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.
Reduce Stress And Improve Sleep
Managing stress and getting adequate sleep are important for healing from diarrhea. Stress causes bowel dysfunction through different pathways, including the HPA axis, the autonomic nervous system, or directly on the bowel itself .
Stress alters the gut flora and increases intestinal permeability, which may lead to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Chronic stress has been linked to numerous digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome .
Two of the most effective strategies to reduce stress and optimize sleep are implementing a healing diet and balancing your blood sugar levels. Additional stress relieving techniques are grounding, deep breathing exercises, sunlight exposure, Epsom salt baths, and dry brushing.
Poor sleep quality is linked to gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhea . To improve sleep, it is important to keep a regular sleep schedule and practice healthy bedtime habits. You should also get sunlight during the day, avoid artificial light and EMFs, black out your room with blackout curtains or using a sleep mask, and be smart about caffeine intake.
Supplementing with adaptogenic herbs, such as those in Cortisol Defense, may help your body resist and recovery from everyday stress and support restful sleep. Brain Calm Magnesium may also be helpful as magnesium plays a critical role in stress and sleep.
Whats The Difference Between Normal Diarrhea And Severe Diarrhea
There are actually several different ways to classify diarrhea. These types of diarrhea include:
- Acute diarrhea: The most common, acute diarrhea is loose watery diarrhea that lasts one to two days. This type doesnt need treatment and it usually goes away after a few days.
- Persistent diarrhea: This type of diarrhea generally persists for several weeks two to four weeks
- Chronic diarrhea: Diarrhea that lasts for more than four weeks or comes and goes regularly over a long period of time is called chronic diarrhea.
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Celiacdisease Or Gluten Intolerance
While not as common as other conditions that often accompany diabetes, Celiac disease or an intolerance to gluten are frequent enough in the diabetes population that anyone with diabetes should consider it a possibility.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition, which means your immune system starts attacking your own body when gluten is present. This can be tested for with a simple blood test but make sure you do not start eating a gluten-free diet until after youve had the test done, otherwise your results may not show signs of Celiac disease.
An intolerance to gluten is more like an allergy. When you eat gluten, you feel awful in any variety of ways. The only way to test for this is to completely remove gluten from your diet for at least 3 weeks, assess if your symptoms went away, then reintroduce it and assess if your symptoms return.
Symptoms of either condition can include: headaches, bloat, gas, tiredness, diarrhea, depression, brain fog, skin issues , weight-loss, constipation, or foul-smelling stools.
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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How Can Dehydration From Diarrhea Be Prevented And Treated
Oral rehydration solutions are liquids that contain a carbohydrate and electrolyte . Originally, the World Health Organization developed the WHO-ORS to rapidly rehydrate victims of the severe diarrheal illness, cholera. The WHO-ORS solution contains glucose and electrolytes. The glucose in the solution is important because it forces the small intestine to quickly absorb the fluid and the electrolytes. The purpose of the electrolytes in the solution is the prevention and treatment of electrolyte deficiencies.
In the U.S., convenient, premixed commercial ORS products that are similar to the WHO-ORS are available for rehydration and prevention of dehydration. Examples of these products are Pedialyte, Rehydralyte, Infalyte, and Resol.
Most of the commercially available ORS products in the U.S. contain glucose. Infalyte is the only one that contains rice carbohydrate instead of glucose. Most doctors believe that there are no important differences in effectiveness between glucose and rice carbohydrate.
How Can I Treat My Childs Acute Diarrhea
Over-the-counter medicines to treat acute diarrhea in adults can be dangerous for infants, toddlers, and young children. Talk to a doctor before giving your child an over-the-counter medicine. If your childs diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, see a doctor right away.
You can give your child his or her usual age-appropriate diet. You can give your infant breast milk or formula as usual.
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Gulp Down A Sports Drink
Most people think of Gatorade as a sports beverage, as it replenishes electrolytes after a workout, helping restore hydration. It works the same way when you have diarrhea. If the volume and frequency of watery stool is significant, steps must be taken to avoid dehydration, Dr. Masoud explains. The most important thing to remember is that with fluid losses also come electrolyte depletion.
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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Peppermint Oil For Diarrhea Treatment
The oil that tops the list of essential oils for treating diarrhea is Peppermint essential oil. It is an excellent remedy for relieving diarrhea and stomach cramps.
The menthol that is present in Peppermint oil offers an invigorating, pain relief and a cooling effect on the stomach and intestines.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, Peppermint oil brings down the inflammation of the bowel, thus providing a soothing effect to the digestive tract. Peppermint oil also offers relief for irritable bowel syndrome.
It also treats flatulence and gas because of its carminative properties. Peppermint oil is good for fighting cramps and contractions because it blocks the calcium channels in the intestines.
How to Use Peppermint Oil for Diarrhea?
Add 2 drops of Peppermint oil to a glass of lukewarm water. Mix well and drink this solution slowly. This will give you considerable relief from stomach pain and diarrhea.
How many times?
Drink this solution once a day before going to bed.
How Do Otc Antidiarrheal Medicines Work
Loperamide;slows down how fast things move through your intestines . This allows more fluid to be absorbed into your body. This helps you have less diarrhea and more formed stools.
Bismuth subsalicylate;balances the way fluid moves through your intestines. It reduces inflammation. It keeps bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhea from growing in the stomach and intestines.
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Support Liver Health And Bile Flow
Supporting liver health and good bile flow are important for healing from diarrhea.; Fortunately, there are many natural strategies that can protect and heal the liver. One of the most important strategies is following an anti-inflammatory, healing diet using ketogenic guidelines. You should include foods and herbs that support liver health in this diet.
