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What To Take For Diarrhea

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Are There Side Effects

Is it okay to take medication for diarrhea while pregnant?

OTC anti-diarrheal medicine doesnât usually cause problems. But like other drugs, thereâs always a chance you could have unwanted side effects. Some are mild, while others are more serious. Check with your doctor if you get symptoms like:

Bismuth subsalicylate can make your tongue or poop dark. These changes typically go away once you quit using the drug. Very high doses of loperamide can cause serious heart problems or even death.

You may have more side effects if you take other drugs at the same time. Some medicine may not work as well if you take them with OTC anti-diarrheal drugs. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Can I Manage Diarrhea Without Taking Any Medication

When you have an acute case of diarrhea, you can often take care of it without needing any medication. Several things you can do to care for diarrhea include:

  • Drinking plenty of water and other electrolyte balanced fluids and caffeine-free sodas). Make sure to hydrate throughout day. Your body loses water each time you have diarrhea. By drinking plenty of extra fluids, you are protecting your body from dehydration.
  • Changing your diet. Instead of picking greasy, fatty or fried foods, go for the BRAT diet:
  • B: Bananas.
  • A: Applesauce.
  • T: Toast .
  • Cutting back on caffeine. Foods and drinks that have caffeine can have a mild laxative effect, which can make your diarrhea worse. Foods and drinks with caffeine include coffee, diet sodas, strong tea/green tea, and even chocolate.
  • Avoiding foods and drinks that give you gas. If you experience cramping in your stomach with diarrhea, it could help to cut back on things that cause gas. These can include beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, beer and carbonated beverages.
  • Sometimes, diarrhea can also make you lactose intolerant. This is usually temporary and it means that you need to avoid items with lactose until your diarrhea is gone.

    When Should You Seek Medical Care

    Diarrhea can usually be treated with home care. In some cases, it may become more severe. A person should go to a hospital emergency department in the following situations:

    • If the person has the condition along with high fever, moderate-to-severe abdominal pain, or dehydration that cannot be managed by drinking fluids
    • If the diarrhea appears to contain blood
    • If the person is sleepy and is not acting like their usual selves
    • Vomiting and inability to tolerate any food or to keep liquids down
    • Signs of dehydration
    • High fever, significant abdominal pain, frequent loose bowel movements, or bloody diarrhea
    • If he or she is elderly or has serious underlying medical problems, particularly diabetes, heart, kidney, or liver disease, or HIV/AIDS
    • A parent or caregiver needs advice about preventing dehydration in newborns and infants
    • Symptoms do not improve in two to three days or appear to become worse
    • If he or she develops diarrhea after travel within their home country, or foreign travel or if a woman is pregnant

    For cases of chronic diarrhea, your primary care provider may consult with a gastroenterologist .

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    When To Seek Medical Treatment For Diarrhea:

    • Fever
    • Yellow urine
    • Less urine than usual

    If your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, Mundkur says you may experience severe diarrhea, fever, and bloody stools however, antibiotics can help treat the infection if it’s bacterial.

    On the other hand, persistent blood in your stools could also be an indication of something more serious. “Sometimes colon cancer can cause diarrhea and blood in the stool, so it is important to talk to your primary care physician about whether you need a colonoscopy,” says Mundkur.

    Natural Remedies For Diarrhea #6 Pepto

    5 Natural Cure For Diarrhea

    Pepto-Bismol is one of the tried and true home remediesfor diarrhea and upset stomach. Its particularly effective if your diarrheaand upset stomach have been caused by the helicobacter pylori bacteria . Pepto-Bismolis also great to have if you go travelling to third world countries andencounter a gastro problem. If that does ever occur, youll be mighty glad youbrought some of this stuff with you!

    You can easily buy Pepto-Bismol online or from mostpharmacies/drug stores. This is another fast-acting diarrhea treatment thats alwaysworthwhile keeping at home just in case.

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    What To Do About Nutrition When You Have Diarrhea

    Do stick with bland foods. One tried and true diet for diarrhea is the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Low in fiber, bland and starchy, these foods can help replace lost nutrients and firm your stools. According to the National Institute of Healths National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , you can also try boiled potatoes, crackers, or cooked carrots.

    Do eat small meals. Too much food will stimulate your gastrointestinal tract to move even more, says Ganjhu, and possibly worsen the diarrhea. Eating five to six small meals, rather than three large ones, can give your intestines a chance to digest the food more easily.

    Dont eat fried food. Prepare foods like beef, pork, chicken, fish, or turkey by baking or broiling, not frying, which can worsen diarrhea. Cooked eggs are okay, too, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Do eat when hunger strikes. Listen to your body and dont force yourself to eat, which can worsen symptoms. Trust your body to tell you when and how much it can tolerate, notes Ganjhu.

