Monday, March 25, 2024

What Do You Do When You Have Diarrhea

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What Foods Should You Eat To Treat Diarrhea

What Food To Eat If You Have Diarrhea?

If youre experiencing diarrhea from antibiotics, adjusting your diet may help ease your symptoms. Some general suggestions include:

  • Eating low fiber foods. While high fiber foods are recommended when youre healthy, eating them when you have diarrhea can make your condition worse.
  • Replacing potassium. This nutrient can be lost due to diarrhea, but eating foods containing potassium may help replace it.
  • Replenishing lost fluids and salts. Diarrhea can cause you to lose fluids and electrolytes more rapidly, so its important to replace these.

Based on these suggestions, try to consume the following foods and beverages when you have diarrhea:

  • fluids including water, broths, or decaffeinated tea
  • fruit such as bananas, applesauce, or small amounts of canned fruit without syrup
  • grains such as white rice, white bread, and noodles
  • peeled potatoes that have been boiled or baked
  • protein sources like poultry, lean meats, and fish
  • yogurt that contains live cultures

Some types of food may worsen your symptoms or interfere with your antibiotic treatment. These include:

Also, try to avoid eating grapefruit or taking calcium supplements. These can both interfere with how well antibiotics are absorbed by your body, and can diminish the effects of the medication.

In addition to adjusting your diet, there are other steps you can take to help ease your symptoms.

What To Do If You Have Black Diarrhea

Black diarrhea is one of the more serious conditions that can arise when suffering from an intestinal disorder. Its common for stool to be black, but this only occurs when someone has been eating a large amount of vegetables that contain dark pigment. Black diarrhea can also signify the presence of blood or other infectious material in the digestive tract. In these cases, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible to avoid internal bleeding and other health complications.

Black diarrhea is very common among people of color. If you have black diarrhea, you may not be aware that the feces may turn black because of bile pigments. However, you should know that even though your stool is a dark color, it does not mean there is anything wrong with your digestive system. There are a few things all of us can do to alleviate our discomfort, which includes drinking plenty of fluids and eating high-fiber foods.

Black diarrhea is a common symptom that can be caused by any number of things such as alcohol, certain medications, and food poisoning. It can also be indicative of gastrointestinal issues such as colitis. Treatments vary depending on the cause of the black diarrhea. With some cases, it is best to seek medical attention.

When Should I See My Doctor

An isolated episode of diarrhoea will generally clear up without any treatment.

Seek medical advice if you have any of the following:

  • ongoing or severe diarrhoea
  • fever as well as diarrhoea
  • unexplained weight loss
  • diarrhoea at night
  • signs of dehydration

Ongoing diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance, making it dangerous especially to the very young or older people, who can be affected very quickly.

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Why Do We Get Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a disruption in the normal movement of water and electrolytes in the gut. Electrolytes move via small channels or by tiny protein pumps in the gut cells. Water then moves by osmosis from areas of low electrolyte concentration to areas of high electrolyte concentration . Think of it like how a paper towel draws up water from the table. In just the same way, the electrolytes move water inside the body or can expel it into the gut as happens in diarrhea. When this functions properly, as fluid enters the small intestine, 90% is absorbed helping to hydrate us properly .

Causes of diarrhea can be split into a number of categories. Firstly, it may be a sign of bacterial infection in the gut. The bacteria Escherichia coli, for example,causes disease in 75,000 people in the US every year . This bacteria produces two toxins, one of which opens an electrolyte channel in the cells of the gut. This leads to the loss of ions from the body. The other bacteria-produced toxin causes the insertion of a channel into the gut membrane cells, through which more ions are lost from the body . The movement of ions into the gut then draws out water from the body, causing large volumes of liquid to be lost during diarrhea.

Drink Plenty Of Fluids

Do You Vomit And Have Diarrhea With Food Poisoning

One of the biggest problems with diarrhea is dehydration. This is what leads many people to the emergency room.

Diarrhea causes the body to lose a lot of water and electrolytes it needs to function normally. Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium that are needed for various bodily processes

It’s important to treat dehydration properly. Otherwise, it can become dangerous, especially in young children.

To manage a mild bout of diarrhea, you need to replace the fluids and electrolytes you lost. Drink plenty of water, clear juices, clear broths, or an electrolyte-rich sports drink.

There are also things you should avoid when you have an episode of diarrhea. Avoid coffee, caffeinated drinks, prune juice, sugary drinks, sodas, and alcohol. These all have a laxative effect. It’s also a good idea to avoid dairy products if you’re lactose intolerant, which means you can’t digest the main sugar in milk well.

Young children and babies with diarrhea need pediatric rehydration drinks. These are marketed under certain brand names, like:

  • Pedialyte
  • Enfalyte
  • Gastrolyte

Breastfed babies should continue to breastfeed. Children should continue eating their regular diet. Also, they should drink rehydrating fluids. This is better than putting them on a restrictive diet.

