Can Metamucil help with diarrhea. What are the causes and symptoms of diarrhea. How can you effectively manage diarrhea at home. When should you seek medical attention for diarrhea. What are the best over-the-counter treatments for diarrhea.

Understanding Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks

Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal issue characterized by frequent, loose, or watery stools. While there’s no universally accepted definition, it’s generally recognized as a significant increase in bowel movements accompanied by a change in stool consistency. Diarrhea can range from a mild inconvenience to a severe condition with potentially life-threatening consequences.

What causes diarrhea? The causes are diverse and can include:

• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Parasitic infections
• Food intolerances
• Medications
• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Is diarrhea always a cause for concern? While most cases of acute diarrhea resolve on their own within a few days, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Blood in the stool
• Signs of dehydration
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fever

If you experience these symptoms or your diarrhea lasts more than a few days, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Role of Hydration in Managing Diarrhea

Why is hydration crucial when dealing with diarrhea? Diarrhea can lead to rapid fluid loss, potentially resulting in dehydration. This risk is often underestimated, especially in hot climates or among vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children.

How can you effectively replace lost fluids? For mild cases, increasing water intake may suffice. However, in more severe cases, it’s essential to replace not only water but also lost electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) solutions, available at pharmacies, are specifically designed for this purpose.

Recognizing Dehydration Symptoms

How can you identify dehydration in adults? Look for these signs:

• Increased thirst
• Decreased urination
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Light-headedness
• Dark-colored urine

What are the specific signs of dehydration in children?

• Dry mouth and tongue
• Absence of tears when crying
• No wet diapers for 3 hours or more
• Sunken eyes, cheeks, or abdomen
• High fever
• Listlessness or irritability
• Skin that doesn’t flatten when pinched and released

If you observe these symptoms, especially in children or the elderly, seek medical attention promptly.

Dietary Considerations for Managing Diarrhea

Can your diet impact diarrhea? Absolutely. Certain foods and beverages can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. Here are some dietary recommendations to consider:

Foods and Beverages to Avoid

• Caffeine-containing drinks (coffee, tea, cola)
• Artificial sweeteners, especially sorbitol
• Dairy products (due to potential lactose intolerance)
• High-sugar juices and soft drinks
• Complex carbohydrates (temporarily)

Recommended Dietary Approach

What should you eat when experiencing diarrhea? In severe cases, it may be necessary to temporarily switch to a clear fluid diet. This includes:

• Clear broths or consommé
• Diluted fruit juices (without added sugars)
• Clear gelatin desserts
• Oral rehydration solutions

As symptoms improve, gradually reintroduce solid foods, focusing on easily digestible options like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).

Metamucil and Other Bulking Agents: A Surprising Diarrhea Treatment

Can Metamucil, typically used for constipation, help with diarrhea? Surprisingly, yes. Psyllium, the active ingredient in Metamucil and similar products, can be beneficial in managing diarrhea.

How does psyllium work for diarrhea? Psyllium has a unique water-holding effect in the intestines, which can help bulk up watery stools. This property makes it useful for:

• Adding consistency to loose stools
• Managing variable bowel habits in conditions like IBS
• Potentially binding toxins that may cause acute diarrhea

What’s the recommended dosage of psyllium for diarrhea? A typical recommendation is one teaspoonful of psyllium twice daily. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if you’re taking other medications.

Precautions When Using Psyllium

• Avoid psyllium products combined with laxatives
• Ensure adequate fluid intake when using psyllium
• Start with a lower dose and gradually increase as needed
• Discontinue use if symptoms worsen or persist

Over-the-Counter Medications for Diarrhea Management

What over-the-counter options are available for treating diarrhea? Several medications can help manage diarrhea symptoms:

Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

How effective is Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea? Bismuth subsalicylate can be helpful for:

• Traveler’s diarrhea
• Chronic microscopic colitis

However, it has some drawbacks:

• Requires frequent dosing (30ml every 30 minutes, up to 8 times daily)
• Turns stool black
• May interfere with absorption of other medications
• Chronic use can lead to complications

Loperamide (Imodium)

How does loperamide work? Loperamide slows down intestinal motility, reducing diarrhea symptoms. It’s effective for:

• Acute diarrhea
• Chronic diarrhea in some conditions

What precautions should you take with loperamide?

