help devise a treatment plan for you.

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Diarrhea usually clears up quickly without treatment. To help you cope with your signs and symptoms until the diarrhea goes away, try to:

• Drink plenty of clear liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.
• Avoid certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days.

• Ask about anti-diarrheal medications. Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, might help reduce the number of watery bowel movements and control severe symptoms.

Certain medical conditions and infections — bacterial and parasitic — can be worsened by these medications because they prevent your body from getting rid of what’s causing the diarrhea. Also, these drugs aren’t always safe for children. Check with your doctor before taking these medications or giving them to a child.

• Consider taking probiotics. These microorganisms may help restore a healthy balance to the intestinal tract by boosting the level of good bacteria, though it’s not clear if they can help shorten a bout of diarrhea. Probiotics are available in capsule or liquid form and are also added to some foods, such as certain brands of yogurt. Further research is needed to better understand which strains of bacteria are most helpful or what doses are needed.

Preparing for your appointment

You might start by seeing your primary care practitioner. If you have persistent diarrhea, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the digestive system (gastroenterologist).

Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there’s anything you need to do in advance, such as fast before certain tests. Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including when they began and any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
• Key personal information, including any major stresses, recent life changes or travel.
• Medications, vitamins or supplements you take, including doses. If you’ve recently taken an antibiotic, note what kind, for how long and when you stopped.
• Questions to ask your doctor.

For diarrhea, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What is likely causing my diarrhea?
• Could my diarrhea be caused by a medication I’m taking?
• What tests do I need?
• Is my diarrhea likely temporary or chronic?
• What is the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you’re suggesting?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them with the diarrhea?
• Are there restrictions I should follow?
• May I take medication such as loperamide to slow the diarrhea down?
• Should I see a specialist?

Don’t hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Does your diarrhea awaken you at night?
• Do you see blood, or are your bowel movements black in color?
• Have you recently been around anyone who has diarrhea?
• Have you recently stayed in a hospital or nursing home?
• Have you take antibiotics recently?

What you can do in the meantime

While you wait for your appointment, you may ease your symptoms if you:

• Drink more fluids. To help avoid dehydration, drink water, juice and broth.
• Avoid foods that can aggravate diarrhea. Avoid fatty, high-fiber or highly seasoned foods.

Resource

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Travelers’ health

Why treat diarrhea? | IMODIUM™

Why treat diarrhea? | IMODIUM™
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Summary

If you suffer from acute diarrhea, it’s best to treat it straight away. By treating diarrhea, your body can start to recover so you can feel better and get on with your day as quickly as possible.

It’s best to treat it early

Our survey of sufferers of frequent acute diarrhea in 14 countries around the world, found that 84% of us feel weak and tired when suffering from acute diarrhea.

This is no surprise when you consider the resulting loss of important fluids and salts from our body.²¹

So why leave it untreated when you can relieve diarrhea along with its uncomfortable symptoms and dehydrating effects?

IMODIUM™ contains an active ingredient called Loperamide, which works in harmony with your body to help restore the digestive system to its natural pace and rhythm, which in turn works to renew the absorption of fluids in your system.

Isn’t it better to let diarrhea run its course?

Many people think diarrhea is a sign that your body is trying to get rid of something, so it’s better to let it ‘flush’ any bacteria or toxins out of the body. But diarrhea is not a defence mechanism. It’s a symptom of disruption to the finely tuned machine that is our digestive system. It’s your immune system that fights infection, so there’s no need to leave diarrhea to run its course. In fact, when left to run its course, diarrhea can cause you to lose essential fluids and salts, leaving you feeling weak and depleted. Early treatment limits this loss so you can start to feel better and your system can recover more quickly.

Will IMODIUM™ block me up?

IMODIUM™ contains no ingredients that might bind content or act as a block. Instead, IMODIUM™ works to restore the regular movement of your intestinal wall and to resume the natural rhythm of your digestive system, helping your bowel movements return to normal more quickly.

Constipation may be experienced after diarrhea has finished as a result of the bowel being emptied or by eating less during the diarrhea episode. Data from clinical studies on Imodium™ shows that only around 3% of people will experience constipation as a result of taking Imodium™ to treat the symptoms of diarrhea.

Will I become reliant on IMODIUM™?

In over 40 years of IMODIUM™ use, there’s no evidence at all to suggest that people who use IMODIUM™ regularly become reliant on it or resistant to its effects over time. In fact, you can use IMODIUM™ to treat all types of infectious and non-infectious diarrhea, no matter how frequently you get them.

Remember, you should see your doctor if:

• Your symptoms last longer than 48 hours
• You develop a fever over 38°C
• You have blood or mucus in your stools

Isn’t it better to treat the root cause of the problem?

It’s true that it’s better to avoid trigger foods or stresses, if these are the factors that bring on diarrhea for you. But often you can’t control the cause of your diarrhea, especially if you have a sensitive system. So the best you can do is treat the effects in order to limit the extra strain on your system caused by loss of fluids and salts. Treatment will stop your diarrhea and help your body to get back to recovery more quickly than if you don’t treat at all.

What about rehydration treatments?

Oral rehydration solutions replace lost fluids and salts and help to prevent dehydration, but they don’t relieve the symptoms of diarrhea. You can use IMODIUM™ (to stop diarrhea) together with an oral rehydration solution (to rehydrate your system).

How can I best treat my diarrhea and help my recovery?

Here’s what to do if you get diarrhea:

• Take IMODIUM™ straight after your first bout – it can relieve diarrhea in just one hour so your body can start to recover sooner
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and/or taking a rehydration treatment
• Avoid fizzy drinks and rich or spicy foods
• As your appetite increases, eat regular meals of simple baked foods

Click here for references.

Why suffer?

It makes sense to stop diarrhea and start feeling better.

IMODIUM™ capsules have been a trusted remedy in helping to restore your body’s natural rhythm for more than 40 years.
Doctor recommended Imodium™ gives fast and effective relief; it can stop diarrhea in just one dose and in just one hour.

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Home remedies for loose motion: 7 most effective home remedies to stop diarrhea instantly

Loose motion is one of the most common ailments and is not usually serious. Also known as diarrhea, loose motion can be described as frequent passage of watery and loose stool. It happens when there is more water content in the stool and it is not absorbed by the large intestine. Loose motion is caused when your gut gets infected by a virus. It is also caused due to allergies to some food items, intestinal disease, alcohol abuse, medications, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, some infection, radiation therapy, laxative abuse, certain type of cancer and improper absorption of nutrients. It flushes out the infection and toxins from the body. It may lead to loss of nutrient and water from your body and leave you exhausted. Usually loose motion lasts for two to three days and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines or using home remedies. Here is a list of some of the most effective home remedies to stop loose motion instantly. While these should do the trick, if the problem persists, you should consult a doctor. (ALSO READ Home remedies for gas: 7 natural remedies to get rid of gas and bloating).Also Read – What is Uric Acid, How to Keep it in Check And Can it be Genetic – All You Need to Know

1. Ginger tea

Ginger tea

Ginger is a miracle spice used for treating many ailments. It has several health benefits and is an effective home remedy for treating loose motion. It aids digestion, decreases food stagnation and strengthens your tummy. Also Read – Mira Rajput’s Fitness Routine Will Make You Jump Out of the Bed and Hit the Gym!

