Diarrhea is a common condition that can cause loose, watery stools. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, food poisoning, and certain medications. While diarrhea is usually not serious, it can be uncomfortable and lead to dehydration. In most cases, diarrhea will resolve on its own within a few days. However, there are a few things you can do to help speed up recovery and relieve symptoms.
One of the most important things you can do for diarrhea is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or electrolyte drinks. Avoid sugary drinks, which can make diarrhea worse. You should also avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can also dehydrate you.
In addition to staying hydrated, there are a few other things you can do to help relieve diarrhea symptoms. Read the main content section below for more information.
What helps with diarrhea
To relieve diarrhea symptoms, try the following:
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid sugary drinks
- Eat bland foods
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Get plenty of rest
- Use over-the-counter medications
- See a doctor if symptoms persist
If diarrhea is severe or lasts for more than a few days, it is important to see a doctor. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and other serious complications.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to relieve diarrhea symptoms. Diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of fluids and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can make diarrhea worse and can also lead to other serious health problems.
- Drink plenty of fluids. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or electrolyte drinks. Avoid sugary drinks, which can make diarrhea worse. You should also avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can also dehydrate you.
- Electrolytes are important minerals that help your body function properly. When you have diarrhea, you lose electrolytes through your stool. It is important to replace these electrolytes by drinking electrolyte drinks or eating foods that are high in electrolytes, such as bananas, potatoes, and coconut water.
- Dehydration can be dangerous, especially for children and the elderly. If you have diarrhea, it is important to monitor your hydration status and drink plenty of fluids. If you are concerned about dehydration, talk to your doctor.
- Signs of dehydration include: dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms, drink more fluids and see a doctor if they do not improve.
By staying hydrated, you can help to relieve diarrhea symptoms and prevent dehydration.
Avoid sugary drinks
Sugary drinks can make diarrhea worse for a few reasons. First, they can irritate the lining of your intestines, which can lead to more diarrhea. Second, they can draw water into your intestines, which can also make diarrhea worse. Finally, sugary drinks can provide a food source for the bacteria that cause diarrhea.
It is important to avoid all sugary drinks when you have diarrhea, including soda, juice, sports drinks, and energy drinks. You should also avoid foods that are high in sugar, such as candy, cookies, and cakes.
Instead of sugary drinks, drink plenty of fluids that are low in sugar, such as water, broth, or electrolyte drinks. You can also try drinking herbal tea or coconut water.
If you have diarrhea, it is also important to avoid artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners can also irritate the lining of your intestines and make diarrhea worse.
By avoiding sugary drinks and artificial sweeteners, you can help to relieve diarrhea symptoms and speed up recovery.
If you are struggling to stay hydrated because of diarrhea, talk to your doctor. They may recommend an oral rehydration solution or intravenous fluids.
Eat bland foods
Eating bland foods can help to relieve diarrhea symptoms by reducing irritation to your digestive system. Bland foods are low in fiber, fat, and spice, and they are easy to digest.
- Bananas: Bananas are a good source of potassium, which can help to replace electrolytes lost through diarrhea. They are also easy to digest and can help to firm up stools.
- Rice: Rice is another bland food that is easy to digest. It is also a good source of energy and can help to bulk up stools.
- Applesauce: Applesauce is a good source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can help to slow down diarrhea. It is also gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.
- Toast: Toast is a bland food that is easy to digest. It is also a good source of carbohydrates, which can help to provide energy.
Other bland foods that you can eat include: crackers, oatmeal, yogurt, and skinless, boiled chicken or fish. Avoid foods that are high in fiber, fat, or spice, as these can irritate your digestive system and make diarrhea worse.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can both worsen diarrhea. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase the speed at which food moves through your digestive system, which can lead to more diarrhea. Alcohol can also irritate your digestive system and make diarrhea worse.
- Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. If you have diarrhea, it is best to avoid these beverages.
- Alcohol can be found in beer, wine, and liquor. It is also best to avoid alcohol if you have diarrhea.
- Caffeine and alcohol can also dehydrate you, which can make diarrhea worse. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or electrolyte drinks, to stay hydrated.
- If you are struggling to avoid caffeine and alcohol, talk to your doctor. They may be able to provide you with support and guidance.
By avoiding caffeine and alcohol, you can help to relieve diarrhea symptoms and speed up recovery.
Get plenty of rest
Getting plenty of rest is important for overall health, but it is especially important when you have diarrhea. Diarrhea can be very draining, and it can lead to fatigue and exhaustion. Getting enough rest can help your body to recover from diarrhea and to fight off the infection or illness that is causing it.
- Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. This may be difficult if you are experiencing diarrhea at night, but it is important to try to get as much rest as possible.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music. Avoid watching TV or using electronic devices in the hour before bed, as the blue light emitted from these devices can interfere with sleep.
- Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. These conditions are ideal for sleep.
- If you are struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend relaxation techniques or medication that can help you to sleep.
By getting plenty of rest, you can help your body to heal from diarrhea and to feel better faster.
