Diarrhea is the increase in the volume and frequency of loose, watery bowel movements. It is also generally accompanied by gas, cramping and feelings of urgency. Causes of diarrhea may vary from irritating foods, stress, tumors and drugs to infection with viruses, bacteria or parasites. Diarrhea is also a symptom of chronic disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel syndrome and malabsorption syndromes.
Over-the-counter Treatments
Loperamide (one brand name: Imodium) works by slowing down your intestinal activity. Bismuth subsalicylate (one brand name: Pepto-bismol) works by balancing the way fluid moves through your intestines and helps reduce inflammation caused by diarrhea. Bismuth turns the stool black, but this is a common side effect that you should not worry about. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, these antidiarrheal medications should not be used if the cause of your diarrhea is a bacterial or parasitic infection. "This is because the medicine keeps your body from getting rid of the bacteria or parasite that is causing the diarrhea." If your diarrhea is bloody or is accompanied by fever, rash or pain, you should consult your doctor who may order stool tests that detect infectious organisms.
Prescription Treatments
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics depending on the cause of the diarrhea, such as in the case of bacterial infection. Other prescription treatments include opioids, diphenoxylate or paregoric (tincture of opium). These medicines work by relaxing intestinal muscles.
Fluids
Adequate fluid intake is important because having diarrhea often leads to dehydration and, subsequently, a loss of important electrolytes. The Merck Manual states that "if large amounts of fluid and electrolytes are lost, the person feels weak, and blood pressure can drop enough to cause fainting (syncope), heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias), and other serious disorders." People with severe diarrhea, very young children and elderly are at particular risk.
