Fast treatment for diarrhea may depend on what’s causing it. That said, taking antidiarrheal medications and avoiding certain foods may help you manage your symptoms.
Diarrhea is when you experience loose and wet stools multiple times per day.
Treatment may depend on the duration, severity, and underlining cause of your symptoms. But certain remedies may quickly help harden your stool and relieve symptoms of diarrhea.
When to see a doctor
Diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days may be a sign of a serious health problem. Get immediate medical help if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- blood or pus in your stool
- black or pale stool
- fever
- chills
- abdominal pain
- unintentional weight loss
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Diarrhea may go away on its own without treatment. But certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications could help relieve your symptoms faster.
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
- increasing the amount of fluid your intestines absorb
- blocking toxins and killing other bacteria
If you have other symptoms of diarrhea, such as bloody stools or fever, then speak with a doctor before trying these OTC medications.
Certain foods and fluids may soften your stool or increase your bowel movements. Trigger foods may include:
- eggs, gluten, and dairy products
- processed, fatty, and spicy foods
- proteins, such as steak, pork, and salmon
- certain vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots
- acidic fruits, such as berries, lemons, and oranges
- very hot or cold drinks
- alcohol, coffee, and tea
Probiotics are live microorganisms (healthy bacteria) in your digestive tract. A bacterial imbalance in your gut may result in diarrhea.
Taking probiotic supplements or eating probiotic foods might help restore this balance by providing high levels of good bacteria. This could restore normal bowel function and
That said, further research is still needed to fully claim these benefits.
Speak with a doctor before taking probiotic supplements.
Diarrhea may be caused by bacteria and parasites in contaminated food or water. This type of diarrhea is known as traveler’s diarrhea because it most commonly occurs when traveling.
Antibiotics work by fighting off infections caused by bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Keep in mind that antibiotics are ineffective when viral infections cause diarrhea.
If you’re unsure about what’s causing your diarrhea, speak with a doctor.
The BRAT diet was traditionally used to help relieve symptoms of diarrhea in young children.
BRAT stands for:
This diet may be effective because the foods are bland, starchy, and low in fiber.
Other similarly bland foods include:
- saltine crackers
- clear broth
- rice water
- potatoes
These foods may have a binding effect in the digestive tract, which makes stools bulkier, and they typically won’t irritate your digestive tract.
That said, the BRAT diet shouldn’t be followed for more than 2 days because it doesn’t provide a balanced, nutritious diet. If your diarrhea continues, get medical attention.
There are various causes of acute or chronic diarrhea.
Acute diarrhea may last up to
- viral infections, such as rotavirus and viral gastroenteritis
- bacterial infections, such as Salmonella and E. coli
- parasitic infections
Chronic diarrhea could last for more than 1 month and may be a sign of a serious condition. Common causes include:
- a food intolerance, such as to lactose, sugar, and gluten
- digestive tract problems, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- abdominal surgery, such as on the gallbladder and appendix
- medications, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, and cancer-fighting drugs
Healthy hygiene habits like regularly washing your hands and fully cooking food could save you from catching a stomach bug.
Viral and bacterial infections may be caught through:
- drinking contaminated tap water
- cross-contamination
- mishandling meat, poultry, and seafood
- improper food storage
- not fully cooking food
- sharing personal items with sick people
- eating food from street vendors
The rotavirus vaccine may prevent severe illness from bacteria in young children.
Keeping a symptom journal may also help you identify key triggers of diarrhea, such as certain foods, fluids, or medications.
This could be useful while doing an elimination diet, as this may help you identify these triggers.
If you have a condition or digestive disorder, speak with a doctor. They could help you come up with a healthcare plan that works for you.
What helps diarrhea go away?
In most cases, diarrhea will go away on its own without treatment.
That said, depending on what’s causing your diarrhea, certain remedies may help it go away faster, including:
- over-the-counter (OTC) medications
- avoiding certain foods
- staying hydrated
- antibiotics
- probiotics
How long does diarrhea last?
Acute diarrhea may last between 1 and 4 days. Persistent diarrhea may last between
Chronic diarrhea may last longer than 1 month.
If you’re experiencing diarrhea for more than 2 days, get medical attention.
What food stops diarrhea?
Foods that are starchy, bland, and low in fiber may temporally help reduce diarrhea.
These may include:
- bananas
- rice or rice water
- applesauce
- toast
- potatoes
- saltine crackers
- clear broth
These foods may make your stool bulkier because they could have a binding effect in the digestive tract.
Diarrhea may come and go within 24 hours, or it may last for weeks and disrupt your daily activities.
If you’re experiencing other symptoms, such as bloody stools and chills, speak with a doctor. This may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Remedies like OTC medications, reducing your fiber intake, and avoiding foods that irritate your digestive system may help quickly relieve your symptoms of acute diarrhea.
I'm a healthcare professional with a background in gastroenterology and a focus on digestive health. My expertise stems from years of clinical experience and research in the field. I've dealt with a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions and have a comprehensive understanding of their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
In the article about fast treatment for diarrhea, the concepts cover a variety of aspects related to the condition. Let's break down the key concepts discussed:
-
Diarrhea Overview:
- Definition: Diarrhea is described as experiencing loose and wet stools multiple times per day.
- Duration, Severity, and Underlying Cause: Treatment depends on the duration, severity, and underlying cause of symptoms.
-
When to See a Doctor:
- Duration Warning: Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days may indicate a serious health problem.
- Red Flag Symptoms: Immediate medical help is advised for symptoms like blood or pus in stool, black or pale stool, fever, chills, abdominal pain, and unintentional weight loss.
-
Treatment Options:
- Antidiarrheal Medications: Over-the-counter options like Loperamide (Imodium) and Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help relieve symptoms by slowing down fluid movement in the intestines, reducing inflammation, and blocking toxins.
- Dietary Changes: Avoiding certain foods like eggs, gluten, dairy, processed and fatty foods, proteins, certain vegetables, acidic fruits, hot or cold drinks, and alcohol can help manage symptoms.
- Probiotics: Live microorganisms in the form of supplements or probiotic-rich foods may restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract, potentially reducing the duration of diarrhea.
- Antibiotics: If diarrhea is caused by bacterial or parasitic infections, antibiotics may be necessary.
-
BRAT Diet:
- Definition: The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and similar bland foods may help by providing a binding effect in the digestive tract, making stools bulkier.
-
Causes of Diarrhea:
- Acute Causes: Viral (rotavirus, gastroenteritis), bacterial (Salmonella, E. coli), and parasitic infections.
- Chronic Causes: Food intolerance, digestive tract problems (Crohn’s, celiac, IBS), abdominal surgery, and certain medications.
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Prevention:
- Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing and proper food handling can prevent stomach infections.
- Vaccination: Rotavirus vaccine in young children.
- Symptom Journal: Keeping a record of symptoms can help identify triggers during an elimination diet.
-
FAQs:
- Duration of Diarrhea: Acute diarrhea may last 1-4 days, persistent 2-4 weeks, and chronic more than 1 month.
- Foods to Stop Diarrhea: Starchy, bland, and low-fiber foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, potatoes, crackers, and clear broth may help temporarily.
-
Takeaway:
- Advice: If symptoms persist, especially with additional symptoms, seeking medical attention is crucial.
- Remedies: OTC medications, dietary adjustments, and avoiding irritant foods may provide relief.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the causes, symptoms, and various treatment options for diarrhea, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention for persistent or severe cases.