• Do not use in cases of bloody diarrhea or suspected bacterial infection
• Avoid in children under 12 without medical advice
• Do not exceed recommended dosage

Probiotics

Can probiotics help with diarrhea? Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may be beneficial in:

• Shortening the duration of infectious diarrhea
• Preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea
• Managing symptoms of IBS

However, more research is needed to determine the most effective strains and dosages for different types of diarrhea.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While many cases of diarrhea can be managed at home, certain situations require prompt medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare provider?

• Diarrhea persists for more than 2-3 days
• Signs of severe dehydration appear
• Blood in the stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever (over 102°F or 39°C)
• Diarrhea in infants and young children
• Diarrhea in elderly individuals or those with weakened immune systems

Why is prompt medical attention important? Early intervention can prevent complications, identify underlying causes, and ensure appropriate treatment, especially in vulnerable populations.

Preventing Diarrhea: Hygiene and Lifestyle Considerations

Can diarrhea be prevented? While not all cases of diarrhea are preventable, many can be avoided through proper hygiene and lifestyle practices:

Hand Hygiene

Why is hand washing crucial? Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diarrhea. Wash your hands thoroughly:

• Before preparing or eating food
• After using the bathroom
• After changing diapers
• After handling pets or their waste

Food Safety

How can you prevent foodborne diarrhea?

• Cook foods thoroughly, especially meats
• Avoid raw or unpasteurized dairy products
• Wash fruits and vegetables before consumption
• Store perishable foods at proper temperatures
• Be cautious with street food in unfamiliar locations

Travel Precautions

What steps can you take to prevent traveler’s diarrhea?

• Drink only bottled or boiled water in high-risk areas
• Avoid ice cubes and raw foods in regions with questionable water quality
• Use bottled water for brushing teeth
• Consider probiotics or preventive medications for high-risk travel

Vaccination

Are there vaccines available for preventing diarrhea? While not applicable to all types of diarrhea, vaccines can protect against some causes:

• Rotavirus vaccine for infants
• Typhoid vaccine for travelers to certain regions
• Cholera vaccine in specific high-risk situations

Consult with your healthcare provider about which vaccines may be appropriate for you or your family members.

Long-Term Management of Chronic Diarrhea

How do you manage chronic or recurrent diarrhea? Chronic diarrhea, lasting more than four weeks, requires a different approach:

Diagnostic Workup

What tests might be necessary for chronic diarrhea?

• Stool tests for parasites, bacteria, and other pathogens
• Blood tests to check for celiac disease, thyroid disorders, and other conditions
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy to examine the digestive tract
• Imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs

Treating Underlying Conditions

How is chronic diarrhea treated? Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth or specific infections
• Anti-inflammatory medications for inflammatory bowel diseases
• Dietary modifications for food intolerances or celiac disease
• Medications to manage motility disorders or secretory diarrhea

Lifestyle Modifications

What lifestyle changes can help manage chronic diarrhea?

• Stress management techniques (as stress can exacerbate symptoms)
• Regular exercise (which can help regulate bowel function)
• Adequate sleep and rest
• Avoiding trigger foods and beverages

Nutritional Support

Why is nutritional support important in chronic diarrhea? Prolonged diarrhea can lead to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. A dietitian can help develop a personalized nutrition plan to ensure adequate nutrient intake while managing symptoms.

In conclusion, managing diarrhea effectively requires a multifaceted approach. From proper hydration and dietary adjustments to the judicious use of medications like Metamucil and over-the-counter remedies, there are numerous strategies available. Remember, while many cases of diarrhea resolve on their own, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. By understanding the causes, recognizing warning signs, and implementing appropriate management techniques, you can effectively navigate this common but potentially serious health issue.

Managing Diarrhea – IFFGD

How Can You Manage Diarrhea?

Managing diarrhea can be tough. Diarrhea is best described as the too frequent and often urgent passage of loose or watery stools, but there is no perfect definition of the disorder.

There are many causes, and diarrhea may be a mild nuisance or a disabling dysfunction with life-threatening consequences. Therefore, if you have anything more than mild, short-term diarrhea, you should consult a physician to obtain a diagnosis and specific treatment. If you have blood in the stool, signs of dehydration, weight loss, or fever such a consultation is urgent.

