Diarrhea, or watery stools, can be embarrassing and strike at the worst times, such as during a vacation or special event. But while diarrhea often improves on its own within two to three days, a few remedies can help promote firmer stools faster. Keep reading to learn about five fast-acting methods, along with what typically causes diarrhea and prevention tips.
Some people see diarrhea as nothing more than a mild nuisance and let it run its course, especially since some bouts lasts less than 24 hours. You might stay close to home or a bathroom, and load up on fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.
In this case, taking an anti-diarrheal medication may reduce or completely eliminate loose stools after the first dose. Look for over-the-counter products like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, which have the ingredients loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, respectively.
The active ingredient in Imodium works swiftly because it slows the movement of fluid through the intestines. This can quickly restore normal bowel function. Pepto-Bismol, on the other hand, helps kill diarrhea-causing bacteria in your intestines. Rice water is another fast, effective remedy for diarrhea. Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes, or until the water becomes cloudy.
Strain the rice and preserve the water for consumption. Rice water not only provides your body with fluid to prevent dehydration, it can also reduce the duration of diarrhea. Rice water has a binding effect in the digestive tract, resulting in firmer, bulkier stools.
Taking a probiotic supplement or eating probiotic foods like some brands of yogurt may also stop diarrhea. Sometimes, diarrhea results from an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics help restore balance by providing a higher level of good bacteria. This can promote normal bowel function and shorten the duration of diarrhea. Diarrhea from bacteria or a parasite may need an antibiotic.
In this case, diarrhea can occur after coming in contact with contaminated food or water, often while traveling. Keep in mind that antibiotics are ineffective when viral infections cause diarrhea.
This type of diarrhea must run its course. A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier. Along with these items, you could also eat similarly bland saltine crackers, clear broth, and potatoes.
Viral gastroenteritis stomach flu is one cause of diarrhea. Along with watery stools, you may have:. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous. They may have similar active ingredients. These could add up to be too much medicine.
How can I safely store OTC antidiarrheal medicines? Loperamide side effects may include: Abdominal pain. Nausea or vomiting. Bismuth subsalicylate side effects may include: Constipation. Ringing sound in the ear called tinnitus. Can OTC antidiarrheal medicines cause problems with other medicines I take? Ask your doctor before taking loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate if you also take: Antibiotics. Antiviral medicines for human immunodeficiency virus HIV. Prescription pain medicines.
Blood-thinning medicines. Medicines for gout. Medicines for arthritis. Medicines for diabetes. When should I call my doctor? Talk to your doctor before taking an antidiarrheal medicine if: Your diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days. You have a fever. You have mucus or blood in your stools.
You have a history of liver disease. You are taking prescription medicine. Questions to Ask Your Doctor What is causing my diarrhea? 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?
Last Updated: May 18, This article was contributed by familydoctor. Tags: diarrhea , Over-the-Counter Medicines. Related Articles. Visit our interactive symptom checker Visit our interactive symptom checker Get Started.
Fluids, a bland diet, and over-the-counter medicines can help manage your symptoms and ease diarrhea. Usually a bout of diarrhea only lasts a few days, going away on its own without any treatment.
It's also important to remember that diarrhea treatments for adults, especially medication, may not be the same for children with diarrhea , so always check with your pediatrician before giving your children any medication. Your body can lose a lot of fluids and salts when you have diarrhea, making dehydration a major concern. Frequent loose and watery stools can quickly lead to fluid loss. Here are some easy ways to stay hydrated:. When dealing with a brief bout of diarrhea, you want to keep your diet bland.
You may find it best to only have clear liquids for the first 24 hours. Then you can slowly add bland foods to your diet. Some bland foods include bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast — otherwise known as the BRAT diet.
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