Some people want to avoid the artificial colorings or flavorings in some rehydration drinks. You can make a homemade rehydration drink with only salt, sugar, and water.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Traveler’s Diarrhea

The main symptom is loose stool that occurs suddenly. The stool may be watery. Other symptoms may include:

  • Nausea
  • Washing food utensils, equipment, or surfaces
  • Washing the surfaces of food or drink tins, cans, and bottles

Don’t eat foods such as:

  • Raw fruits, vegetables, or salad greens
  • Unpasteurized milk, cheese, ice cream, or yogurt
  • Raw meat
  • Any fish caught in tropical reefs rather than the open ocean
  • Condiments that are left on the table, such as ketchup, mustard, sauces, or dips

Also make sure to:

  • Not eat food from unknown sources
  • Not put ice in drinks
  • Only have drinks that are bottled and sealed
  • Use drinking straws instead of drinking directly from glasses or cups
  • Only take antibiotic or antidiarrheal medicine if advised by your health care provider

What To Do About Fluids When You Have Diarrhea

Do drink plenty of fluid. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least one cup of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Water, fruit juices, caffeine-free soda, and salty broths are some good choices. According to the Cleveland Clinic, salt helps slow down the fluid loss, and sugar will help your body absorb the salt.

Dont consume beverages at extreme temperatures. Consume all liquids at room temperature, or slightly warmed, advises Dr. Ganjhu. Anything too hot or too cold can cause nausea.

Do drink a tea with chamomile. There is some research to suggest that products containing certain combinations of herbs, including chamomile, may help an upset stomach. A study published in the journal Molecular Medicine Reports cited the potential favorable effects of drinking a chamomile preparation that is combined with other herbs, in treating diarrhea.

Dont consume caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and worsen diarrhea, according to the U.S. Library of Medicine.

Dillute your water with fruit juice. Ganjhu recommends diluting your water with fruit juices, like cranberry or apple juice, to make the H2O, which can sometimes be nauseating when you have diarrhea, easier to tolerate.

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How To Use Imodium Liquid

See also Warning section.

If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all the directions on the product package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, follow your doctor’s directions and the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication by mouth, usually after each loose stool, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage is also based on age and weight. Adults should not use more than 8 milligrams in 24 hours if self-treating, or 16 milligrams in 24 hours if under a doctor’s direction.

If you are taking the chewable tablet, take this medication on an empty stomach. The chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are using the rapidly dissolving tablets, dry your hands before opening the blister pack to carefully remove a tablet. Do not push the tablet through the blister pack. Place the tablet on the tongue, allow it to dissolve completely, then swallow it with saliva. Do not crush, split, or break the tablet before taking it. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until just before taking. No water is needed to take this medication.

If you are taking this medication under your doctor’s direction for ongoing diarrhea, tell your doctor if your diarrhea continues after 10 days of treatment.

What To Do About Diarrhea

What Foods Should You Eat When You Have Diarrhea

Narrator:What to do when you have diarrhea from radiation therapy.

Let’s listen in as support group members and the group’s leader, Janet, talk about coping with diarrhea.

Miguel:I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m beginning to feel like I live in the bathroom. Some days diarrhea keeps me close to home when I’d rather be out.

I’m glad you brought this topic up, Miguel. Many people getting radiation therapy to the pelvis, stomach, or abdomen have diarrhea. The good news is that there are things you can do to manage it. Let’s go over 3 steps that can help.

Miguel:Thanks. That would be great.

First, drink lots of clear liquids like water, ginger ale and clear broth. Most people need to drink more liquids when they have diarrhea 8 to 12 glasses a day. Check with your doctor to see how much liquid you should drink. Keep in mind that this won’t stop the diarrhea, but it will help replace the fluids you are losing.

Second, eat small meals every 2 or 3 hours that are easy on the stomach. Anyone ever heard of the BRAT diet?

Gina:Yeah. Let’s see “B” is for bananas, then there’s “R” for rice, “A” for applesauce, and oh, then there’s “T” for toast.

That’s it – bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

Gina:Is there medicine that can help?

Yes, medicine can help some people. Ask your doctor or nurse about medicine that would be best for you.

Gina:Okay. Thanks for the information, Janet I think I can do those things you mentioned.

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  • Reviewed:September 24, 2021

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How Are Vomiting And Diarrhea Diagnosed

Vomiting and diarrhea can be diagnosed at home. Neither condition requires a trip to the doctor. However, call your doctor if the vomiting and diarrhea dont seem to be getting better, or if the person who is vomiting and/or has diarrhea:

  • Is younger than 6 months old.
  • Is older than 6 months old and has a fever higher than 101.4°F.
  • Has signs of dehydration .
  • Has been vomiting longer than 8 hours or is vomiting with great force.
  • Has blood in his or her stools.
  • Has blood in his or her vomit.
  • Has not urinated in 8 hours.
  • Might have swallowed something that could be poisonous.
  • Has a stiff neck or bad headache.
  • Is listless or unusually sleepy.
  • Has had abdominal pain for more than 2 hours.

