Diarrhea is an uncomfortable condition that everyone experiences in their lifetime. Diarrhea has many causes, but the main symptom is loose, watery stools that occur at least three times in one day, according to eMedTV. Typically, diarrhea lasts a day or two and then clears up, but sometimes diarrhea can last much longer and be a sign of something more serious, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Diarrhea causes a large volume of water to be lost along with the stool, and this can prove dangerous for infants and elderly people. A physician should be consulted for any diarrhea that lasts more than two days.
Step 1
Pay attention to the amount of water lost through diarrhea. Dehydration is a serious condition that can result from prolonged diarrhea. The Mayo Clinic lists the symptoms of dehydration as dry mouth, excessive thirst, decreased amounts of dark urine, dizziness and weakness. Seek medical attention for dehydration immediately.
Step 2
Get some rest between bouts. Diarrhea can be exhausting and painful, with bloating, abdominal cramping and rectal pain.
Step 3
Wash your hands with soap and water following every bowel movement to avoid spreading the virus to anyone else. If diarrhea is caused by food intolerance or as a result of taking strong antibiotics, it cannot be spread to others, but it is best to clean your hands.
Step 4
Ask a physician about taking an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication, such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. According to eMedTV, anti-diarrheal medications cannot be taken by those with diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites because the organisms will become trapped in the intestine, causing more problems. A physician may prescribe an antibiotic for those cases.
Step 5
Replenish lost water. It is very important to stay hydrated while you have diarrhea. According to HealthCentral, drinking plenty of clear liquids, such as water, weak tea, broths and electrolyte-containing sports drinks, helps replace lost water, sodium and potassium. If drinking a volume of liquid brings on a bout of diarrhea, try sucking on ice chips.
Step 6
Add soft foods to your diet slowly. According to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse, foods that help bind the stool include steamed rice, bananas, toast, crackers, cooked carrots, boiled potatoes, applesauce and baked chicken without the skin.
Step 7
Avoid foods and beverages that irritate the bowel, such as dairy products and fatty foods, and those that cause the loss of more water and sodium, such as coffee and caffeinated sodas.
Step 8
Ease stomach cramps by using a low-heat heating pad or warm compress on the abdomen.
Things You'll Need
- Soap and water
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Water, broths and sports drinks
- Ice chips
- Soft foods
- Heating pad or warm compress