How to make it: Take a one inch long piece of ginger and mince it. Now, boil a cup of water and add the minced ginger to it. Put off the flame and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Drink this ginger tea two to three times a day. Also Read – Effective Tips to Lose Weight Naturally: Dietary Recommendation, Elimination For Weight Loss

2. Ginger and salt

As mentioned above, ginger is an excellent home remedy for loose motion. It has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Drinking ginger juice will not only stop loose motion instantly but will also help reduce the stomach pain. Yes, it will be a bit difficult to drink the hot juice so down it slowly.

How to make it: Take a piece of ginger and crush it using a pestle. Squeeze it to get the juice. Take a teaspoon of this juice and add a pinch of salt into it. Drink it one or two times and your loose motion will stop. (ALSO READ Home remedies for acidity: Try these 11 easy ways for quick relief from acidity).

3. Coriander and lemon water

Lemon and coriander

Lemon contains anti-inflammatory properties and is a good home remedy for stopping loose motion. Coriander leaves or cilantro is good to cure diseases related to indigestion. Linalool and borneol, the essential oils present in coriander leaves, will sooth the stomach and aid proper liver functioning.

How to make it: Take four to five leaves and grind them. Add this coriander paste to a glass of water. Add one or two teaspoons of lemon juice in it and mix it well. Drink this.

4. Mint and lemon water

Lemon and mint will sooth your stomach. Mint has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It also improves the flow of your digestive juices and calms your stomach lining. This drink will ease the pain, cramps and stomach discomfort.

How to make it: Take about 20 mint leaves and crush it using a pestle to extract its juice. Take a glass of water and add in one teaspoon of mint juice and one teaspoon of lemon juice to it. Drink it three to four times a day. (ALSO READ Detox water for summer: 7 infused waters to stay hydrated this summer).

5. Lemon and salt

Lemon and salt

Lemon has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It not only soothes your stomach but also restores the pH balance in the body.

How to make it: Take a glass of water and add in juice of one lemon. Add a pinch of salt and stir it well. Drink this lemon and salt water.

6. Carom seeds with water

Carom seed is an effective home remedy for upset stomach. It aids digestion and gets rid of flatulence and bloating.

How to make it: boil a glass of water. Take one teaspoon of carom seeds and add it into the boiling water. Put off the flame and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Drink this carom seed tea. You can also swallow a teaspoon of carom seeds followed by some lukewarm water instead of making the carom seed tea.(ALSO READ Home remedies for constipation: 5 natural remedies to relieve constipation).

7. Pomegranates

Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate is a great remedy to stop loose motion.  You can drink pomegranate for quick results or can eat the fruit. Not just the fruit, pomegranate leaves are effective in treating loose motion.

How to make it: Take out the seeds of pomegranate fruit and use a blender to extract the juice. Drink a glass of pomegranate juice for quick relief. You can also use pomegranate leaves for the treatment. Take few pomegranate leaves and add it to boiling water. Put off the flame and let the leaves soak in it. Strain it and drink the water.

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10 Best Natural Home Remedies for IBS

Mindset Health only uses high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed research, to support our articles. We work with experts to ensure our content is helpful, accurate and trustworthy.

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29. Daley, A.J., Grimmett, C., Roberts, L., Wilson, S., Fatek, M., Roalfe, A. and Singh, S., 2008. The effects of exercise upon symptoms and quality of life in patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. International journal of sports medicine, 29(09), pp.778-782. Link

30. Kuttner, L., Chambers, C.T., Hardial, J., Israel, D.M., Jacobson, K. and Evans, K., 2006. A randomized trial of yoga for adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome. Pain Research and Management, 11(4), pp.217-224. Link

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34. Toner, B.B., 2005. Cognitive-behavioral treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. CNS spectrums, 10(11), pp.883-890. Link

35. Lackner, J.M., Jaccard, J., Krasner, S.S., Katz, L.A., Gudleski, G.D. and Holroyd, K., 2008. Self-administered cognitive behavior therapy for moderate to severe irritable bowel syndrome: clinical efficacy, tolerability, feasibility. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 6(8), pp.899-906. Link

36. Lindfors, P., Unge, P., Arvidsson, P., Nyhlin, H., Björnsson, E., Abrahamsson, H. and Simrén, M., 2012. Effects of gut-directed hypnotherapy on IBS in different clinical settings—results from two randomized, controlled trials. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 107(2), pp.276-285. Link

37. Peters, S.L., Yao, C.K., Philpott, H., Yelland, G.W., Muir, J.G. and Gibson, P.R., 2016. Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of gut‐directed hypnotherapy is similar to that of the low FODMAP diet for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 44(5), pp.447-459. Link

38. Mayo Clinic. 2020. Over-The-Counter Laxatives For Constipation: Use With Caution. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/laxatives/art-20045906> [Accessed 27 April 2020]. Link

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All Natural Remedies for Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common form of gastrointestinal infection, which can lead to excessive bowel movements in order to remove toxins from the body. It typically results in both abdominal pain and extremely watery stool.

Primary causes of diarrhea, as well as natural remedies to relieve it, are highlighted below.

Causes Of Diarrhea

Bacterial Infection

One of the most common causes of diarrhea is a bacterial infection. If infection introduces harmful or foreign bacteria into your digestive system, it could potentially result in diarrhea. This can ultimately be passed from person to person and even from a contaminated surfaces, which makes it a very common cause of diarrhea.¹

Food Allergies

Another common cause of diarrhea could be food allergies or intolerances. For example, if you cannot properly digest lactose, you may experience diarrhea. Lactose intolerance occurs when an individual’s small intestine does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to break down the lactose found in dairy products such as milk or yogurt.

The undigested lactose then moves into the large intestine where it results in symptoms including bloating, gas, and diarrhea.²

Medication

Some medications such as antacids and nutritional supplements may result in diarrhea as a side effect. This is because some medications contain magnesium, which can cause the stools to become more watery.³

Best Natural Remedies for Diarrhea

Essential Oils

Note: Do not ingest any essential oils, as they can be dangerous if ingested. Instead, use them topically when diluted with a carrier oil or aromatically.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is easily one of the best essential oils for alleviating the symptoms of diarrhea. Because it is both pains relieving and anti-inflammatory, it is going to be one of the best ways to combat diarrhea that you might be experiencing on a regular basis.