    Dont eat fruits and vegetables that cause gas. Eating gassy food when you have diarrhea can increase intestinal gas and should be avoided. This includes fruits and vegetables, like prunes, berries, beans, peas, broccoli, corn, and green leafy vegetables, and sweet foods like cookies or cakes.

    How To Cope With Side Effects Of Loperamide

    What to do about:

    • constipation â stop taking loperamide. If you have constipation, eat more fibre by having fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water.â¯Try to exercise regularly, for example by going for a daily walk or run. If this does not help, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
    • feeling dizzy â if loperamide makes you feel dizzy when you stand up, try getting up very slowly or stay sitting down until you feel better. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit until you feel better. Avoid driving, cycling, or using tools or machines if you feel dizzy.
    • feeling sick â try taking loperamide with or after a meal or snack. It may also help if you stick to simple meals and avoid rich or spicy food.
    • headaches â make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Talk to your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe.
    • farting â avoid foods that cause wind like lentils, beans and onions. It might also help to eat smaller and more frequent meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. There are products you can buy from a pharmacy to help with wind. Loperamide can be bought mixed with simeticone, a medicine for wind.

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    What Are The Possible Causes Of Diarrhea

    Viral infections are the most common cause of diarrhea or loose stool. Rotavirus, calicivirus and adenovirus cause diarrhea.

    A few other causes of diarrhea are

    What Stops Diarrhea Fast

    ASK UNMC! How can I prevent diarrhea while taking antibiotics?
  • What Stops Diarrhea Fast? Center
  • The following two over-the-counter drugs may be taken to get rid of diarrhea:

  • Imodium : Loperamide slows down the movement of things through the intestines . This allows more fluid to be absorbed into the body. This reduces the number of loose stools and helps make more formed stools.
  • Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol : Bismuth subsalicylate balances the way fluid moves through the intestines. It reduces inflammation. It keeps bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhea from growing in the stomach and intestines.
  • Dont use more than one OTC antidiarrheal medicine at a time unless the doctor suggests it. They may have similar active ingredients, resulting in you taking too much of a certain medication. Apart from the above options, another way to get rid of diarrhea is to take antibiotics. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics, if necessary. The doctor will not prescribe antibiotics for diarrhea caused by a virus.

    Dietary recommendations

    An additional intake of coconut water, certain fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers and bottle gourd, with a regular dosage of water can help the body rejuvenate and recover from the impact of diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids, such as soups and broths, which have concentrates of fresh and leafy vegetables for an elevated hydration level in the body. This should replenish nutrients that get flushed out of the body due to diarrhea. This will also strengthen the body and help it recover faster.

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    Turmeric Curcumin With Bioperine

    Chances are you’ve heard about the wonders of turmeric maybe you’ve even tried it to see if it would help with an inflammatory issue, like arthritis. But did you know that the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can also help ease diarrhea? Taz suggests adding a teaspoon to warm water.

    Buy now: $18,

    How Should I Use This Medication

    To prevent cholera: Adults and children over 6 years of age should receive 2 doses of the vaccine at least 1 week apart and no more than 6 weeks apart. The second dose should be given at least 1 week before departure. Protection lasts for 2 years. A single booster dose can be given if the last dose was given between 2 years and 5 years earlier.

    Children from 2 to 6 years of age should receive 3 doses, 1 to 6 weeks apart. The third dose should be given at least 1 week before departure. Protection against cholera lasts for 6 months. A single booster dose can be given if the last dose was given between 6 months and 5 years earlier.

    To prevent travellers’ diarrhea caused by ETEC: Adults and children 2 years of age and over should receive 2 doses, 1 to 6 weeks apart. The second dose should be given at least 1 week before departure. Protection lasts for 3 months. A booster dose can be given if the last dose was given between 3 months and 5 years earlier.

    For all people using this medication, if more than 5 years have passed since last completing the course of vaccination, the complete schedule needs to be repeated.

    The vaccine must be taken by mouth. Avoid food and drink for 1 hour before and 1 hour after taking the vaccine, as food and drink may decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine. Do not take any other medication for 1 hour before and 1 hour after taking the vaccine.

    To prepare the vaccine:

    Step 2: Shake the small glass vial that contains the vaccine to mix it well.

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    List Of Natural And Home Remedies For Adults And Children For Diarrhea

    Treatments for Adults

    • Adults should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
    • Replenishing water loss is important. Avoid milk as it can make diarrhea worse. Sports beverages can be beneficial because they replenish electrolytes in addition to providing hydration.
    • If the patient is able to eat, avoid greasy or fatty foods. Adults, infants, toddlers, and children should be encouraged to follow the “BRAT” diet . The BRAT diet is a combination of foods to eat to treat diarrhea. If diarrhea is accompanied by nausea, have the person suck on ice chips until the nausea stops. After the diarrhea subsides, avoid alcoholic beverages and spicy foods for two additional days.
    • Individuals may be able to continue their usual activities if they are mildly ill with diarrhea however, strenuous exercise should be avoided because exercise increases the risk of dehydration.
    • If you are pregnant women and have diarrhea make sure to rehydrate to avoid dehydration, and consult your doctor.

