Diarrhea - Causes and Home Remedies

Diarrhea can affect us all for a variety of reasons. However, when it's a small child, the problems can be compounded.

There are many causes for diarrhea. Stomach viruses and eating something that doesn't agree with you are two extremely common ones. Some medications, medical conditions and environmental concerns can also be a factor.

Unless the underlying cause is serious, the biggest worry for someone suffering from diarrhea is hydration. This is particularly true of young children. Their body size does not permit long bouts of diarrhea without help in that department. If the diarrhea is severe, the only way the child can receive adequate liquid replacements is in a hospital. That is an imperative.

Most of the time, you can maintain hydration by offering very small amounts of fluids frequently. Large amounts can lead to more problems, especially if vomiting is also present. You will have to watch these signs to see if dehydration is a problem:

Stopping or reduction of urine output. This sign does not apply if the person is diabetic.

Gently pinch the skin on the abdomen and hold it for a few seconds. If it takes a while for it to return to normal, dehydration is probable.

Tear production/moisture in the mouth. Dehydration can dry the mouth and the eyes.

What you can do:

If the diarrhea is mild, there are some home remedies that may be useful. The one I find most useful involves a raw apple. Quarter the apple and remove the core. Next, scrape it with a spoon to get the pulp out. Do not cut it, scrape it, then slowly give it to the patient.

A bland diet is also recommended. An acronym that might be useful is BRAT. Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Yogurt and tea may also be useful. Young children may not tolerate tea well, but for older children and adults, decat tea and green tea are very useful. Oats and cream of wheat are also good choices.

There are some foods you should avoid. Solid meats, including chicken and fish, should be avoided until the illness has passed. Broth and vegetable soups are all right. With the exception of yogurt, milk products should also be avoided. Granting that's not possible of the patient is still receiving most of their nutrition from formula. In that case, speak to the doctor about what to do.

Diarrhea is not pleasant, no matter your age, but with these suggestions, you can get through it without major problems.