Diarrhea (2024)

FAQs

Diarrhea? ›

Diarrhea is when your stools are loose and watery. You may also need to go to the bathroom more often. Short-term (acute) diarrhea lasts 1 or 2 days. Long-term (chronic) diarrhea lasts several weeks. Diarrhea symptoms may include belly cramps and an urgent need to go to the bathroom.

Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken. Don't eat certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days. Ask about anti-diarrheal medicines.

What foods help diarrhea go away? Eating bland foods can help diarrhea clear quicker and prevent stomach upset and irritation. This can include bananas, plain white rice, applesauce, toast, boiled potatoes, unseasoned crackers, and oatmeal.

Since diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate) Loperamide (Imodium)

Some infections, food allergies and intolerances, digestive tract problems, abdominal surgery, and long-term use of medicines can cause chronic diarrhea. Some infections from bacteria and parasites that cause diarrhea do not go away quickly without treatment.

Loperamide (imodium) may help slow down the movement of fluid through your intestines. This may help restore normal bowel function and prevent dehydration. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may also help treat diarrhea by: reducing intestinal inflammation.

The best things to drink when you have diarrhea are clear liquids (like water), electrolyte drinks, and soup broth. Avoid caffeinated drinks, sugary drinks and alcohol when you have diarrhea. Diarrhea usually gets better on its own within a few days.

Avoid fruits and vegetables that can cause gas, such as broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Limit or cut out milk and other dairy products if they are making your diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating.

The duration of diarrhea symptoms can provide a clue to the underlying cause. Acute diarrhea lasts from 2 days to 2 weeks. Persistent diarrhea lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Acute and persistent diarrhea are typically caused by a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection of some sort.

Bananas are also a low residue food that helps deal with the weakness and dehydration. You can either have it as a fruit or add it to your yoghurt or smoothie. Add 1-2 bananas for 2 times a day to ease the stomach issue.

Should I stay home if I have watery diarrhea? ›

You should try to do the following: Rest at home. Stay off work or school until you have not had a loose bowel motion for 24 hours. Drink clear fluids or oral rehydration solution to replace lost fluids — take small sips if you feel sick.

How can I treat my acute diarrhea? In most cases, you can treat your acute diarrhea with over-the-counter medicines such as loperamide link (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate link (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate).

Most of the time, diarrhea is simply your gut's way of getting rid of a harmful invader, like a bacteria or virus. However, in some cases, diarrhea is caused by a malfunction of the gut, as is the case with inflammatory bowel disease. Many viruses can cause diarrhea. One of the more common causes is norovirus.

A liquid bowel movement, or diarrhea, is usually due to a short-term illness like food poisoning or a virus. However, it can result from a different underlying medical condition. Diarrhea can happen to everyone from time to time. It occurs when you pass liquid instead of formed stool three or more times a day.

Type 7 is stool that is completely liquid with no hard pieces. This can be a sign that your digestive system is inflamed. 10. Factors that can result in diarrhea include bacteria from contaminated water or foods, viruses, or parasites.

The BRAT diet may help firm up your loose stools. BRAT is an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. A low fiber diet may also help firm up your stool. However, speak with a healthcare professional if your symptoms last longer than 2 days.

Key points about diarrhea

Short-term (acute) diarrhea lasts 1 or 2 days. Long-term (chronic) diarrhea lasts several weeks. Diarrhea symptoms may include belly cramps and an urgent need to go to the bathroom. Loss of fluids (dehydration) is one of the more serious side effects.

These things may help you feel better if you have diarrhea: Drink 8 to 10 glasses of clear fluids every day. Water is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement.

The BRAT diet may help firm up your loose stools. BRAT is an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. A low fiber diet may also help firm up your stool. However, speak with a healthcare professional if your symptoms last longer than 2 days.

Diarrhea is classified into four categories: osmotic, secretory, exudative, or rapid intestinal transit diarrhea. Osmotic diarrhea is caused by the presence of solutes in the gastrointestinal tract that are poorly absorbed and produce an osmotic effect.