Studies have shown that using peppermint essential oil can effectively limit bowel inflammation and soothe the digestive tract, reducing or preventing diarrhea.⁴

Menthol, one of the active ingredients in peppermint essential oil, acts as an antispasmodic by blocking calcium channels in the intestines. This can reduce intestinal cramping, as well as pain in the digestive system. Studies have also shown that peppermint oil is effective compared to control groups at relieving abdominal pain in those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.⁵

Lemon Essential Oil

Another effective essential oil for relieving diarrhea is lemon essential oil, which acts as a detoxifying agent that can kill bacteria and viruses in the stomach and body. Along with this, its fresh and clean scent can further reduce nausea or an upset stomach when used aromatically.⁶

Lavender Essential Oil

Another good option for diarrhea would be lavender essential oil. This oil can promote relaxation which can alleviate anxiety or stress that might be causing improper digestion or bowel movements.⁷

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oil is excellent for those looking for healing by boosting immune system function. This essential oil increases the efficiency of the immune system which can promote healing of the digestive system. This is great for those that might be experiencing diarrhea due to issues related to digestive inflammation.⁸

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree essential oil is an excellent option for those that might be experiencing diarrhea-related symptoms due to bacterial infection. However, it is not to be ingested. Instead, you might want to use this oil to clean surfaces that may contain disease-causing bacteria in the home.

Because tea tree oil itself is one of the most powerful antiviral, antimicrobial, and antibacterial agents, it is going to be an excellent option for those who might be experiencing diarrhea due to the presence of bacteria in the gut or digestive system.⁹

Eat The Right Foods

If you are experiencing diarrhea, it is also important to eat foods that easy to digest. Additionally, by avoiding foods that may be difficult to digest or may lead to gastrointestinal issues like dairy products, you should be able to reduce the occurrence of diarrhea as a result of food intolerances. Instead, consume bland easy-to-digest foods like whole grains, bananas, apples, and rice.¹⁰

Herbal Tea

If you are suffering from diarrhea, one of the remedies is drinking herbal tea. Typically, you will find that either ginger tea and raw honey will be the most effective combination for relieving diarrhea symptoms because they will help soothe the stomach by reducing inflammation.

Stay Hydrated

Another important factor to keep in mind if you’re experiencing diarrhea is to simply stay hydrated. Drinking water is crucial when experiencing diarrhea because you are going to be losing a significant amount of water through your stools.

The best way to do this is by drinking a minimum of 16 ounces of fluid every hour as well as consuming bone broth or coconut water to help reintroduce electrolytes into your body.

Sleep

Believe it or not, if you are suffering from diarrhea, one of the most important things that you are going to want to is get enough sleep and avoid any strenuous exercise. You want to give your body a chance to rest and recover by taking it easy.

Supplements

Another good way that you might be able to reduce the symptoms of diarrhea would be to take supplements that might help reestablish better digestive system function. Some supplements that might be able to help are probiotics which will reintroduce good bacteria into your gut. This is going to be effective for those who might be suffering from bacteria-related diarrhea.

Also, you might consider taking additional digestive enzymes which can help to maximize nutrient absorption. You can also try to incorporate aloe vera juice into your diet because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, consider adding chia or flax seeds into some of your meals or snacks. These will prevent future diarrhea by thickening the stools.

Conclusion

Overall, there are plenty of good ways that essential oils and other natural remedies can help with remedying the symptoms of diarrhea.

Regardless of what the cause of your diarrhea is, it is important to address the problem head-on because frequent episodes of diarrhea can have consequences on overall health and well-being. By following some of the tips above and identifying the cause of your symptoms, you’ll be on your way to finding the best way to address the pain and discomfort that comes with episodes of diarrhea.

The above information relates to studies of specific individual essential oil ingredients, some of which are used in the essential oil blends for various MONQ diffusers. Please note, however, that while individual ingredients may have been shown to exhibit certain independent effects when used alone, the specific blends of ingredients contained in MONQ diffusers have not been tested. No specific claims are being made that use of any MONQ diffusers will lead to any of the effects discussed above.  Additionally, please note that MONQ diffusers have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. MONQ diffusers are not intended to be used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, prevention, or treatment of any disease or medical condition. If you have a health condition or concern, please consult a physician or your alternative health care provider prior to using MONQ diffusers. MONQ blends should not be inhaled into the lungs.