Acute diarrhea is usually short lived. In the case of viral infection, it must run its course. Antibiotics may shorten the duration of some parasitic and bacterial infections. Sometimes diagnosis is impossible or delayed, there is persistent diarrhea during or despite specific treatment, or intermittent diarrhea is part of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The symptom of diarrhea can usually be managed until the underlying disease is brought under control. Sometimes, diarrhea persists despite everyone’s best efforts.

Hydration

People often underestimate the dehydrating effect of diarrhea, especially if it results from an acute infection in a hot climate. Dehydration may be less noticed in the elderly who often fail to experience appropriate thirst.

Fluid losses must be replaced. For mild episodes, drinking extra water may suffice. But where fluid losses are great, sodium and potassium may also be lost, so the glucose/saline solution recommended by the World Health Organization may be restorative. Your pharmacy will have a commercial version of this solution known as oral replacement therapy (ORT).

ORT is especially important for young children and the elderly. Severe cases may require fluids administered intravenously. For mild cases, soups and juices may suffice. For some acute diarrheal illnesses, hydration is all that is required.

Signs of Dehydration

General signs of dehydration include:

• thirst
• less frequent urination
• dry skin
• fatigue
• light-headedness
• dark colored urine

Signs of dehydration in children include:

• dry mouth and tongue
• no tears when crying
• no wet diapers for 3 hours or more
• sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks
• high fever
• listlessness or irritability
• skin that does not flatten when pinched and released

Diet

Although you may have undergone investigation that has excluded dietary causes, you should know that several commonly ingested substances tend to loosen stools.

Caffeine is present in coffee, tea and cola drinks. Reduced caffeine intake or decaffeinated drinks may ease your diarrhea. (Beware that sudden cessation of caffeine may cause headaches, so withdraw slowly.)

Sorbitol, a common artificial sweetener in certain preserves, gum, and candy, has laxative effects and should also be avoided.

Since the ability to absorb lactose (milk sugar) may be impaired, you should avoid milk products until the diarrhea improves. 

While reducing food intake may be wise in acute diarrhea, it is important to maintain nutrition if the attack lasts more than a few days.

For severe diarrhea, it may be necessary to avoid solid foods for a time, maintaining nutrition with clear fluids, that is, fluids with sugars and proteins through which light passes such as juices, consommé, and jellies. Some soft drinks and sweet juices may contain sugars that are difficult to absorb and therefore may aggravate the diarrhea. After acute infections, lactose and complex carbohydrates may be ill absorbed and should be avoided for a few days.

Bulking Agent

Psyllium (Metamucil, Fybogel, generics) – One teaspoonful of psyllium twice daily is often recommended for constipation, so why use it for diarrhea? The answer is that it has a water-holding effect in the intestines that may help bulk up watery stool. Some doctors recommend it for the variable bowel habit of IBS. It also has the ability to bind some toxins that may be the cause of acute diarrhea. Obviously, psyllium products combined with laxatives should be avoided.

Before taking any medication, whether over the counter or prescription, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about dosage, other medicines you are taking, or any other questions you might have about the treatment. Otherwise, carefully follow the directions on the drug package or on your prescription label.

Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs

Bismuth (Pepto-Bismol, generics) – This preparation is sometimes recommended for traveler’s diarrhea and chronic microscopic colitis. It has many disadvantages. The dose is 30ml of the pink liquid every 30 minutes up to 8 times a day. It turns the stool black and may interfere with the absorption of other drugs such as diphenoxylate (See below) and tetracycline. Chronic, excessive use may cause neurological complications and the salicylate component of the drug may cause salicylate toxicity.

Codeine – Codeine 15 mg. combined with acetaminophen (Tylenol, generic) is available by prescription or over the counter (OTC) in some jurisdictions. If nothing else is handy when stricken with acute diarrhea, two such tablets may help control your acute diarrhea until a regular antidiarrheal drug can be obtained. Beware that overuse use of an OTC codeine combination could include toxic doses of acetaminophen.

