Most diarrhea cases clear up on their own within a few days. To help
you cope with your signs and symptoms until the diarrhea goes away, try
to:
- Drink plenty of clear liquids, including water, broths and juices, every day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.
- Avoid certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days.
-
Ask about anti-diarrheal medications.
Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide
(Imodium A-D) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), may help reduce
the number of watery bowel movements you experience.
Certain medical conditions and infections — bacterial and
parasitic — may be made worse by these OTC medications because they
prevent your body from getting rid of what's causing the diarrhea. Also,
these drugs aren't always safe for children. Check with your doctor
before taking these medications or giving these medications to a child.
- Consider probiotics. Probiotics contain strains
of living bacteria that are similar to the healthy bacteria normally
found in your digestive system. Probiotics may boost the number of
healthy bacteria present to fight germs in your digestive tract.
Probiotic supplements are available. Beneficial bacteria may also be
found in yogurt and cheese.
Post a Comment