Diarrhea (Holistic) | PeaceHealth

Supplement	Why
3 Stars Lactase (Lactose Intolerance) 6000-9000 IU tablets chewed with a lactose-containing meal or 1000 IU in liquid form added to 8 ounces of milk before drinking.	If you think you may suffer from lactose intolerance, supplementing with digestive enzyme–containing lactase when drinking or eating milk products may help. If lactose intolerance is the cause of diarrhea, supplemental use of lactase prior to consuming milk or milk-containing products can be helpful.Cheese rarely has enough lactose to cause symptoms in lactose-intolerant people. Lactase products are available that can be chewed while drinking milk or added to milk directly.
3 Stars Multivitamin Take as directed on label	Diarrhea-related malabsorption can lead to deficiencies of many vitamins and minerals. For this reason, it makes sense to take a multivitamin-mineral supplement. The malabsorption problems that develop during diarrhea can lead to deficiencies of many vitamins and minerals. For this reason, it makes sense for people with diarrhea to take a multivitamin-mineral supplement. Two of the nutrients that may not be absorbed efficiently as a result of diarrhea are zinc and vitamin A, both needed to fight infections. In third world countries, supplementation with zinc and vitamin A has led to a reduction in, or prevention of, infectious diarrhea in children. There is evidence that even children who are not zinc-deficient could benefit from zinc supplementation during an episode of infectious diarrhea, if the diarrhea is being caused by certain specific organisms, such as the organism that causes cholera or some strains of E. coli.
2 Stars Bovine Colostrum 10 to 20 grams daily	Colostrum appears to be useful in treating certain types of infectious diarrhea. In one study, it significantly reduced diarrhea and the amount of oral rehydration required. Colostrum might be useful for certain types of infectious diarrhea. In a double-blind trial, children with diarrhea caused by a rotavirus were treated with immunoglobulins extracted from colostrum derived from cows immunized with rotavirus. Compared with the placebo, colostrum extract significantly reduced the amount of diarrhea and the amount of oral rehydration solution required. The rotavirus was eliminated from the stool significantly more rapidly in the colostrum group than in the placebo group (1.5 days, vs. 2.9 days). In addition to a positive effect against acute rotavirus diarrhea, there is also evidence that specific forms of colostrum (derived from specially immunized cows or those with confirmed presence of specific antibodies) are effective against diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium difficile. However, it is not known whether commercially-available colostrum provides significant amounts of the specific immunoglobulins that are active against these organisms. Furthermore, unless the immunoglobulins are present in high enough concentrations, the preparation is not likely to be effective.
2 Stars Carob 15 grams daily	Useful for treating diarrhea in adults, children, and infants, carob is rich in tannins that have an astringent or binding effect on the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract. Carob is rich in tannins that have an astringent or binding effect on the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract. A double-blind trial has suggested it may be particularly useful for young children and infants with diarrhea. Some healthcare professionals recommend 15 grams of carob powder is mixed with applesauce (for flavor) when given to children. Carob can also be used for treating adult diarrhea.
2 Stars Fiber Adults: 20 grams daily soluable fiber; for young children: 6.5 grams daily soy fiber	While fiber from dietary or herbal sources is often useful for constipation, it may also play a role in alleviating diarrhea. While fiber from dietary or herbal sources is often useful for constipation, it may also play a role in alleviating diarrhea.
2 Stars Glucosamine 250 mg with morning and evening meals	Some autistic children suffer from chronic diarrhea. In one study, supplementing with glucosamine eliminated the diarrhea in five of six children with autism, possibly by blocking the effect of certain dietary components on the intestinal tract. Some autistic children suffer from chronic diarrhea. In a study of children with autistic spectrum disorders and persistent diarrhea for many years, supplementing with 500 mg of glucosamine per day (spread over the morning and evening meal) for 30 days eliminated the diarrhea in five of six cases. The authors hypothesized that glucosamine worked by blocking the effect of certain dietary components on the intestinal tract.
2 Stars Glutamine 136 mg per pound of body weight	Glutamine appears to be beneficial for diarrhea by improving the health of the intestinal lining, rather than by affecting the immune system. In a double-blind study of children (ages six months to two years) with acute diarrhea, supplementing with glutamine significantly reduced the duration of diarrhea by 26%. Children were given 136 mg of glutamine per pound of body weight per day for seven days. Glutamine appeared to work by improving the health of the intestinal lining, rather than through any effect on the immune system.
2 Stars Psyllium 9 to 30 grams daily	Psyllium seed (an excellent source of fiber) makes stool more solid and can help resolve diarrhea symptoms. While fiber from dietary or herbal sources is often useful for constipation, it may also play a role in alleviating diarrhea. For example, 9–30 grams per day of psyllium seed (an excellent source of fiber) makes stool more solid and can help resolve symptoms of non-infectious diarrhea. Alginic acid, one of the major constituents in bladderwrack(Fucus vesiculosus), is a type of dietary fiber and as a result may potentially help relieve diarrhea. However, human studies have not been done on how effective bladderwrack is for this condition.
2 Stars Sangre de Drago Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner	An extract from stem bark latex of Sangre de drago, has been shown to be effective in treating traveler’s diarrhea, non-specific diarrhea, and diarrhea associated with HIV and AIDS. An extract from stem bark latex of Sangre de drago (Croton lechleri), an herb from the Amazon basin of Peru, has demonstrated significant anti-diarrheal activity in preliminary and double-blind trials. Double-blind research has demonstrated the extract’s effectiveness for traveler’s diarrhea, non-specific diarrhea, and diarrhea associated with HIV infection and AIDS. For traveler’s diarrhea and nonspecific diarrhea, amounts ranging from 125 mg to 500 mg taken four times daily for two days have proven effective. However, in one trial, only the 125 mg four times daily amount (but not higher amounts) was effective for acute nonspecific diarrhea. The reasons for the failure of higher amounts in this study is not known. Very high amounts of these extracts (350–700 mg four times daily for seven or more days) were used in the trials involving people with HIV and AIDS. Such levels of supplementation should always be supervised by a doctor. Most of this research on Sangre de Drago is unpublished, and much of it is derived from manufacturers of the formula. Further double-blind trials, published in medical journals, are needed to confirm the efficacy reported in these studies.
2 Stars Sangre de Drago (HIV and AIDS Support) Take under medical supervision: 350 to 700 mg four times per day for seven or more days	An extract from stem bark latex of Sangre de Drago, an herb from the Amazon basin of Peru, has been shown to be effective against diarrhea associated with HIV and AIDS. An extract from stem bark latex of Sangre de Drago (Croton lechleri), an herb from the Amazon basin of Peru, has demonstrated significant anti-diarrheal activity in preliminary and double-blind trials. Additional double-blind research has demonstrated the extract’s effectiveness for diarrhea associated with HIV infection and AIDS. Very high amounts of this extract (350–700 mg four times daily for seven or more days) were used in the studies. Such levels of supplementation should always be supervised by a doctor. Most of this research on Sangre de Drago is unpublished, and much of it is derived from manufacturers of the formula. Further double-blind trials, published in peer-reviewed medical journals, are needed to confirm the efficacy reported in these studies.
2 Stars Tormentil Root Extract (Rotavirus Infection) Take a liquid herbal extract daily: for the amount, multiply your age by three and take that number of drops	Tormentil root is an herb that has been used for many years in different European folk medicines for treating diarrhea. Tormentil root (Potentilla tormentilla) is an herb that has been used for many years in different European folk medicines for the treatment of diarrhea. In a double-blind study of children with diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection, the duration of diarrhea averaged three days in children who received tormentil root extract, compared with five days in those who received a placebo. No adverse effects were seen. The amount of tormentil root extract used was 3 drops for every year of life, taken three times a day until diarrhea stopped, or for a maximum of five days.
1 Star Barberry Refer to label instructions	Berberine, a constituent of barbarry, has been shown to improve infectious diarrhea in some double-blind trials. Due to of its supposed antimicrobial activity, goldenseal has a long history of use for infectious diarrhea. Its major alkaloid, berberine (also found in barberry and Oregon grape), has been shown to improve infectious diarrhea in some double-blind trials. Negative studies have generally focused on people with cholera, while positive studies investigated viral diarrhea or diarrhea due to strains of E. coli. These studies generally used 400–500 mg berberine one to three times per day. Because of the low amount of berberine in most goldenseal products, it is unclear how effective the whole root or root extracts would be in treating diarrhea.
1 Star Bilberry Refer to label instructions	Bilberry has been used traditionally in Germany for adults and children with diarrhea. Only dried berries or juice should be used—fresh berries may worsen diarrhea. Astringent herbs traditionally used for diarrhea include blackberry leaves, blackberry root bark, blueberry leaves, and red raspberry leaves. Raspberry leaves are high in tannins and, like blackberry, may relieve acute diarrhea. A close cousin of the blueberry, bilberry, has been used traditionally in Germany for adults and children with diarrhea. Only dried berries or juice should be used—fresh berries may worsen diarrhea. Cranesbill has been used by several of the indigenous tribes of North America to treat diarrhea. The tannins in cranesbill likely account for the anti-diarrheal activity—although there has been little scientific research to clarify cranesbill’s constituents and actions.