Use over-the-counter medications
If diarrhea is severe or lasts for more than a few days, you may want to consider using over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
- Antidiarrheal medications: Antidiarrheal medications, such as loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), can help to slow down diarrhea. However, these medications should not be used for more than two days without talking to your doctor.
- Bulk-forming laxatives: Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium (Metamucil) and methylcellulose (Citrucel), can help to bulk up stools and make them easier to pass. These medications can also help to absorb water and reduce diarrhea.
- Electrolyte replacement solutions: Electrolyte replacement solutions, such as Pedialyte and Gatorade, can help to replace electrolytes that are lost through diarrhea. These solutions are especially important for children and the elderly, who are more at risk for dehydration.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that can help to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in your digestive system. Probiotics may help to reduce diarrhea and improve digestive health.
It is important to follow the directions on the medication label carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
See a doctor if symptoms persist
If diarrhea is severe or lasts for more than a few days, it is important to see a doctor. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and other serious health problems. You should also see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Bloody or black stools
- Vomiting
- Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Severe abdominal pain
- Dehydration, which can be identified by symptoms such as dry mouth, dark urine, and dizziness
Your doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical examination and order tests, such as a stool test or blood test, to determine the cause of your diarrhea.
Once the cause of your diarrhea is diagnosed, your doctor will recommend the best course of treatment. Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics, if the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection
- Antiviral medications, if the diarrhea is caused by a viral infection
- Antiparasitic medications, if the diarrhea is caused by a parasitic infection
- Over-the-counter medications, such as antidiarrheal medications, bulk-forming laxatives, or electrolyte replacement solutions
- Intravenous fluids, if you are dehydrated
If you have diarrhea, it is important to see a doctor right away if you have any of the symptoms listed above. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
If you have any questions or concerns about diarrhea, talk to your doctor.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about diarrhea:
Question 1: What causes diarrhea?
Answer 1: Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, food poisoning, certain medications, and medical conditions. Some common causes of diarrhea include:
- Bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli
- Viruses, such as norovirus and rotavirus
- Parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium
- Food poisoning
- Medications, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs
- Medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease
Question 2: What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
Answer 2: The most common symptom of diarrhea is loose, watery stools. Other symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
Question 3: How long does diarrhea typically last?
Answer 3: Diarrhea typically lasts for a few days. However, it can last for longer in some cases. If diarrhea lasts for more than two weeks, it is considered chronic diarrhea.
Question 4: When should I see a doctor about diarrhea?
Answer 4: You should see a doctor if you have diarrhea that is severe or lasts for more than a few days. You should also see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Bloody or black stools
- Vomiting
- Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Severe abdominal pain
- Dehydration
Question 5: How is diarrhea treated?
Answer 5: The treatment for diarrhea depends on the cause. If the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. If the diarrhea is caused by a viral infection, there is no specific treatment. Treatment for diarrhea may also include:
- Over-the-counter medications, such as antidiarrheal medications and electrolyte replacement solutions
- Intravenous fluids, if you are dehydrated
- Rest
Question 6: How can I prevent diarrhea?
Answer 6: There are a few things you can do to help prevent diarrhea, including:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom
- Cook food thoroughly
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs
- Drink only clean water
- Get vaccinated against rotavirus and norovirus
Question 7: What should I eat and drink when I have diarrhea?
Answer 7: When you have diarrhea, it is important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or electrolyte replacement solutions. You should also eat bland foods that are easy to digest, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
Closing Paragraph: If you have any questions or concerns about diarrhea, talk to your doctor.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for preventing and treating diarrhea:
Tips
Here are some tips for preventing and treating diarrhea:
Tip 1: Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom. This will help to prevent the spread of germs that can cause diarrhea.
Tip 2: Cook food thoroughly. Undercooked food can contain bacteria that can cause diarrhea. Make sure to cook meat, fish, and eggs thoroughly before eating them.
Tip 3: Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs. Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs can contain bacteria that can cause diarrhea. Avoid eating these foods, especially if you are traveling to a country where food safety standards may be lower.
Tip 4: Drink plenty of fluids. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Drink water, broth, or electrolyte replacement solutions throughout the day, even if you are not thirsty.
Closing Paragraph: If you have diarrhea, it is important to follow these tips to help prevent dehydration and other serious complications. You should also see a doctor if your diarrhea is severe or lasts for more than a few days.
Following these tips can help you to prevent and treat diarrhea. However, if you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.
Conclusion
Diarrhea is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. While diarrhea is usually not serious, it can be uncomfortable and lead to dehydration. In most cases, diarrhea will resolve on its own within a few days. However, there are a few things you can do to help speed up recovery and relieve symptoms.
The most important thing you can do for diarrhea is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or electrolyte drinks. Avoid sugary drinks, which can make diarrhea worse. You should also avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can also dehydrate you.
In addition to staying hydrated, there are a few other things you can do to help relieve diarrhea symptoms. These include:
- Eating bland foods
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Getting plenty of rest
- Using over-the-counter medications, if necessary
If diarrhea is severe or lasts for more than a few days, it is important to see a doctor. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and other serious health problems.
Closing Message: By following the tips in this article, you can help to prevent and treat diarrhea. However, if you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.