A Pharmacist Can Help With Diarrhoea And Vomiting

Speak to a pharmacist if:

  • you or your child have signs of dehydration such as dark, smelly pee or peeing less than usual
  • you need to stop diarrhoea for a few hours

They may recommend:

  • oral rehydration sachets you mix with water to make a drink
  • medicine to stop diarrhoea for a few hours not suitable for children under 12

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How To Use Kaopectate 1

See also Warning section.

If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all the directions on the product package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, follow your doctor’s directions and the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication by mouth, usually after each loose stool, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your condition and response to treatment. In children, dosage is also based on age and weight. Adults should not use more than 8 milligrams in 24 hours if self-treating, or 16 milligrams in 24 hours if under a doctor’s direction.

If you are taking the chewable tablet, take this medication on an empty stomach. The chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are using the rapidly dissolving tablets, dry your hands before opening the blister pack to carefully remove a tablet. Do not push the tablet through the blister pack. Place the tablet on the tongue, allow it to dissolve completely, then swallow it with saliva. Do not crush, split, or break the tablet before taking it. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until just before taking. No water is needed to take this medication.

If you are taking this medication under your doctor’s direction for ongoing diarrhea, tell your doctor if your diarrhea continues after 10 days of treatment.

How Is Diarrhoea Treated

Avoid these Foods When You Have Diarrhea

In the case of simple short-term episodes of diarrhoea, which usually clear up by themselves in healthy people, you will probably be able to manage your symptoms through home care.

You should try to do the following:

  • rest at home
  • stay off work or school until you have not had a loose bowel motion for 24 hours
  • drink clear fluids or oral rehydration solution to replace lost fluids take small sips if you feel sick
  • avoid fruit juice, cordials and sugary drinks they will prolong the diarrhoea
  • avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • manage your diet until you get back to normal eat bland foods, such as rice, pasta and crackers, and avoid fatty foods or those high in insoluble fibre

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Who Is At Risk For Traveler’s Diarrhea

You are at risk for this condition if you travel to a country that has poor public sanitation and hygiene. Poor hygiene in local restaurants is also a risk factor. Places that have the highest risk are often in developing countries in:

  • Africa
  • Central and South America
  • The Middle East

If you travel to a developing country, you are more likely to get this illness if you eat food or have drinks:

  • Bought on the street, such as from a food cart
  • In someones home
  • At lodging that provides all meals

Youre also at increased risk if you:

  • Take some kinds of ulcer medicine
  • Have had some kinds of gastrointestinal surgery

How To Feel Better

Diarrhea should go away in a few days without treatment. Until you feel better, rest, drink enough fluids, and watch what you eat.

Your body loses water with each trip to the bathroom. If you lose too much, you can get dehydrated. It’s important to keep drinking fluids.

Drink clear liquids — water, broth, or fruit juice — during the day to stay hydrated. Try to get about 2-3 liters a day while youâre sick. You can sip them in small amounts between meals instead of while you eat. Your doctor might recommend a sports drink to replace salt, potassium, and other electrolytes your body loses when you have diarrhea. If you also have nausea, sip the liquids slowly.

There is no particular food group that will best for treating diarrhea and physicians no longer recommend the long suggested BRAT diet of Bananas, Rice , Applesauce, and Toast. Still, all of these foods are good, valid options. Some other good choices include:

  • Potatoes

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When To See Your Doctor

While many cases of diarrhea can be treated at home with OTC remedies, rest, and a temporarily restricted diet, if it lasts long enough you should consult your doctor. Call your doctor if your diarrhea lasts more than 2 days without improvement or if you get dehydrated.

If you get dehydrated or have other symptoms, you may need to go to the emergency room to get prompt treatment.

Other symptoms to watch for include black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or a fever of 102°F or higher. You can call your doctor and ask what you should do if you experience any of these symptoms.

If your child has diarrhea, call their pediatrician and ask whether you should take them to the emergency room if they:

  • dont improve after 24 hours
  • havent had a wet diaper in three or more hours
  • have a fever of 102°F or higher
  • have a dry mouth or tongue
  • cry without tears
  • have skin that doesnt flatten if pinched and released
  • have a sunken appearance to the abdomen, cheeks, or eyes

Is There A Color Of Diarrhea That I Should Be Worried About

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The color of your poop can vary. Stool color can be influenced by the color of the food you eat. Usually, this isnt something you need to worry about. But if you ever see red in your stool or have a bowel movement that is black, that could be something more serious. Keep a record of any bowel movements that:

  • Are black and tarry.
  • Have blood or pus in them.
  • Are consistently greasy or oily despite non-fatty meals.
  • Are very foul-smelling.

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