    Treatments for Toddlers and Children

    Dehydration in children and toddlers can be a great concern. Loose stools are more common in breastfed newborns than in formula-fed babies, so check with your doctor about to expect for your child.

    Are herbs safe to take for diarrhea?

    What If I Take Too Much

    Top 7 Herbal Remedies For Diarrhea

    Do not take more than the recommended amount.

    If you take 1 extra dose of loperamide as a one-off, it’s unlikely to harm you. But taking higher doses can cause serious heart problems. The signs include having a fast or irregular heartbeat.

    Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:

    • you take 2 extra doses of loperamide or more
    • you take more than the recommended dose and get a fast or irregular heartbeat

    Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

    If you need advice for a child under the age of 5 years, call 111.

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    How Does This Medication Work What Will It Do For Me

    This medication belongs to the class of medications called vaccines. It is used to help prevent travellers’ diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli and cholera in adults and children 2 years of age and older. It is recommended for people travelling to areas with a high risk of cholera or travellers’ diarrhea.

    This vaccine works by introducing very small amounts of dead cholera bacteria and nontoxic components of cholera toxin into the body. This allows the body to make antibodies against the bacteria and toxin so that if the bacteria does get into the body and produce the toxin, they are immediately attacked by the body’s own defense system. The cholera toxin is very similar to the toxin produced by ETEC, the bacteria that causes most cases of traveller’s diarrhea. Therefore, the body’s defenses against cholera toxin will also work against the ETEC toxin. It generally takes one week after finishing the first course of immunization for the body’s defenses to develop protection against the bacteria.

    Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

    Before Taking This Medicine

    You should not use Imodium A-D if you are allergic to loperamide, or if you have:

    • stomach pain without diarrhea

    Ask your doctor before using Imodium A-D to treat diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile.

    Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    You should not breast-feed while you are using loperamide.

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    Natural Remedies For Diarrhea #4 Cinnamon And Ginger

    Heres two more easy home remedies for diarrhea that youwill probably have in your pantry right now. You can either mix 1 teaspoon ofcinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger powder in with a tablespoon of honeyor yogurt or make up a cinnamon and ginger tea. To do this you simply combine 1teaspoon of cinnamon powder and ½ a teaspoon of ground or freshly grated gingerin a cup of boiling water . Mixwell then leave to steep for 30 minutes before slowly drinking. You can alsosprinkle some cinnamon on a couple of pieces of toast and eat for even morebenefit.

    So any of these combinations will work extremely well andthey are also very kid friendly.

    Natural Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Diarrhea Fast

    Antibiotics, Probiotics, and Diarrhea

    If there is one thing that people consider to be a big problem when they are outside the house, it is experiencing diarrhea. When people have diarrhea, they cannot concentrate on doing the tasks that they have to do. All that they can think about is going to the bathroom, and there are even times when the bathroom is not readily available.

    It is possible that once in your life, you have also experienced having diarrhea. Aside from the fact that it can be embarrassing, people feel dehydrated and weak after going to the bathroom countless times to let loose stools out.

    Sometimes diarrhea may be accompanied by symptoms like watery stools, frequent loose, fever, nausea, dehydration, bloating, and abdominal pain. So how can you get rid of diarrhea fast? This article will provide you 15 natural home remedies to get rid of diarrhea fast.

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    When Should You Consult Your Veterinarian

    If the diarrhea continues for more than a day, or if your dog experiences other symptoms such as dehydration, lethargy, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, or if you notice dark-colored or bloody stools, then it could be linked to something more serious. Dry and tacky gums are an indication of dehydration, and you should consult your vet immediately if your dog is experiences any of these symptoms.

    Its also important to seek advice from your veterinarian if your dog has a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes or cancer, or is taking medication such as antibiotics. If you think your dog make have eaten something toxic, take him to your nearest veterinary hospital right away.

    Knowing what is normal for your dog is important, and if his diarrhea continues longer than usual or if you have any concerns at all, consult your veterinarian for advice. Even if the diarrhea does turn out to be triggered by something minor, its always better to be safe than sorry.

    Where Is Travellers’ Diarrhea A Concern

    The risk of travellers’ diarrhea occurs worldwide.

    High risk destinations include developing countries in Central and South America, Mexico, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

    There is a moderate risk in Eastern Europe and some parts of the Caribbean.

    The risk is lower in Northern and Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United States and Canada.

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