Most people have had some sort of diarrhea at some point. Diarrhea can make you feel uncomfortable and leave you weak or dehydrated. Infections, food intolerances, pills, and stress, often contribute to diarrhea. It usually goes away within a few days, but prompt management and treatment is important to keep possible complications, such as dehydration, from developing. If you are experiencing diarrhea of any form, this article will help you navigate the steps you need to take to manage and treat it.
Stay Hydrated
Diarrhea is one of the biggest threats there is because you lose a ton of fluids and electrolytes. In order to avoid this it is very important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking a lot of water throughout the day. For more severe cases, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are suggested. They have a balance of salts and sugar so that your body can absorb fluids more easily. ORS packets can be found at pharmacies or you can make a homemade version by mixing six teaspoons of sugar and half a scant of salt in one liter of water. Diluted fruit juices and clear broths can be nourishing as well without upsetting a stomach.
Eat the Right Foods
When you have diarrhea, your system is sensitive, and you should make an effort to eat foods that are gentle on your (and your digestive system’s) stomach. For as long as any of us can remember, the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) has been touted as a cure for diarrhea given that it is bland and low in fiber and helps solidify stuff. Besides the BRAT diet, plain crackers or boiled potatoes are also easy to tolerate and are bland. These are foods that will allow your digestive system to rest and then recover without making the situation any worse. Fatty, fibrous, or too spicy foods irritate the digestive tract and perpetuate symptoms, so avoid them.
Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
The gut can be irritated by some foods and beverages, or it can be hard to digest, making diarrhea worse. For instance, dairy products are hard to digest during diarrhea especially if you are lactose intolerant. Also avoid caffeinated drinks including coffee and soda because they can simulate the intestines and make dehydration worse. Alcohol and high fiber foods such as raw vegetables and whole grains act similarly. Cutting down on these products will help your digestive system to heal sooner.
Medications for Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be soothed by over the counter medications and used with caution. You may recognize loperamide (Imodium) for its use in slowing down the movement of the intestines and reducing the amount of times you stool. But this medication should not be taken with an infection that causes diarrhea because it can trap harmful bacteria in the intestines. Traveller’s diarrhea: Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may be used to reduce diarrhea and relieve symptoms, such as nausea or cramps. If your diarrhea is due to a bacterial infection, your gastroenterologist may prescribe antibiotics to treat it.
Practice Good Hygiene
When it’s due to an infection, diarrhea can spread very easily to other people, so hygiene is important for managing the diarrhea. To decrease the chance of spreading the infection, wash your hands well with soap and water after the restroom and before eating. However, if traveling, food and water sources should be handled carefully and raw or undercooked food avoided, since travelers’ diarrhea is a possibility.
Visit A Doctor
However, some diarrhea cases require medical attention, and while those caused by bacterial infections often clear up within a couple of days, diarrhea that lasts longer may require hospitalization. If you see any of the symptoms of severe dehydration—such as extreme thirst, little to no urination, dizziness, or confusion—you need immediate medical care. However, if diarrhea lasts more than two days in adults or more than 24 hours in children, a visit to a gastroenterologist in Rawalpindi is in order. Other signs that something is wrong may include bloody stools, high fever or severe abdominal pain, which would all merit a visit to the doctor.
Conclusion
Diarrhea is managed and treated by rehydrating and feeding the right foods, avoiding irritants, and taking medications on a case–by case basis. And in doing so, you can reduce pain, allowing quicker recovery. Matter of fact, you should always watch out for warning signs that need medical attention including dehydration or prolonged symptoms that can turn into a worst case scenario.
