How to Effectively Treat Diarrhea

Diarrhea may seem like a mild condition, if there's nothing important going on, that is. But once it kicks in while you're in the middle of a major meeting, it's trouble. Here's how you can effectively treat diarrhea and keep it away for long.

Diarrhea seems to occur under the direst situations. You suddenly have a bad tummy just when you’re about to give a report or get ready for a cramped plane ride. There are several causes of diarrhea although the most common stems from ingestion of wrong foods inadequately absorbed by the digestive system. Don’t let the episodes get to you though.

You can quickly and effectively treat diarrhea with a variety of methods. Since the condition is generally triggered by abnormal or frequent intestinal contractions characterized by loose soft stool, you have to approach the situation and cut the problem by the root. Here are some quick and easy steps.

1. Water.

Drink a lot of water especially during the first twenty four hours of diarrhea. Aim for ten to twelve glasses. Water will effectively flush out gastric irritants causing the intestinal disorder as well as add more bulk to the stool making it more firm in composition. Water also improves circulation in the digestive system which will enhance its function to properly transit stool through the bowel. Physicians usually advise patients to drink only water or clear fluids on the first day of diarrhea to check the stool for blood.

2. Diet.

Avoid fatty and oily foods at this point as these may tend to soften your stool more. These are also considered trigger foods that irritate the gastric pouch and intestinal tract thereby intensifying the contractions and hastening bowel movement.

The BRAT diet, consisting of banana, rice, applesauce and toast is specifically recommended by health professionals to add bulk to stool as well as improve intestinal movement and function. Diarrhea may also be caused by bacterial imbalances in your gut flora so you may take yogurt with live cultures to maintain the right digestive environment.

3. Medication.

Antispasmodic agents are relatively effective in directly soothing and relieving intestinal contractions. Once the muscular contractions have stopped, bowel movement will relax thereby transporting stool at a fairly normal level. Some medications or vitamin overdose may also be the cause of diarrhea so have your physician review all the current drugs you’re taking. Once you embark on a medication regimen, religiously stick to it and do not abruptly stop unless you’re physician advises you to do so or you experience adverse side effects.

4. Physician.

If you observe anything unusual like blood in your stool or presence of worms, seek medical help immediately. If you’re experiencing severe pain along with your diarrhea episodes or your condition persists for more than a week, you should let your physician assess you thoroughly to provide the proper interventions.

Some instances of diarrhea are merely a symptom of a graver underlying disease so be more observant about other associated symptoms. Your physician will most likely perform a series of laboratory tests to confirm your condition. Infants and young children with diarrhea should immediately be brought to the physician.

Sometimes the traditional methods of approach for diarrhea may not work for every individual. Try changing your diet if you still experience the same problem once in a while. Herbal medicines have also been proven to alleviate intestinal contractions as well as reduce episodes.

Author: Julieta Chin. All rights reserved.