Diarrhea is a very common disorder, characterized by an increase in the volume, fluidity and frequency of faecal bowel movements. It can be accompanied by fever, cramps, nausea or vomiting. It's an annoying and unpleasant problem, but you can find relief with some home remedies. However, see your doctor if it lasts longer than 2 days or your young child continues to have diarrhea for more than 24 hours. Also, seek medical attention immediately if you have severe symptoms, including dehydration, traces of blood, or pus in your stool.
be careful! Do not use the methods described in this article if you need to treat diarrhea in infants and children under the age of 2. Call your pediatrician and follow their directions. Do not give antidiarrheal medications to young children without first consulting.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Drink the Right Liquids
Step 1. Hydrate your body with water and electrolyte drinks
Diarrhea dehydrates the body, so you need to drink plenty of clear fluids. Water is very important, but you should also opt for a drink made with electrolytes, including sodium, chloride and potassium. Water alone does not contain enough water to invigorate you in case of severe dehydration.
- Healthy male adults who are in good health should consume at least 3 liters of water per day, while women (always in adulthood and of healthy and robust constitution) should consume at least 2.2 liters per day. The water intake may need to be higher in case of dehydration caused by diarrhea.
- Water, vegetable extracts (especially celery and carrot), sports drinks, preparations for replenishing electrolytes, herbal teas (without theine), non-carbonated ginger ale and salty broth, such as the miso soup are great options for adults.
- Barley fish can also be an excellent drink to rehydrate. For every liter of boiled water, use 1 cup of raw barley. Leave it to infuse for 20 minutes, strain it and drink it throughout the day.
- Babies should drink oral solutions to rehydrate, such as Pedialyte. They are balanced to meet the nutritional needs of the little ones and can be purchased at the pharmacy. White grape juice can also be great for children who are dehydrated due to diarrhea.
Step 2. Stay away from fizzy and caffeinated drinks
Coffee and sodas irritate the intestines and may make diarrheal discharge worse. If you want to drink ginger ale, stir it with a spoon and leave it open overnight to let it vent.
Avoid alcohol when you have diarrhea. It dehydrates the body and can make symptoms worse
Step 3. Find relief with herbal teas
Mint, chamomile, and green tea are very effective in countering the nausea that often accompanies diarrhea. You can buy them in sachets or prepare them at home.
- Chamomile has no contraindications for children or adults, unless they are allergic to ragweed. Do not give other herbal drinks to children without first consulting the pediatrician.
- You can make fenugreek tea by pouring one level teaspoon of fenugreek seeds into a cup of hot water. Although there is not enough scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, this remedy could calm stomach pain and fight nausea.
- Contact your doctor before trying other herbal teas. Those based on blackberry and raspberry, blueberry or carob leaves relieve inflammation in the stomach and intestines. However, they can also interfere with some medications and cause complications if you have pre-existing health problems. So check with your doctor before giving it a try.
Step 4. Try ginger preparations to reduce nausea and inflammation
They help to combat the state of discomfort caused by these two symptoms. You can drink non-carbonated ginger ale or ginger tea to soothe stomach pain and soothe intestinal irritation. If you drink ginger ale, make sure it contains a sufficient amount of ginger: sometimes the content is low, so the product is not effective.
- You can make an herbal tea by boiling 12 slices of fresh ginger in 700ml of water. Put everything on low heat so that it cooks for 20 minutes extracting the active ingredients and the aroma. Before drinking it, add a pinch of honey as this ingredient also helps reduce the symptoms of diarrhea.
- The ginger tea does not have any indications for pregnant and lactating women. However, no more than 1 g of ginger per day should be taken in these cases.
- Do not give ginger to children who are less than 2 years old. On the other hand, older ones can consume small doses of ginger ale or ginger tea to treat nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
- Ginger can interfere with the action of blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin), so don't use it if you're on anticoagulant therapy.
Step 5. Drink in small sips to avoid upsetting your stomach
If the diarrhea is caused by an intestinal virus or is accompanied by vomiting, sudden and excessive consumption of fluids could make it worse. Try sipping regularly throughout the day to keep your belly from getting upset.
You can also use ice cubes or popsicles to keep yourself hydrated. These are especially good options for children who are tempted to gulp down any liquid substance when they are dehydrated
Step 6. Continue to breastfeed your baby
Don't stop even if you have diarrhea. This habit will comfort him by promoting hydration.
Do not give him cow's milk in case of diarrhea. It can cause gas and intestinal bloating
Method 2 of 4: Eat the Right Foods
Step 1. Get enough fiber to absorb water and make fecal matter firmer
Fiber helps relieve diarrhea. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the leading organization of food and nutrition professionals in the United States) recommends a minimum daily intake of 25g for women and 38g for men. Try adding insoluble fiber or bran to your diet when you have diarrhea.
- Brown rice, barley, and other whole grains are excellent sources of insoluble fiber. Cook them in chicken broth or miso soup to replenish lost salts.
- Foods that contain potassium and fiber are mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes and bananas.
- Cooked carrots are also an excellent source of fiber. If you prefer, you can use them to make a puree.
Step 2. Eat salty crackers to decrease nausea
They are light and can soothe stomach pain. Some also contain fiber, which is useful for thickening stool.
If you are gluten intolerant, try rice cakes instead of wheat crackers
Step 3. Try the BRAT diet to keep your stomach up
The acronym BRAT is an English acronym that stands for banana (banana), rice (rice), applesauce (apple sauce) and toast (toast). It adds bulk to the fecal matter and allows you to nourish yourself gently, without irritating the stomach.