1 Star Blackberry Refer to label instructions	Blackberry is an astringent herb traditionally used to treat diarrhea. Astringent herbs traditionally used for diarrhea include blackberry leaves, blackberry root bark, blueberry leaves, and red raspberry leaves. Raspberry leaves are high in tannins and, like blackberry, may relieve acute diarrhea. A close cousin of the blueberry, bilberry, has been used traditionally in Germany for adults and children with diarrhea. Only dried berries or juice should be used—fresh berries may worsen diarrhea. Cranesbill has been used by several of the indigenous tribes of North America to treat diarrhea. The tannins in cranesbill likely account for the anti-diarrheal activity—although there has been little scientific research to clarify cranesbill’s constituents and actions.
1 Star Bladderwrack Refer to label instructions	Alginic acid, a constituent in bladderwrack, is a type of dietary fiber and as a result may help relieve diarrhea. While fiber from dietary or herbal sources is often useful for constipation, it may also play a role in alleviating diarrhea. For example, 9–30 grams per day of psyllium seed (an excellent source of fiber) makes stool more solid and can help resolve symptoms of non-infectious diarrhea. Alginic acid, one of the major constituents in bladderwrack(Fucus vesiculosus), is a type of dietary fiber and as a result may potentially help relieve diarrhea. However, human studies have not been done on how effective bladderwrack is for this condition.
1 Star Blueberry Refer to label instructions	Blueberry is an astringent herb traditionally used to treat diarrhea. Astringent herbs traditionally used for diarrhea include blackberry leaves, blackberry root bark, blueberry leaves, and red raspberry leaves. Raspberry leaves are high in tannins and, like blackberry, may relieve acute diarrhea. A close cousin of the blueberry, bilberry, has been used traditionally in Germany for adults and children with diarrhea. Only dried berries or juice should be used—fresh berries may worsen diarrhea. Cranesbill has been used by several of the indigenous tribes of North America to treat diarrhea. The tannins in cranesbill likely account for the anti-diarrheal activity—although there has been little scientific research to clarify cranesbill’s constituents and actions.
1 Star Chamomile Refer to label instructions	Typically taken as a tea, chamomile may reduce intestinal cramping and ease the irritation and inflammation associated with diarrhea. Chamomile may reduce intestinal cramping and ease the irritation and inflammation associated with diarrhea, according to test tube studies. Chamomile is typically taken as a tea. Many doctors recommend dissolving 2–3 grams of powdered chamomile or adding 3–5 ml of a chamomile liquid extract to hot water and drinking it three or more times per day, between meals. Two to three teaspoons (10–15 grams) of the dried flowers can be steeped in a cup of hot water, covered, for ten to fifteen minutes as well.
1 Star Cranesbill Refer to label instructions	Cranesbill has been used by several North American indigenous tribes to treat diarrhea. The tannins in cranesbill likely account for the anti-diarrheal activity. Cranesbill has been used by several of the indigenous tribes of North America to treat diarrhea. The tannins in cranesbill likely account for the anti-diarrheal activity—although there has been little scientific research to clarify cranesbill’s constituents and actions.
1 Star Folic Acid Refer to label instructions	Folic acid can help repair intestinal lining damage caused by acute diarrhea. Acute diarrhea can damage the lining of the intestine. Folic acid can help repair this damage. In one preliminary trial, supplementing with very large amounts of folic acid (5 mg three times per day for several days) shortened the duration of acute infectious diarrhea by 42%. However, a double-blind trial failed to show any positive effect with the same level of folic acid. Therefore, evidence that high levels of folic acid supplementation will help people with infectious diarrhea remains weak.
1 Star Goldenseal Refer to label instructions	Due to of its supposed antimicrobial activity, goldenseal has a long history of use for infectious diarrhea. Its major alkaloid, berberine, has been shown to improve infectious diarrhea. Due to of its supposed antimicrobial activity, goldenseal has a long history of use for infectious diarrhea. Its major alkaloid, berberine (also found in barberry and Oregon grape), has been shown to improve infectious diarrhea in some double-blind trials. Negative studies have generally focused on people with cholera, while positive studies investigated viral diarrhea or diarrhea due to strains of E. coli. These studies generally used 400–500 mg berberine one to three times per day. Because of the low amount of berberine in most goldenseal products, it is unclear how effective the whole root or root extracts would be in treating diarrhea.
1 Star Marshmallow Refer to label instructions	Herbs high in mucilage, such as marshmallow, may help reduce the irritation to the walls of the intestinal tract that can occur with diarrhea. Herbs high in mucilage, such as marshmallow or slippery elm, may help reduce the irritation to the walls of the intestinal tract that can occur with diarrhea. A usual amount taken is 1,000 mg of marshmallow extract, capsules, or tablets three times per day. Marshmallow may also be taken as a tincture in the amount of 5–15 ml three times daily.
1 Star Oak Refer to label instructions	A tannin in oak has been shown to inhibit intestinal secretion, which may help resolve diarrhea. In Germany oak is recommended to treat mild, acute diarrhea in children. In laboratory experiments, a tannin in oak, known as ellagitannin, inhibited intestinal secretion, which may help resolve diarrhea. Oak is well regarded in Germany, where it is recommended (along with plenty of electrolyte-containing fluids) to treat mild, acute diarrhea in children.
1 Star Oregon Grape Refer to label instructions	Berberine, a constituent of Oregon grape, has been shown to improve infectious diarrhea in some trials. Due to of its supposed antimicrobial activity, goldenseal has a long history of use for infectious diarrhea. Its major alkaloid, berberine (also found in barberry and Oregon grape), has been shown to improve infectious diarrhea in some double-blind trials. Negative studies have generally focused on people with cholera, while positive studies investigated viral diarrhea or diarrhea due to strains of E. coli. These studies generally used 400–500 mg berberine one to three times per day. Because of the low amount of berberine in most goldenseal products, it is unclear how effective the whole root or root extracts would be in treating diarrhea.
1 Star Periwinkle Refer to label instructions	European herbalists have used periwinkle for conditions with a watery discharge, such as diarrhea. European herbalists have used periwinkle for headaches, vertigo, and poor memory since medieval times. It was also considered a helpful remedy for conditions with a watery or bloody discharge such as diarrhea, bleeding gums, or menorrhagia.
1 Star Red Raspberry Refer to label instructions	Red raspberry is an astringent herb traditionally used for diarrhea. Raspberry leaves are high in tannins and may relieve acute diarrhea. Astringent herbs traditionally used for diarrhea include blackberry leaves, blackberry root bark, blueberry leaves, and red raspberry leaves. Raspberry leaves are high in tannins and, like blackberry, may relieve acute diarrhea. A close cousin of the blueberry, bilberry, has been used traditionally in Germany for adults and children with diarrhea. Only dried berries or juice should be used—fresh berries may worsen diarrhea. Cranesbill has been used by several of the indigenous tribes of North America to treat diarrhea. The tannins in cranesbill likely account for the anti-diarrheal activity—although there has been little scientific research to clarify cranesbill’s constituents and actions.
1 Star Slippery Elm Refer to label instructions	Herbs high in mucilage such as slippery elm may help reduce the irritation to the walls of the intestinal tract that can occur with diarrhea. Herbs high in mucilage, such as marshmallow or slippery elm, may help reduce the irritation to the walls of the intestinal tract that can occur with diarrhea. A usual amount taken is 1,000 mg of marshmallow extract, capsules, or tablets three times per day. Marshmallow may also be taken as a tincture in the amount of 5–15 ml three times daily.
1 Star Sweet Annie Refer to label instructions	Sweet annie has been used traditionally to treat infectious diarrhea and malaria. Sweet annie has been used traditionally to treat infectious diarrhea and malaria. However, more modern studies have used the isolated constituent artemisinin and it is unclear how effective the herb is in managing diarrhea.
1 Star Tylophora Refer to label instructions	Tylophora has been used traditionally in the Ayurvedic system for diarrhea due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. Tylophora has been used traditionally in the Ayurvedic system for diarrhea probably due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions, although human studies have not confirmed this use.
1 Star Vitamin A Refer to label instructions	Only in cases of malabsorption should vitamin A be used to treat diarrhea, as it has been shown to have no effect or to increase risk of diarrhea in well-nourished children. It is known vitamin A supplements support immune function and prevent infections. This is true, however, only under some circumstances. Vitamin A supplementation can also increase the risk of infections, according to the findings of a double-blind trial. In a study of African children between six months and five years old, a 44% reduction in the risk of severe diarrhea was seen in those children given four 100,000–200,000 IU supplements of vitamin A (the lower amount for those less than a year old) during an eight-month period. On further investigation, the researchers discovered that the reduction in diarrhea occurred only in children who were very malnourished. For children who were not starving, vitamin A supplementation actually increased the risk of diarrhea compared with the placebo group. The vitamin A-supplemented children also had a 67% increased risk of coughing and rapid breathing, and signs of further lung infection, although this problem did not appear in children infected with the AIDS virus. These findings should be of concern to American parents, whose children are not usually infected with HIV or severely malnourished. Such relatively healthy children fared poorly in the African trial in terms of both the risk of diarrhea and the risk of continued lung problems. Vitamin A provided no benefit to the well-nourished kids. Therefore, it makes sense not to give vitamin A supplements to children unless there is a special reason to do so, such as the presence of a condition causing malabsorption (e.g., celiac disease).

