Upset stomach and diarrhea are common complaints that most people treat on their own. Symptoms that take longer than a few days to subside warrant a trip to the doctor. Severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool and dehydration require more urgent evaluation.
Bowel Rest
Bowel rest is one popular remedy for upset stomach and diarrhea. Sometimes upset stomach and diarrhea resolve if the patient abstains from eating for a short period of time--up to 24 hours. Healthy adults and children--except infants--are well-equipped to tolerate a temporary abstinence from eating. However, dehydration is a different story. Patients should maintain hydrated through frequent, small sips of clear liquids. Good choices, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, include clear soups, clear sodas and diluted juice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends sports drinks such as Gatorade and commercial oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte.
Bland Diet
For patients who feel well enough to eat, a bland, low-fiber diet soothes an upset stomach while increasing transit time through the gastrointestinal tract, which helps correct diarrhea. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends the BRAT diet which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. In addition to these eponymous foods, patients can have saltine crackers, clear soups, boiled potatoes and herbal teas. After 24 to 48 hours, patients can start adding other foods. However, a person with diarrhea should steer clear of dairy products for at least three to seven days after symptoms resolve.
Medications
Several safe and effective over-the-counter remedies are available to combat upset stomach and diarrhea. Good choices include those that list bismuth subsalicylate or loperamide as their active ingredients. According to MedlinePlus, bismuth subsalicylate--brand names Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol--balances the concentration of fluids in the intestine, quells inflammation and inhibits the growth of bacteria and viruses. Loperamide--brand name Imodium--is a cousin of morphine and works by slowing fluid flow through the intestine. Both medications treat diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain caused by diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate also treats upset stomach. Both medications should be taken as directed by a physician or according to package instructions.
References
- CDC: Caring for Someone Sick at Home: Tips to Prevent Dehydration
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Antidiarrheal Medications: OTC Relief for Diarrhea
- American Academy of Family Physicians: BRAT Diet: Recovering from an Upset Stomach
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Vomiting and Diarrhea in Children
- MedlinePlus: Bismuth Subsalicylate
