How to Stop Viral Diarrhea

Viral diarrhea is caused by a virus in the digestive tract. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) call this viral gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. It is contagious and is caused by a number of viruses, which cannot be treated with medication but instead must run their course. Prevention of viral diarrhea requires proper hygiene including hand washing and washing and cooking foods thoroughly. Treating viral diarrhea usually means reducing the symptoms, which can be done at home.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Pedialyte (for children)
• Gatorate
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Banana
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast

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Instructions

• 1

  Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration from frequent diarrhea. The CDC recommends keeping a supply of oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home to be used for children. Examples of this include Pedialyte or Gatorade. Be sure to get your doctor's approval before giving these type of drinks to a young infant. Adults can also drink Gatorade but water or clear liquids work just fine.

• 2

  Take an anti-diarrhea medication. These come in liquid, pill or chewable tablet form. Consult a physician before providing this medicine to a child or infant. Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications as they may increase the symptoms of certain stomach bugs.

• 3

  Continue a clear liquid diet 24 hours. Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) suggests clear liquids until the diarrhea stops.

• 4

  Eat foods from the B.R.A.T. diet as they are bland and will slow the digestive process and calm the stomach. These foods include bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

• 5

  Begin introducing normal foods the day after eating the B.R.A.T. diet. Avoid spicy, greasy or acidic foods, per CCSU for at least one more day to avoid irritating the stomach.