From Home to Doctor's Office - Diarrhea Treatment

Treatment of diarrhea can begin at home if there are no severe symptoms that accompany it.

- Begin hydration immediately with water and clear fluids.

- Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks during diarrhea treatment as they can dehydrate.

- Milk will prolong diarrhea treatment so, for more severe cases, avoid it as well.

- For moderate or severe diarrhea, drink electrolyte liquids such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. Electrolytes help chronic diarrhea treatment as they conduct signals throughout the body. Dehydration, that often accompanies diarrhea, can cause a severe electrolyte imbalance.

- If nausea is present, suck on ice chips to keep hydrated during diarrhea treatment.

Your diet is also critical in diarrhea treatment.

- Begin by eating a probiotic yogurt. Probiotics have been shown to ease the symptoms of diarrhea and helps to shorten diarrhea treatment.

- Incorporate the BRAT diet as well. BRAT stands for banana, rice, apples (or applesauce), and dry toast. These foods are usually recommended for children, but adults will benefit as well. All of these foods may help shorten the need for treatment of diarrhea. The diet does not need to be restricted to them, but they will help.

- Avoid greasy or fried foods as they can exacerbate the problem. After the diarrhea treatment has passed, it is advised to avoid fried foods and alcohol to prevent a recurrence.

Treatment of diarrhea rests on getting enough rest. The body is going to be severely drained during a bout. Electrolyte imbalances lead to muscle weakness. Dehydration can lead to dizziness or weakness. Take care of yourself first so that you can get better. Unless you are told to by a doctor, avoid taking diarrhea medications. This can prevent the body from expelling what is causing the problem.

When should diarrhea treatment be given to the professionals? For newborns, any vomiting or diarrhea should be immediately reported to the pediatrician. For children over about 3 months, any vomiting that lasts more than a few hours should be reported. For adults, if diarrhea persists for more than three days, then go to the doctor. Other signs that will require medical chronic diarrhea treatment include:

- Bloody stools

- Black or oily stools

- Abdominal pain that persists after a bowel movement

- Severe dehydration issues like dizziness or muscle cramps

- An accompanying fever of over 101 in adults (100.4 in children)

- Diarrhea that occurs immediately after foreign travel

- If more than one person you recently ate with experience diarrhea as well.

- Diarrhea that comes right after starting a new medication.