Other natural healing strategies for the liver are intermittent fasting, drinking plenty of water, reducing stress and improving sleep, dealing with your anger, using Epsom salt baths and castor oil packs, and adding liver supporting nutrients. Improving gut health, supporting stomach acid levels, and optimizing bile flow are all important for liver health.
A fantastic dietary supplement for improving liver function is Gut Healing Protein. This comprehensive protein powder strengthens the gut lining, supports GI function, and improves detoxification. Bile Flow Support is an amazing liver support formula that provides nutrients involved in bile flow and fat metabolism.
Diabetic Diarrhea: Treatment And Prevention
While anyone with or without diabetes can experience bouts of diarrhea, it can be the direct result of diabetes for some.
Also referred to as diabetic diarrhea, this is one of the lesser-known complications of diabetes, but it can be incredibly difficult to manage and live with on a daily basis.
Its estimated that about;22 percent;of people who have lived with diabetes for a while experience frequent diarrhea.
In this article, well look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for diabetes-related diarrhea.
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How Should I Take Imodium A
Use Imodium A-D exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Imodium A-D is safe when used as directed. TAKING TOO MUCH LOPERAMIDE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART PROBLEMS OR DEATH.
Carefully follow all dosing directions on the medicine label. A safe dose of loperamide is different for an adult than for a child. This medicine doses in children are based on the child’s age.
Take Imodium A-D with a full glass of water. Diarrhea can cause your body to lose fluids and electrolytes. Drink plenty of liquids to keep from getting dehydrated.
The chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing. Take the chewable tablet on an empty stomach
Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .
Not all liquid forms of this medicine are the same strengths. Carefully follow all dosing instructions for the medicine you are using.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.
Stop taking Imodium A-D and call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 2 days of treatment, or if you also have stomach bloating.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- What is causing my diarrhea?
- How long will it last if I dont treat it?
- Will taking an OTC antidiarrheal medicine shorten the length of time the diarrhea lasts?
- What can I be doing to treat my diarrhea in addition to taking OTC medicines?
- Will antidiarrheal medicines make me constipated?
- What side effects should I watch out for if I take antidiarrheal medicine?
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What Do I Do If My Baby Or Young Child Has Diarrhea
If your child has severe diarrhea, call your healthcare provider. Young children are at a higher risk of dehydration than adults. You also cant treat a childs diarrhea the same way you would an adult case. Over-the-counter medications can be dangerous in young children and all treatments of diarrhea in children should be guided by their healthcare provider. Its important to keep your child hydrated. Your provider will help you determine the best way to do this, but options often include:
- Breast milk.
- Formula.
- Electrolyte drinks for older children this is not recommended for babies.
The best option to keep your child hydrated might change as the child ages. Always check with your provider before giving your child a new liquid or treatment of any kind.
If you have any questions or concerns about your childs diarrhea, dont hesitate to call your provider.
Consider A Health Coach To Personalize Your Health Plan
If you have diarrhea, you should consider working with a skilled health coach to support and guide you.; Our health coaches are trained to help identify the underlying cause of your digestive symptoms and to develop a customized protocol to address the cause.
Our health coaches work with challenging cases from all around the world and understand how to create individualized programs based on your unique needs.; You can learn more about our coaching program here.
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So What If The Quick Tricks Didnt Work
You know how we talked about physical symptoms coming before the psychological? Well, there may be a condition for that. Cases of irritable bowel syndrome , which you may have seen in countless TV ads, have been increasing.
While not every stomach issue is IBS, chronically coping with diarrhea thats linked to some form of mental distress could definitely indicate a condition is at the root of the problem.
Experts arent sure exactly what causes IBS which can cause a lot of the issues related to anxiety diarrhea but stress and anxiety are known triggers. In fact, IBS commonly co-occurs with anxiety and depression .
There are also some theories suggesting that people who develop IBS may have overly sensitive colons, which increases the chance of GI symptoms from specific foods or emotional experiences.
So again, youre very likely not imagining things if you feel like your anxiety goes off the charts and then your gut follows suit .
Living With Vomiting And Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea usually dont last long. If its caused by an infection, vomiting and diarrhea are a way for the body to get rid of the infection. Giving medicines that stop vomiting and diarrhea may actually interfere with the bodys efforts to heal. Antibiotics are usually not necessary either. Talk to your family doctor if you or a loved one is frequently vomiting or having diarrhea.
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What Are The Complications Of Diarrhea
Dehydration occurs when there is excessive loss of fluids and minerals from the body due to diarrhea, with or without vomiting.
- Dehydration is common among adult patients with acute diarrhea who have large amounts of watery stool, particularly when the intake of fluids is limited by lethargy or is associated with nausea and vomiting.
- It also is common in infants and young children who develop viral gastroenteritis or bacterial infection.
- Patients with mild dehydration may experience only thirst and dry mouth.
- Moderate to severe dehydration may cause orthostatic hypotension with due to a reduced volume of blood, which causes a drop in blood pressure upon standing). A diminished urine output, severe weakness, shock, kidney failure, confusion, acidosis , and coma.
Electrolytes are lost with water when diarrhea is prolonged or severe, and mineral or electrolyte deficiencies may occur. The most common deficiencies occur with sodium and potassium. Abnormalities of chloride and bicarbonate also may develop.
Finally, there may be irritation of the anus due to the frequent passage of watery stool containing irritating substances.
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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