How to manage diarrhea? | OptiFibre

Diarrhea is a common issue. However, it can be treated quite easily, even if the most serious cases require medication. Find out how to manage diarrhea. 

Although diarrhea is common and not severe in most cases, it is still a serious annoyance that can cause a lot of discomfort in people who suffer from it. Though, treating mild diarrhea at home is quite easy, mainly through diet. In some cases, taking medication is possible but it must be supervised by a health professional.

The most common medical management – Hydration 

In most cases, diarrhea lasts between three to four days. Thus, it could improve on its own and then naturally disappear. However, there are simple remedies to more quickly alleviate the symptoms.

Most of all, you must think about getting enough water intake. Diarrhea can lead to dangerous dehydration, which can even be fatal for young children and the elderly. Drink lots of water, make sure you drink small amounts.

You can also opt for rice water. This is another quick and effective remedy for diarrhea. Rice water is easy to make, just boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes, then strain the rice to only keep the water. This rice water will provide fluid to your body but will also reduce the duration of diarrhea, by helping your stool to get firmer and bulkier.
Sports drinks and rehydration solutions, which are available in pharmacies are also effective.

However, you should avoid alcohol, milk, citrus juices, carbonated drinks, or coffee, that can make your symptoms worse.

Hydration in diarrhea is only part of the solution, because it will not: reduce the frequency of watery or loose bowel movements or fluid loss, shorten the duration of diarrhea, or address the unbalance flora.

– Foods: You may not feel like eating during diarrhea. However, certain foods can ease your symptoms. It is advisable to consume “BWAT” foods: bananas, white rice, applesauce, and toast.

Other foods are also well tolerated such as oatmeal, potato, or skinless chicken. 

– Over the counter medication 

After consulting your doctor, you can take several over-the-counter medications to help you fight diarrhea, if your symptoms are not severe.

Careful, these medicines may relieve your short term symptoms but will not treat the cause of your diarrhea and can lead to side effects such as constipation. Therefore, be careful and consult a doctor, especially for young children and the elderly.

– Probiotics: Bacteria that will promote a health benefit, take part in the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal system, by protecting it against infections. When your body is modified by antibiotics or inundated by bacteria or attacked by a virus, you can get diarrhea.

Probiotics are these good bacteria, that help create a healthy bowel environment. These are living microorganisms that exist in certain foods naturally, such as cheese, green olives, sauerkraut, dark chocolate or even yogurt. Or it can be found in powder format in pharmacies.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a great example of a bacteria probiotic that reduces the diarrhea symptoms. 

What to do when diarrhea lasts more than a few days? 

If your diarrhea lasts more than three or four days, your abdominal pain is very intense, or your stools are bloody, you must consult a doctor. He will be able to establish the causes of your diarrhea and, if need be, suggest suitable medication.

90,000 Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children under five years of age, with 525,000 deaths annually. Diarrhea can last for several days and can drain the body of water and salts needed to survive. In the past, the main causes of death associated with diarrhea were dehydration and fluid loss in most cases. Currently, an increasing proportion of all deaths associated with diarrhea are attributed to other causes, such as septic bacterial infections.Children who are malnourished or those with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk of life-threatening diarrhea.

Diarrhea is defined as loose or loose stools three or more times a day (or more often than usual for a particular person). Frequent bowel movements are not diarrhea. Loose, “pasty” stools of breastfed babies are also not diarrhea. Diarrhea is usually a symptom of an intestinal tract infection that can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites.The infection spreads through contaminated food or drinking water, or from person to person as a result of inadequate hygiene.

Diarrhea prevention interventions, including the provision of safe drinking water, the use of improved sanitation and hand washing with soap and water, can help reduce the risk of illness. Diarrhea is treated with oral rehydration salts (ORS), a mixture of pure water, salt and sugar. In addition, an additional course of treatment with 20 mg zinc tablets for 10-14 days can shorten the duration of the diarrhea and improve the results.

There are three clinical types of diarrhea:

• acute watery diarrhea – lasts several hours or days and includes cholera;
• acute bloody diarrhea – also called dysentery; and
• persistent diarrhea – lasts 14 or more days.

Incidence of diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of child mortality and morbidity in the world. It develops mainly as a result of the consumption of contaminated food and water.Globally, about 780 million people lack access to improved water and 2.5 billion people lack access to basic sanitation. In developing countries, diarrhea caused by infection is widespread.

In low-income countries, children under three years of age have diarrhea, on average, three times a year. Each time, children are deprived of the nutrition they need to grow. As a result, diarrhea is a major cause of malnutrition, and children who are malnourished are more likely to develop diarrhea.

Dehydration

The most significant threat posed by diarrhea is dehydration or dehydration. During diarrhea, water and electrolytes (sodium, chlorine, potassium, and bicarbonate) are excreted from the body in loose stools, vomiting, sweat, urine, and respiration. Dehydration occurs if these losses are not reimbursed.

There are three degrees of dehydration.

• Severe dehydration (at least two of the following):
• lethargy / unconsciousness;

90,011 sunken eyes;

• the patient cannot drink or drinks badly;
• after pinching, the skin returns to its original state very slowly (≥2 seconds).
• Moderate dehydration:
• restless behavior, irritability;

90,011 sunken eyes;

• the patient drinks with greed, is thirsty.
• No dehydration (not enough evidence to qualify as moderate or severe dehydration).