Loperamide (Imodium) – The safest of the opioid drugs, loperamide is available OTC in 1 and 2mg doses. Depending on age, the recommended dose is 2 mg after each loose bowel movement to a maximum of 16 mg/day. It has an opioid’s ability to slow gut transit and improve absorption of water from the intestines. Some evidence suggests it also improves anal sphincter tone. Although it has the lowest addiction potential of all opioids, it may cause sedation, nausea, and cramps. It is the best emergency treatment for mild attacks of diarrhea, and when taken preventively it may even help you avoid urgent exits during meetings or other events.

Prescription Drugs for Managing Diarrhea

Codeine phosphate (generic) – The usual therapeutic dose of Codeine is 30 to 60 mg up to every four hours as necessary to control diarrhea. For this, a prescription is required in most jurisdictions. Codeine is potentially addicting, and unsuitable for chronic diarrhea. It is sedating, and causes nausea, making it a second choice after loperamide.

Diphenoxylate (Lomotil) – Because it is an opiate with some addictive potential, diphenoxylate is available only by prescription. It is combined with atropine so that excessive use will cause dry mouth and other undesirable side effects. It is useful if other drugs fail.

Cholestyramine (Questran) – Cholestyramine is a powdered resin with a plastic taste that binds bile salts and has a water-holding effect. When other treatments fail, it may relieve some cases of diarrhea. Rarely, chronic diarrhea occurs after removal of the gall bladder or the lower small intestine (ileum), and cholestyramine has a beneficial effect. Usually prescribed for patients with high cholesterol blood levels, it is available in 4mg packets and is taken with water. Occasionally, a very small dose will improve diarrhea, but for most cases, loperamide is preferable. In addition to its bad taste, cholestyramine may interfere with the absorption of some drugs and vitamins, and may cause hypersensitivity reactions. It should only be used for special cases with a doctor’s advice.

How to Use the Drugs

No medicine is risk free. Ask a pharmacist or your healthcare professional if you are not sure how much medicine to take, how often to take it, or whether an interaction may occur with any other medicine you are taking. Always tell your health care professionals about all the medicines you are taking, including OTC and prescription medicines.

For mild or acute, short-lived diarrhea, most adults may treat themselves with:

• Hydration
• Diet adjustments
• OTC drugs

However, if your diarrhea is severe, prolonged, or accompanied with blood, high (101°F, 39°C) fever, or 10 lb (5kg) weight loss, you should consult a doctor. Special vigilance is required at the extremes of life.

You should use drugs only as necessary, and stop them when the diarrhea stops. In the case of loperamide, you should take the drug after each loose bowel movement. If your social life or business affairs are hampered by unpredictable diarrhea, loperamide may be taken before an event to prevent embarrassing trips to the toilet. Sedation, severe abdominal cramps, or other unexplained symptoms are indications to stop the drug and seek an explanation from your doctor.

Antidiarrheal drugs should be used cautiously and with a doctor’s supervision if the diarrhea is severe. Because they delay colon evacuation, opiates may prolong an intestinal infection (colitis), and in severe colitis, they may precipitate a paralysis of the colon with dire consequences.
Conclusion

For anything more than mild, short-lived diarrhea, a diagnosis is necessary in order to properly treat the underlying cause.

In every case, adequate hydration must be assured. For a short time, clear fluids may suffice, and ORT is available at any pharmacy for more prolonged or severe cases.

Severe watery diarrhea, bloody stools, fever, and weight loss are warning signs requiring a doctor’s assessment and perhaps intravenous fluids and salts.

Sometimes a bulking agent such as psyllium will help, but for moderately severe acute diarrhea, food must be forgone until the diarrhea subsides, or a doctor can make recommendations.

Used as directed, loperamide after loose bowel movements is the safest OTC medication for managing diarrhea. The maximum approved daily dose for adults is 8 mg per day for OTC use and 16 mg per day for prescription use. Never take more than recommended doses. A doctor should be consulted if they fail.

Severe diarrhea can be life-threatening, so caution is important, especially in the very young and very old.

Do you suffer from IBS-D? Learn more about IBS-D by visiting out www.AboutIBS.org website

Learn more

Watch Dr. Brooks Cash, Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, discuss treatment options to help for managing diarrhea

Treatment options for managing diarrhea

Source:
Adapted from IFFGD publication #201 by W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

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Metamucil (Psyllium powder) for Crohn’s and Colitis

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Overview

Metamucil, also known by its active ingredient, Psyllium powder, is a dietary supplement that adds soluble fiber to the diet. Metamucil can be used to treat both constipation and diarrhea. Metamucil is used to treat mild to moderate diarrhea associated with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a health claim that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include seven grams of soluble fiber per day from psyllium may reduce the risk of heart disease. Metamucil is available over the counter.

