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Treatment of Diarrhea

Diarrhea is, technically, an increase in the number of bowel movements along with looser and more watery stools. It can be caused by a number of things, including certain medications; viruses; bacterial and parasitic infections; chronic digestive disorders; and consuming too much fruit or fruit juices or artificial sweeteners. When you develop diarrhea, the food you consume passes from the stomach to the colon too quickly and the fluids and nutrients aren't properly absorbed. In most cases, diarrhea will clear on its own without medical treatment.

  1. Fluids

    • Because diarrhea depletes the body's stores of fluids and electrolytes, most doctors will advise people experiencing a bout of diarrhea to try to replace the lost fluids. Fluids and electrolytes are critical in the body because they are necessary to maintain the electrical currents that keep the heart pumping. When the shortages become severe, serious complications can result. Drinking plenty of fluids when you have diarrhea is a good idea so you can keep the body hydrated. Electrolyte solutions such as Gatorade and Pedialyte are also frequently recommended to help restore lost electrolytes. Fruit juices should be avoided because they can make diarrhea worse.

    Dietary Changes

    • When you have diarrhea, it's best to alter your diet temporarily to add certain foods that can help add bulk to your stool and avoid the foods that can make stools looser.Try adding foods such as soda crackers and saltines, toast, rice and chicken. It's best to avoid fatty or fried foods, dairy products and spicy or heavily seasoned foods for at least a few days or until you are feeling better. Children with diarrhea should also cut back on eating fruit and fruit juices, which can make diarrhea worse.

    Underlying Conditions

    • In some cases, especially in people who have chronic diarrhea, establishing the cause of the diarrhea and treating it can help. For example, people with diarrhea caused by digestive conditions may experience relief when the condition is diagnosed and effectively treated. Some people will find relief from diarrhea by following a particular diet. For example, many people who are lactose intolerant will no longer experience diarrhea if they cut lactose-containing dairy products from their diet. In cases where the diarrhea is caused by a virus, such as the stomach flu, it may be necessary to let the diarrhea run its course.

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