Reasons

Infection: Diarrhea is a symptom of infections caused by a wide variety of bacteria, viruses and parasites, most of which are spread through fecal contaminated water.Infections are most common where there is a shortage of clean water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene. Rotavirus and Escherichia coli are the two most common causes of diarrhea, both moderate and severe, in low-income countries. Other pathogens such as cryptosporidium and shigella may also be relevant. It is also necessary to take into account the etiological patterns characteristic of a particular area.

Malnutrition: Children dying of diarrhea often suffer from concomitant malnutrition that makes them more vulnerable.Each case of diarrhea, in turn, exacerbates their malnutrition. Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of malnutrition among children under five years of age.

Source: Of particular concern is water contaminated with human faeces, such as from wastewater, sedimentation tanks and latrines. Animal feces also contain microorganisms that can cause diarrhea.

Other Causes: Diarrhea can also spread from person to person, exacerbated by inadequate personal hygiene.Food is another significant cause of diarrhea when prepared or stored under unhygienic conditions. Unsafe storage and handling of water in the household is also an important factor. Fish and seafood from contaminated water can also cause this disease.

Prevention and Treatment

Key measures to prevent diarrhea include the following:

• access to safe drinking water;
• improved sanitation facilities;
• washing hands with soap;
• exclusive breastfeeding of a child during the first six months of life;
• Appropriate personal and food hygiene;
• health education about the ways of spreading infections;
• vaccination against rotavirus infection.

Key measures for treating diarrhea include the following:

• Rehydration: with oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution. ORS is a mixture of pure water, salt and sugar that can be safely prepared at home. Treatment with this mixture costs a few cents. ORS is absorbed in the small intestine and replaces water and electrolytes excreted in faeces.
• Zinc Supplements: Zinc supplements reduce the duration of diarrhea by 25% and lead to a decrease in stool volume by 30%.
• Rehydration via intravenous line in case of acute dehydration or shock.
• Nutrient-rich foods: the cycle of malnutrition and diarrhea can be broken by feeding children nutrient-rich foods (including breast milk) during diarrhea and then feeding recovered children with nutritious foods (including exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life).
• Consult a healthcare professional, in particular regarding the management of persistent diarrhea, blood in stools, or signs of dehydration.

WHO Activities

WHO works with Member States and other partners in the following areas:

• Promote national policies and investments that support the management of diarrhea cases and complications, and increased access to safe drinking water and sanitation in developing countries;
• Conducting research to develop and test new strategies for the delivery of health services in this area;
• Capacity building for preventive activities, including sanitation, improved water sources, and water treatment and safe storage in households;
• development of new health interventions such as immunization against rotavirus infection;
• Assist in the training of health workers, especially at the community level.

Diarrhea in a child (how to help at home?)

Diarrhea in a child: what to do? First, you need to know that diarrhea, like vomiting, is the body’s defense mechanism against pathogenic microbes and toxins. Therefore, there is no need to rush to suppress diarrhea with drugs. Secondly, it is necessary to grasp the line when a child needs medical help, and not just a diet and plenty of drink.

The causes of diarrhea in children very often lie on the surface: they ate something wrong or too much, and even with unwashed hands, and at the same time, diarrhea is a very common symptom of various diseases.It is impossible to neglect its appearance, especially in a preschool child. The causes of diarrhea include.

• Diet errors . If your child has eaten a lot of indigestible food or tried a new meal, he or she may have short-term diarrhea. Typically, it is accompanied by bloating, discomfort, and minor abdominal pain. Indigestible foods include raw fruits and vegetables, fatty, spicy foods. If it is consumed with sugary drinks or milk, the picture may worsen.It is strictly forbidden to feed children of younger (preschool) age with mushrooms, fatty pork and fish, goose, duck, raw eggs, whole nuts (especially peanuts). Do not overuse fast food and sugary carbonated drinks, as they contain a lot of dyes, preservatives, flavors, and flavor enhancers. If the cause of diarrhea is in the diet, then it quickly goes away when unsuitable foods are eliminated from the diet.

• Individual intolerance to products .Depends on the characteristics of the organism of a particular child. Someone can react to milk, someone to fatty meat, someone to semolina, someone to raw vegetables and fruits. In addition, the child may have lactase deficiency – a deficiency of the enzyme lactase and poor digestion of milk sugar – lactose. This leads to a constant fermentation process in the digestive system, flatulence, increased fluid content in the intestines. The way out of this situation is to exclude whole cow’s milk from the diet, while you can leave fermented milk products.

• Poisoning and intestinal infections . When pathogens of intestinal infections enter the body, the digestive system is the first to react, the intestinal mucosa becomes inflamed and diarrhea begins. This is the main symptom of any intestinal infection. Diarrhea in a child at 3 years old can be caused by basic non-compliance with hygiene rules. It is not always possible to keep track of the little researcher, especially on the street, playground. If there is a suspicion of dysentery, salmonellosis, amebiasis, etc., the child will be offered to be hospitalized. These diseases are accompanied by severe dehydration, sudden weight loss, high fever, and vomiting. Prevention of intestinal infections is important: washing hands after the street, toilet, communicating with animals; thermal processing of products; washing fresh vegetables and fruits under running water; high quality and tested water; correct storage of food.

• Dysbacteriosis . The causes of dysbiosis in childhood can be different: taking antibiotics, eating disorders, intestinal infections, worms.In all these cases, the child may have diarrhea. To get rid of diarrhea, it is necessary to eliminate the root cause of dysbiosis. You need to find out what beneficial bacteria are missing and replenish them, including therapy with probiotics, enzymes, vitamins, and diet.

• Worm infestations – parasites that inhabit the intestines. Their reproduction leads to inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and disruption of digestion. “Worms” are transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through common household items, dishes, toys.With helminthic invasions, diarrhea is not frequent, but prolonged, of a chronic nature.

• Acute surgery . With appendicitis, peritonitis, intussusception (intestinal obstruction, volvulus), diarrhea or vomiting may sometimes occur. The child needs immediate hospitalization.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome . This diagnosis is often given to children from 1 to 5 years old who have chronic diarrhea (more than 2 weeks in a row).It is placed when the analyzes of feces and urine are in order, no intestinal pathogens or pathologies have been found. The cause of the irritable bowel is not fully understood. Many doctors are inclined to believe that the main factor is the psychological state of the child, negative emotions, fears, stress, and an unfavorable atmosphere in the family.

How to cure diarrhea in a child at home? In order not to harm the health of the baby, you need to remember two important and safe ways.

• Hungry pause or gentle diet.Usually the child himself refuses to eat. You can’t force-feed him.

What should be a gentle diet for diarrhea in children?

– Fractionality. The number of meals is increased and the portions are halved. The child can eat 6 times a day (and even more often if he has an appetite).