Metamucil may not be appropriate for people experiencing appendicitis, severe constipation, intestinal blockage, trouble swallowing or undiagnosed bleeding from the rectum.

Metamucil is a natural substance derived from the seed husks of a certain plant. Metamucil is believed to work by adding bulk to fecal matter, absorbing water and slowing bowel movement in cases of diarrhea.

How do I take it?

Metamucil is sold as capsules, wafers and powder that is mixed with water. Follow the directions given to you by your doctor or printed on the package when taking Metamucil. Unless directed to by your doctor, do not take Metamucil for more than seven days.

Some drugs can cause interactions if taken with Metamucil. Don’t take Digoxin, Aspirin or Nitrofurantoin within three hours of taking Metamucil.

Be careful not to inhale Metamucil when you are preparing a dose. It can cause allergic reactions when breathed into the lungs.

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration when taking Metamucil.

Notify your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Metamucil.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Metamucil.

Results

Studies of Psyllium powder (Metamucil) as a treatment for diarrhea in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have yielded conflicting results. However, in one study, Psyllium powder was found to be equally effective as prescription medication Mesalamine[LINK] at maintaining remission from ulcerative colitis.

Side effects

Common side effects of Metamucil include bloating, gas and a sensation of abdominal fullness.

Potentially positive side effects of Metamucil include the ability to lower cholesterol and blood sugar.

Taking too much Metamucil can hinder absorption of minerals during digestion.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, itching, stomach pain, chest pain, skin rash, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Many drugs can cause allergic reactions which, in the most serious cases, can result in death. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling in the face, throat, eyes, lips or tongue.

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Does fiber help with diarrhea in dogs?

Not surprisingly, fiber can also reduce the symptoms of diarrhea and constipation if your dog suffers from them.

Fiber does this by lowering the pH and providing the essential nutrients these bacteria need. All of these traits can help in some cases of diarrhea in dogs. Depending on the cause of your dog’s diarrhea, veterinarians may recommend feeding him either a highly digestible diet or a diet rich in prebiotics (fiber).

In addition to a small amount of canned pumpkin, other fast-breaking foods include white rice mixed with broth, cottage cheese, skinless chicken, boiled chicken, and boiled peeled potatoes. Choose one or two of these foods and give your dog small amounts several times a day.

Soluble fiber slows down the digestive tract, helping with diarrhea, while insoluble fiber can speed up the process, relieving constipation.

Choose soft, easily digestible foods such as white rice, cottage cheese, yogurt, cooked pasta or oatmeal, or high protein foods such as eggs or skinless chicken. Stick to this diet until your dog’s symptoms improve and his routine is back to normal.

The combination of rice and chicken will be 2:1. In other words, if you want to give your dog just one cup of food, he/she will get 1/3 cup of chicken mixed with 2/3 cup of rice. Feed several small meals a day rather than one or two large meals.

Pets that have chronic soft stools or chronic high-grade diarrhea should be checked out by a veterinarian, even if they are otherwise behaving normally. In these cases, the underlying problem is most likely the cause of the diarrhea.

The diet known as BRAT can also quickly relieve diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. This diet is effective due to the tasteless nature of these foods and the fact that they are starchy and low in fiber. These foods bind the digestive tract and make the stool bulkier.

Fiber: Bananas are high in fiber, which is important for your dog’s digestive system. Fiber moves food through the intestinal tract, helping to relieve constipation, diarrhea, and some possible blockages.

Eating too much can cause health problems other than excessive weight gain, including loose stools, abdominal discomfort and swelling. Overfeeding increases the load on the digestive system and reduces its efficiency, which subsequently leads to indigestion.

Best Moist: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, Canned Gastrointestinal Low Fat. Dr. Singleton also recommends Royal Canin Gastrointestinal for dogs with stomach problems. This gut-friendly wet food provides delicious nutrition for dogs struggling with diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite and other gastrointestinal issues.

For both diarrhea and constipation, you need more soluble fiber such as oats, bran and barley.