- Choose wholemeal rice and toast. They contain more fiber and nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.
- Apple puree contains pectin, which helps thicken the stool. Conversely, apple juice may have a laxative effect, making diarrhea worse.
- Avoid solid foods if you keep vomiting. Replace them with broth and other liquids, then call your doctor.
Step 4. Avoid milk and its derivatives
They can cause diarrhea in lactose intolerant people. Even those who do not suffer from this intolerance may have greater difficulty digesting dairy products in case of diarrhea.
Step 5. Avoid fatty, fried and spicy foods
They can upset the stomach and make diarrhea worse. Opt for soft, light foods until you feel better.
If you need protein, try boiled or baked chicken, without skin. Scrambled eggs are fine too
Method 3 of 4: Use Non-Physician Prescribed Treatments
Step 1. Try bismuth subsalicylate for symptom relief
Ask your pharmacist to recommend a product that contains this active ingredient. It helps to calm inflammation and aids in the management of fluids within the body.
- In addition, it has an antibacterial effect, so it is effective against diarrhea caused by intestinal viruses or bacterial infections, such as traveler's diarrhea.
- Avoid this substance if you are allergic to aspirin. Also, do not combine it with other drugs that contain acetylsalicylic acid.
- Do not give antidiarrheals to young children without first consulting your pediatrician.
Step 2. Use loperamide to slow digestion and relieve diarrhea
Loperamide (trade name Imodium) keeps the stools in the system for longer to form a more consistent mass and, therefore, can calm diarrhea. Take it exactly following the directions on the package insert.
- Antidiarrheal drugs can worsen the physical condition if you have an intestinal infection or parasite. In other words, the body tries to eliminate the cause through diarrhea, so it may take longer to fight and heal.
- Do not take more than one antidiarrheal. Only use one at a time.
- Do not give it to children under the age of 2 unless your doctor tells you to.
Step 3. Take psyllium fiber
It is an excellent source of soluble fiber. It helps to absorb water in the intestines and harden the stool.
- Adults should take psyllium in small doses (1 / 2-2 tsp, or 2.5-10 g) mixed with water. If you are not used to this substance, start with a low dosage and gradually increase it.
- Do not give it to children without first consulting your pediatrician. If they are over 6 years old, they can take it in very small doses (1.25g) mixed with water.
Method 4 of 4: When to See Your Doctor
Step 1. See your doctor if your diarrhea lasts longer than two days
It will likely disappear within 48 hours. If not, you may need your doctor's help to fight an infection or treat a hidden condition. Consult it to receive a correct diagnosis and to learn about treatment options.
Remember that diarrhea can cause dehydration, especially if it doesn't go away. In turn, since dehydration can trigger serious complications, it's important to see your doctor if it persists
Warning:
if the child has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, take him to the doctor as soon as possible.
Step 2. Get immediate treatment for fever, blood, pus, or severe pain
Even if you are probably fine, these symptoms could indicate a more serious condition. Hence, you should visit your doctor in order to follow the proper therapy. Call him immediately if you notice the following symptoms:
- Fever above 39 ° C;
- Frequent vomiting;
- Traces of blood or pus in the stool
- Black or picee stools (tar-like in appearance)
- Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
- At least six diarrheal discharges within 24 hours;
- Symptoms of dehydration, including lightheadedness, weakness, dark urine, and dry mouth.
Step 3. Take your child to the doctor if they show signs of dehydration
It is normal for diarrhea in children to cause dehydration because it promotes fluid loss. In turn, if left untreated, dehydration can cause further complications. Fortunately, your doctor can help you. Take your child immediately if you notice these symptoms:
- Decreased urination or dry diaper
- Poor tearing
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite or lethargy
- Sunken eyes
- Nervousness.
Step 4. Ask your doctor about your treatment options
In most cases, the diarrhea passes without medical treatment. However, your doctor may recommend that you try an over-the-counter medicine first or, if you have certain underlying infections or conditions, prescribe therapy. For example, it may indicate one of the following treatments to you:
- If the cause of the diarrhea goes back to a bacterium or intestinal parasite, he or she may prescribe an antibiotic.
- If it depends on taking a drug, you may change it or modify its dosage.
- If you are dehydrated, it will help you replenish lost fluids.
- If you have Crohn's disease or have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it will help you manage your condition and may recommend a visit to a gastroenterologist for further treatment.
Advice
- In most cases, diarrhea is caused by bacteria, viruses, or intestinal parasites. However, it can also be caused by a drug reaction, including herbal medicines. Food intolerances can also cause diarrhea, such as sorbitol and mannitol.
- Certain intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, can cause diarrhea. In these cases, it is necessary to seek medical attention and be treated with the drugs he prescribes. Diarrhea is also a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
- Avoid fruit, caffeine, and alcohol for 48 hours after your symptoms go away.
- In many cases, it's best to let the diarrhea run its course. If it is caused by a bacterial infection or intestinal parasite, the body uses it to get rid of the unwanted host.
Warnings
- If you notice any blood, mucus, or pus in your stool, see your doctor right away.
- Do not resort to home remedies to treat children under 2 years of age. Contact your pediatrician to find out how to intervene.
- If the diarrhea is accompanied by a high fever (i.e. it exceeds 38 ° C), contact your doctor immediately.
- If your baby is not drinking or urinating, see your pediatrician immediately.
- Antidiarrheal drugs, such as Imodium, can worsen the physical condition if the diarrhea is caused by an infection.
