Diarrhea is defined as loose stools that occur three or more times in a day. Chronic diarrhea is diarrhea that is persistent or lasts from two to four weeks.
How to Stop Diarrhea
Diet changes can often help stop diarrhea. Foods that help stop diarrhea are those that are easy-to-digest and binding, such as:
- Pasta
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Crackers
- Oatmeal
- Bananas
Other home remedies for diarrhea include:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Good choices include liquids with sugar and salt, such as juice and broth
- Eat salty foods to help prevent dehydration
- Soups
- Avoid food and drinks that are triggers such as milk
- Increase fiber intake
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medicines
- Take probiotics
Treatment for diarrhea depends on the cause. Diet changes and home remedies are often sufficient and diarrhea will go away on its own with rest, hydration, and a bland diet. When treatment is needed it may include:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids to treat and prevent dehydration
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Loperamide (Imodium)
- Diphenoxylate-atropine (Lomotil)
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate)
- Antibiotics, if diarrhea is caused by certain bacterial infections
- Stopping or changing medications (do not stop or change any medications without first talking to your doctor)
- Treating any underlying medical condition
What Are Symptoms of Diarrhea?
Diarrhea itself is a symptom of many different conditions. Symptoms that may accompany diarrhea include:
What Is the Cause of Diarrhea?
Causes of diarrhea may include:
- Eating certain foods
- Laxative use
- Viruses
- Medications
- Digestive problems
- Digestive diseases
- Bacteria
- Caffeine intake
- Parasites
- Allergies
- Complications from past surgeries
- Alcohol use
How Is Diarrhea Diagnosed?
Diarrhea is diagnosed with a patient history that includes questions about how diarrhea occurs, when symptoms began, what you’ve eaten recently, the consistency of the stool, and whether there is blood in the stool.
A physical exam may be performed, and a stool sample may be taken to help determine the cause of the diarrhea.
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https://iffgd.org/lower-gi-disorders/diarrhea/common-causes.htm
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diarrhea-in-adolescents-and-adults-the-basics?search=diarrhea&source=search_result&selectedTitle=4~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=4
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html