– Frequency of meals. It is recommended to skip one or two meals in case of a serious condition, when the baby refuses to eat. The portions should be half as much.

– Mashed food. Can be chopped in a blender.

– The diet itself: Starts with pureed soups based on cereals (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal) and cereals cooked in water, from the same cereals without adding oil. White bread croutons, biscuit biscuits, boiled potatoes without butter are added. Old school pediatricians can prescribe a diet plan for diarrhea in a child under the “code name” BRYAS: this includes bananas, rice, applesauce, crackers. You can also add low-fat cottage cheese. Applesauce can be substituted for baked apples.On days 3-4 (against the background of the treatment and if the child’s condition improves), you can add fresh biokefir to the diet without the addition of a low percentage of fat. If you feel well and have a strong appetite, you can offer your child steamed cutlets or meatballs from turkey, chicken, veal, lean fish.

– A few more points regarding diarrhea diet: only freshly prepared and high-quality meals are given to the child. What to exclude from the menu? Milk, cream, sour cream, fat cottage cheese, nuts, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables, juices, fresh bread, rolls, sweets, sweet drinks.As well as fried, spicy, smoked, pickled dishes, meat broths. Food and drink should be served warm, but not hot.

• Drink plenty of fluids. It is necessary to replenish the loss of fluid in the body at any age. The older the baby is, the more volume of drinking should be.

In case of diarrhea, it is important to replace fluid loss. What drinks are best for your baby?

– Electrolyte solutions. Designed to restore and maintain water-salt balance in the body.Universal remedy: can be given to both infants and older children. At the pharmacy, you can buy special powders from which these solutions are made.

– Self-prepared solution. If it is not possible to buy a ready-made mixture, you can prepare a solution at home. To do this, dilute in 1 liter of boiled water ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of sugar. The liquid is stored for no more than 24 hours.

– Dried fruit compote. It is indicated for all diseases of the intestines, contains potassium and magnesium salts, which are necessary to maintain the water-salt balance in case of diarrhea.Raisin compote. Raisin broth is nutritious, provides the body with the necessary minerals and trace elements.

– Weak green tea. It contains bioactive substances and trace elements that normalize intestinal function.

– Alkaline mineral water. Should be still and warm.

If a child refuses to drink for several hours, and the diarrhea worsens, an urgent need to seek medical help.

What else can you do if your child has diarrhea? In this situation, it is important to know how not to “treat”

• Do not immediately stop diarrhea with antidiarrheal agents (such as Imodium).With an intestinal infection, do not rush to get rid of diarrhea and vomiting, because in this way the body is freed from toxins. At the very least, there is no need to give medicines for diarrhea in the first hours of the illness. In addition to drinking, you can give your child an enema with room temperature water to help cleanse the body. You can not give drugs for diarrhea if the child has a high fever, there is blood in the stool.

• At home it is possible use of enterosorbents .The safest medicine for diarrhea for children under one year old and older babies is enterosorbent “Smecta” (or “Neosmectin”). It contains an astringent substance, it quickly restores the affected intestinal mucosa, has absorbing properties. Principles of using enterosorbents … Enterosorbents must be included in complex therapy in the first days of the disease. They are introduced into the digestive tract naturally – orally (through the mouth). As a rule, the intake of sorbents is prescribed 1.5–2 hours before meals. This period is necessary for the drug to react with the contents of the stomach and partially evacuate into the intestine, where the process of its interaction with the components of the intestinal contents continues.The simultaneous appointment of sorbents and drugs is excluded, the difference in intake between them should be 1.5-3 hours. The daily dose of enterosorbents is evenly distributed over 3-4 doses (as often as possible), in the intervals between meals.

• It is necessary to treat not the symptom of diarrhea, but the root cause of the disease . It is important to establish it, and only then to prescribe treatment. Better let the doctor tell you how to treat diarrhea in a child, and not a neighbor or an anxious grandmother.You can not use any medications, except for enterosorbents, without the appointment of a pediatrician. The doctor must establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. If the baby has an acute intestinal infection, he needs to be examined, in case of severe forms, he should be hospitalized.

In what situations do you need to see a doctor urgently

The listed symptoms should serve as a signal for immediate action:

• severe abdominal pain;
• profuse and frequent diarrhea during the day, which is not eliminated by a hunger pause and drinking;
• profuse vomiting, which interferes with watering the child;
• dark urine – fluid deficiency;
• no urine for 6 hours;

90,011 feces with blood;

• a sharp rise in temperature;
• tongue dry, grayish skin;

90,011 sunken eyes;

• lethargy, weakness.

The most dangerous consequence of prolonged diarrhea is dehydration. You can’t let him. And when the question arises of what to do with diarrhea in a child at 2 years old, you will never be mistaken if you water, water and water again. If dehydration still could not be avoided, in the hospital emergency care will be that the baby will be injected with a saline solution intravenously.

In conclusion, I would like to note once again that the treatment of diarrhea in children at home implies two important principles: a gentle diet and replenishment of fluid loss.If these methods fail to stop diarrhea during the day, and symptoms such as vomiting, fever, dehydration are added to it, an urgent need to seek medical help.

90,000 Loose stools (diarrhea) causes

If we are talking about a child who is breastfed, then we can say that the mother is to blame for the appearance of loose stools, who does not follow what she eats and drinks. The baby’s digestive system is very delicate and can even break down due to some vegetables and fruits that have passed through the mother’s body and entered the milk.

Effect of disease

The modern opinion of experts is that changes in the body caused by diarrhea can be life-threatening. Diarrhea itself, as a symptom, is harmless, but the consequences are detrimental in the form of dehydration and loss of trace elements. It should also be remembered that diarrhea is most often a symptom of serious diseases such as pancreatitis, chronic hepatitis, gallbladder disease, intestinal infections, etc.d.

Features

Diarrhea develops as a result of disruption of the normal functioning of the intestinal tract, acceleration of the digestive process, which leads to dilution of feces and increased frequency of bowel movements.

Diarrhea is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection and food poisoning. The most common causative agents of diarrhea are the bacteria Escherichia and Salmonella, which are found in contaminated food and water.

In addition, certain medications such as antibiotics can cause diarrhea.

Diagnostics

To establish the cause of diarrhea, stool analysis is usually required, including a study of stool for parasitosis.

Diet

It is necessary to refuse such products as: fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, fruit juices (except apple), beets, legumes, cucumbers, radishes, radishes, plums, grapes, milk, cream, yoghurts, fermented baked milk, sauces, spices.

Recommended: boiled rice, bananas, applesauce, white bread croutons, steamed cutlets or meatballs from lean meat (boiled).

Treatment

The first and main remedy for diarrhea is rehydration therapy, since it is dehydration of the body that poses the greatest danger to humans. For these purposes, “Regidron”, “Hydrovit” are suitable. In the absence of drugs of this group, at least just a plentiful drink is necessary (still mineral water, fruit drinks, juices, etc.). Antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of a bacterial infection.