8 Ways to Deal With Diarrhea
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
-
Find Relief FastWhen you’re dealing with a bout of diarrhea, you just want it to end. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to relieve this bothersome problem. Find out what you can do—and when to call your doctor.
-
1. Take MedicineThere are two leading over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications. Loperamide, sold under the brand name Imodium, slows the rate at which fluids move through your intestines, while bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) reduces inflammation and fights bugs. Ask your doctor before taking them if you take prescription drugs or have an aspirin allergy.
-
-
2. Drink FluidsDehydration, which occurs when you have low levels of fluids and electrolytes, is a common complication of diarrhea. Signs include thirst, dark-colored urine, dizziness, and fatigue. To combat dehydration, drink water along with beverages that contain sodium and other electrolytes. These include sports drinks, broths, caffeine-free sodas, and juices.
-
3. Call Your DoctorLoose, watery stools that last more than two days can signal a serious health problem. See a health care provider. Also seek medical attention if you have severe abdominal pain, a fever of 102 degrees or higher, or stools that are black, tarry, or contain blood or pus.
-
4. Find the CauseYour doctor can help you pinpoint the cause of your distress, which can give you clues for relieving it. For instance, diarrhea can be linked to bacteria or viruses, antibiotics or other medications, intestinal diseases, or food sensitivities. Treating the underlying condition may ease your troubled stomach.
-
5. Adjust Your DietSome foods are more likely to aggravate your intestines. Avoiding them can reduce your symptoms. These include dairy, high-fiber fruits and vegetables, gum, candy, and greasy or spicy dishes. Instead, stick to bland foods, such as rice, bananas, apple sauce toast, cooked carrots, and skinless baked chicken.
-
-
6. Try YogurtLactose, the sugar in milk, may make some cases of diarrhea worse. But yogurt, which has less lactose than milk, is easier to digest. In fact, the live cultures in selected brands of yogurt products—called probiotics—may help you feel better. Probiotics are also available as capsules, tablets, and powders.
-
7. Consider ChamomileResearch isn’t conclusive, but this herb has been used to ease diarrhea for thousands of years. You can drink it in tea, or swallow liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets. Use caution if you have ragweed allergies. Chamomile is in the same family and may provoke a potentially dangerous reaction.
-
8. Make Yourself ComfortableEase the external irritation of diarrhea by washing with a mild soap after each bowel movement. Consider applying an ointment, such as A&D ointment or petroleum jelly, to the area. Sitting in a tub of warm water or a sitz bath may also soothe your skin.
8 Ways to Deal With Diarrhea