To treat diarrhea effectively, follow these steps:
Hydration and Fluid Replacement
- Drink plenty of liquids such as water, broths, and juices to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can worsen symptoms
- Use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) especially for children, older adults, or those with weak immune systems. ORS contain the right balance of salts and electrolytes to replace what is lost during diarrhea
- If you cannot keep fluids down or are severely dehydrated, medical treatment with intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary
Dietary Adjustments
- Gradually add semisolid, low-fiber, bland foods as your stool returns to normal. Examples include toast, rice, bananas, applesauce, and crackers (the BRAT diet)
- Avoid dairy products (if lactose intolerant), fatty foods, high-fiber foods, highly seasoned foods, and artificial sweeteners until recovery
- Eat small, frequent meals rather than large meals to ease digestion during recovery
Medications
- Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicines like loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate may help reduce symptoms in adults but should be used cautiously and avoided in children, or if you have fever or blood in stool
- Antibiotics or antiparasitic medications are only used if diarrhea is caused by specific bacterial or parasitic infections, as most cases are viral and do not benefit from antibiotics
Additional Measures
- Probiotics may help restore healthy gut bacteria and potentially shorten diarrhea duration, though evidence is still evolving
- Rest and stay home until symptoms improve and you have not had loose stools for at least 24 hours
When to Seek Medical Care
- If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, worsens, or is accompanied by severe dehydration, blood in stool, high fever, or severe pain, see a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment
In summary, treat diarrhea primarily by staying hydrated with fluids and electrolytes, eating bland foods, and using medications only when appropriate. Severe or prolonged cases require medical attention
