Diarrhea occurs when body wastes are discharged from the bowel more often and in more liquid state than usual.
Symptoms
Watery, loose stools
Frequent bowel movements
Cramping or pain in the abdomen
Causes
Common causes are infections that affect the digestive system, food
poisoning, overuse of laxatives or alcohol, and taking some antibiotics, like
tetracycline. Diarrhea is also a symptom of lactose intolerance, diverticulitis,
ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.
Treatment
Self-care treats most cases of diarrhea. If it is caused by a medical
condition, treatment for the condition treats the diarrhea.
Does the diarrhea occur in an infant or a child and is it present
with any of the following? Sunken eyes Dry skin that doesn't spring back after
being pinched Dry diaper for more than 3 hours in an
infant Passing no urine for more than 6 hours in a
child Unusual lethargy, weak cry Acting very upset or cranky |
 |
| With diarrhea, does an adult have any of these problems ? Blood in the stool, tarlike, or
maroon colored stools Very severe abdominal or rectal pain Dry mouth, excessive thirst, little or no
urination, weakness, and confusion |
|
| Has the diarrhea lasted 48 hours or more and/or is a fever
present? (See Fever.) |
 |
| Does an infant or chronically ill elderly adult have diarrhea more
than 8 times per day? |
 |
| Are medicines being taken (this includes regular medicines that
the body may not be absorbing due to the diarrhea, or prescribed or over-the-counter ones
that might be causing the diarrhea)? |
|
| Did diarrhea come on during or shortly after returning from a trip
to a foreign country? |
|
If vomiting is also present, treat for
vomiting first. (See Vomiting & Nausea.)
Follow normal diet if there are no signs of
dehydration (dry mouth, thirst, muscle cramps, weakness, etc.).
If there are signs of dehydration, stop
solid foods. Give clear fluids. Fluids of choice are:
Sport drinks, such as Gatorade. {Note: For children under 2,
give over-the-counter mixtures,
such as Pedialyte and Ricelyte.}
Kool-Aid. This usually has less sugar than juices and soda pop.
Avoid giving these liquids:
High "simple" sugar drinks, like apple juice, grape juice, regular colas, other
soft drinks, and
gelatin. These can pull water into the gut and
make the diarrhea persist.
Boiled milk
Adults should have around 2 cups of fluid
per hour (if vomiting isn't present). For children under 2, consult their doctor about the
amount and type of fluids. For children over 2, give up to 1 1/2 quarts of fluid per day.
Don't give just clear liquids for more than
24 hours.
Start eating normal meals within 12 hours.
Good food choices are:
Starchy foods, like rice; potatoes; cereals (not sugar-sweetened ones); crackers; and
toast
Soups with noodles, rice, and/or vegetables
Vegetables
Lean Meats
Yogurt, especially with live active cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus
Avoid fatty and fried foods.
The B.R.A.T. diet: having just bananas
(ripe), rice, applesauce, and dry toast is no longer the diet of choice for diarrhea. It
is okay to eat these foods, though.
Don't exercise too hard until the diarrhea
is gone.
Adults can try an OTC medication, such as
Imodium A-D or Pepto-Bismol. Wait at least 12 hours before taking these medicines, though.
Let the diarrhea "run its course" to get rid of what caused it. {Note:
Do not give aspirin or any medication containing salicylates, such as
Pepto-Bismol, to anyone under 19 years of age, due to its link to Reye's Syndrome, a
potentially fatal condition.}
Wash your hands after going to the toilet
and before preparing food, especially when you have diarrhea which results from an
infection in the GI tract. Don't share towels with others. Use disposable paper towels to
dry your hands.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2002 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 06/26/02