![]() ![]() In most cases, diarrhea will go away on its own within a few days. One thing to keep in mind is that if you take pharmaceutical remedies for traveler’s diarrhea, they may make you feel better sooner, but they could keep any bacteria, parasites, or viruses in your system longer. “These are reasonable to use on occasion and have the great advantage of not requiring a doctor’s prescription,” Bickston says, adding that they should not be used for more than two days. Over-the-counter options include Imodium (loperamide) and Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate). In most cases, over-the-counter medication can be helpful in stopping an occasional bout of diarrhea - especially traveler’s diarrhea, which may result from ingesting contaminated food or water while abroad. Do not try to eliminate these foods from your diet on your own before talking to your doctor because it can alter the results of your tests. Tests are available to see if you have a food allergy or condition like lactose intolerance, celiac disease, or a gluten sensitivity. They can check for infections, food intolerances, and more serious illness. Foods that are sweetened with sorbitol may also aggravate diarrhea, Bickston says.ĭiarrhea that persists for more than two weeks should prompt a visit to your doctor. These include foods high in fiber, such as bran, whole grains, and brown rice, as well as greasy and highly processed foods, dairy (including yogurt), and excessively sweet foods. If diarrhea lasts more than a few days, you might want to investigate the foods you’re eating, as some can irritate your bowel and make diarrhea worse. These include beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, avocados, and carbonated drinks. You’ll also want to stay away from any foods and drinks that cause gas, which can lead to stomach cramping with diarrhea. It’s best to avoid greasy, fatty, and fried foods because these can exacerbate your symptoms. Crackers and mashed potatoes - minus the butter - may offer a better alternative for both adults and children. ![]() At the same time, while bananas may be okay for adults, they’re not recommended for children who’ve been vomiting. Research shows there’s not a lot of evidence to support the benefits of following this diet, but it may not hurt. Some bland foods include bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast - otherwise known as the BRAT diet. Then you can slowly add bland foods to your diet. It’s important to eat if you can, although you may find it best to only have clear liquids for the first 24 hours. When dealing with a brief bout of diarrhea, you want to keep your diet bland. (Temporary lactose intolerance can persist beyond the acute episode.) Milk and other dairy products can also make your symptoms worse because diarrhea can cause temporary lactose intolerance. Caffeinated, alcoholic, and sugary drinks can worsen dehydration. Avoid drinks that can worsen symptoms.Some other good choices for treating diarrhea include clear broth and water. The drink contains both sugar and sodium to help replenish fluids. Pedialyte is marketed toward kids, but adults can drink it, too. “That little amount of salt will help the body absorb fluids but isn’t enough to make the apple juice taste bad.” Bickston recommends keeping your drinks at room temperature because a warm drink will sit better with you than a cold one. People can make their own sports drinks by adding a teaspoon of salt to a quart of apple juice, Bickston says. Sports drinks work because of their sugar and salt content both allow water to be more easily absorbed, and even more so when taken together. Here are some easy ways to stay hydrated: Frequent loose and watery stools can quickly lead to fluid loss. Your body can lose a lot of fluids and salts when you have diarrhea, making dehydration a major concern. If you have diarrhea, here are three ways to ease your discomfort: 1. It’s also important to remember that diarrhea treatments for adults, especially medication, may not be the same for children with diarrhea, so always consult your pediatrician before giving your children any medication. “But severe diarrhea, diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, or prolonged episodes of diarrhea are all reasons to see a doctor, as they could indicate something more serious,” says Stephen Bickston, MD, professor of internal medicine and director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at Virginia Commonwealth University Health Center in Richmond. One of the most common digestive problems is diarrhea, or loose, watery stools, usually accompanied by the frequent and urgent need to use the bathroom.Ī typical bout of diarrhea only lasts a few days, going away on its own without any treatment. While not a pleasant topic to think about, everyone has gastrointestinal issues from time to time.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |