Diarrhea is one of the most common diseases that can be experienced by people of all ages. Most people have experienced diarrhea, which is characterized by frequent bowel movements that are too soft or watery. Fever, cramps, nausea, or vomiting may also occur. Most cases of diarrhea are not severe and go away on their own within a few days. Home treatment can be done for many cases of diarrhea in adults and older children, by keeping the body hydrated and taking some home remedies.
Do not use home remedies to treat diarrhea in infants and children under 2 years of age. Call your pediatrician and follow his advice. Do not give antidiarrheal drugs to children without consulting the pediatrician first.
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Method 1 of 4: Watching for Diarrhea Symptoms
Step 1. Learn the causes of diarrhea
Most cases of diarrhea are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Diarrhea can also be triggered by reactions to medications, including herbal remedies. Food sensitivities, such as sensitivity to sorbitol and mannitol, can also cause diarrhea. Lactose intolerant patients may also experience diarrhea if consuming dairy products.
- Bowel disorders, such as inflammatory bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, can cause diarrhea. This disorder requires medical treatment and often medication from a doctor in order to heal.
- Diarrhea is also a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Step 2. Recognize the symptoms of diarrhea
Most diarrhea is "uncomplicated," and usually clears up on its own within a few days. Symptoms of uncomplicated diarrhea include:
- Bloating or cramps
- Stool is too soft or watery
- Watery stool
- Frequent or feeling the need to defecate immediately
- Nauseous
- Gag
- Mild fever
Step 3. Check for blood and/or pus in the stool
Inflammatory bowel disorders, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and certain infections can cause the presence of blood and/or pus in the stool. Seek medical attention immediately if there is blood or pus in the stool.
Blood or pus may also appear in the stool if you have recently taken antibiotics. Antibiotics may kill the "good" bacteria in the colon, allowing the bad bacteria to cause infection
Step 4. Check if fever occurs
A fever that accompanies diarrhea may be a sign of a more serious health condition. If you have a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, or for more than 24 hours, see a doctor immediately.
Step 5. Check if the stool is black and tar-like
Black, tar-like stools may be a sign of a more serious health condition, such as pancreatitis or even colon cancer. If the stool is black and tar-like, contact your doctor immediately.
Step 6. Recognize the symptoms of dehydration in children
If you have diarrhea, your child may also be dehydrated. Signs of dehydration in a young child include:
- Decreased urine or dry diaper
- No tears
- dry mouth
- Not excited or lethargic
- Sunken eyes
- Fussy
Method 2 of 4: Drink the Right Fluids
Step 1. Drink plenty of fluids
Diarrhea causes the body to become dehydrated. To prevent this, drink plenty of clear fluids. Water is very important, but also drink drinks that contain electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, and potassium. Water alone does not contain enough electrolytes to nourish the body when it is severely dehydrated.
- Healthy adult men should consume at least 3 L of water every day. Healthy adult women should consume at least 2 L of water every day. You may have to drink more than that to fight dehydration when you have diarrhea.
- Water, vegetable juices (especially celery and carrot), sports drinks, electrolyte solutions, herbal teas (non-caffeinated), non-carbonated ginger ale, and salty broths, such as "miso" soup, are great for treating dehydration in adults.
- Barley water is also great for dealing with dehydration. Put 240 g of raw barley in 950 ml of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain and drink throughout the day.
- Children should drink oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte and Infalyte. These solutions are made to meet the nutritional needs of children, and are available at most department stores and pharmacies. White grape juice is also great for children who are dehydrated from diarrhea.
Step 2. Don't drink caffeinated and carbonated drinks
Drinks like coffee and soda can irritate the colon and make diarrhea worse. If you want to drink a drink like ginger ale, stir it or leave it uncovered all night, so the carbonation is gone.
Don't drink alcohol when you have diarrhea. Alcohol causes the body to become dehydrated, which can make diarrhea symptoms worse
Step 3. Try herbal teas
Peppermint, chamomile, and green tea are very effective at relieving the nausea that often accompanies diarrhea. You can use tea bags or prepare your own.
- Chamomile tea is safe for both children and adults, unless you are allergic to ragweed. Do not give any herbal remedies to your child without consulting your pediatrician first.
- Make fenugreek tea by adding 1 flat tsp of fenugreek seeds for every 240 ml of hot water. While there isn't enough scientific evidence to confirm the effectiveness of fenugreek, this tea may help relieve indigestion and fight nausea.
- Call your doctor before trying other types of herbal teas. Tea made from blackberry or raspberry leaves, bilberry, or carob can help relieve stomach and colon inflammation. However, the tea can also interfere with the work of the drug and cause complications in certain medical conditions. Talk to your doctor before trying these spices.
Step 4. Try a ginger drink
Ginger can help fight nausea and inflammation. You can drink non-carbonated ginger ale or ginger tea to help relieve indigestion and relieve inflammation of the colon. If drinking ginger ale, choose a brand that uses real ginger; some ginger ale brands don't use enough real ginger, so it's not as effective.
- You can make your own ginger tea by boiling 12 slices of fresh ginger in 720 ml of water. Bring to a gentle boil and let the tea evaporate for 20 minutes. Mix a little into the tea before drinking; Honey can also help with diarrhea symptoms.
- Ginger tea is safe for consumption by pregnant and lactating women. However, pregnant women should not consume more than 1 g of ginger per day.
- Do not give ginger to children under 2 years of age. Children over 2 years old can have a little ginger ale or ginger tea to help with nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea.
- Ginger may interfere with the action of blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). So, don't take ginger if you're taking blood-thinning medications.
Step 5. Drink a little at a time
If diarrhea is caused by “stomach germs” or is accompanied by vomiting, drinking lots of fluids at once can make the condition worse. Try to drink a little regularly throughout the day to calm the stomach.
Ice cubes or frozen ice lolly can also be consumed to keep the body hydrated. It's a great option for children, who may want to drink lots of water at once if they are dehydrated
Step 6. Continue to breastfeed the child
If a child who is still breastfeeding has diarrhea, continue breastfeeding. It can help calm the child and keep his body hydrated.
Do not give cow's milk to babies who have diarrhea, because it can cause fart and bloating
Method 3 of 4: Eat the Right Food
Step 1. Consume lots of fiber
Fiber can help absorb water and solidify stool, thereby relieving diarrhea. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends a daily intake of at least 25 g of fiber for women and 38 g for men. Try to eat foods that are high in insoluble fiber, or “dietary fiber” when you have diarrhea.
- Brown rice, barley, and other whole grains are good sources of insoluble fiber. Cook the cereal in light chicken stock or miso to help replace the salt lost from diarrhea.
- Foods that contain potassium and fiber include mashed or boiled potatoes and bananas.
- Ripe carrots are a good source of fiber. You can mash a ripe carrot if you want.
Step 2. Eat saltine crackers
Salty biscuits are light on the stomach and can help relieve indigestion. Some types of biscuits also contain fiber, which can help solidify stools.
If you are gluten intolerant, try rice crackers instead of wheat
Step 3. Try the BRAT diet
The components of the BRAT diet -- banana (bananas), rice (rice), applesauce (apple sauce), and toast (toast) -- help solidify stool and provide light nutrition that doesn't overwhelm digestion.
- Opt for brown rice and toasted whole-grain bread. Both contain more fiber and nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
- Applesauce contains pectin, which helps solidify stool. Apple juice actually has a laxative effect that can make diarrhea worse.
- Do not eat solid food if you are constantly vomiting. Eat broth and other liquids, and see a doctor.
Step 4. Do not consume milk and dairy products
Milk and dairy products can cause diarrhea, especially in people who are lactose intolerant. Even people who are not lactose intolerant may have trouble digesting dairy products when they have diarrhea.
Step 5. Don't eat oily, fried or spicy food
All these foods can interfere with digestion and make diarrhea worse. Choose plain, light food for digestion until diarrhea heals.
If you need protein, eat boiled or grilled chicken without the skin. Scrambled eggs can also be eaten
Method 4 of 4: Take Over-the-counter Medicines
Step 1. Try bismuth subsalicylate
Medications containing bismuth subsalicylate include Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate. These drugs help the body reduce inflammation and regulate fluids better.
- It also has a mild antibacterial effect, making it great for diarrhea caused by "stomach germs" or bacterial infections, such as "travelers' diarrhea".
- Do not take Pepto-Bismol if you are allergic to aspirin. Do not take Pepto-Bismol with other medicines that contain aspirin.
- Do not give antidiarrheal drugs to young children without consulting your pediatrician first.
Step 2. Consume Plantago fiber
Plantago fiber is a great source of soluble fiber. Plantago fiber can also help absorb water in the small intestine and condense stool.
- Adults should take Plantago fiber in small doses (½-2 tsp, or 2.5–10 g) mixed with water. If you're not used to taking Plantago fiber, start at a low dose and work your way up to higher doses.
- Do not give Plantago fiber to young children without consulting your pediatrician first. Children over 6 years of age can take Plantago fiber in very small doses (¼ tsp or 1.25 g) mixed with water.
Step 3. See a doctor
If diarrhea in adults lasts more than 5 days, see a doctor immediately. If diarrhea in a young child lasts more than 24 hours, consult a pediatrician immediately.
- See a doctor immediately if there is blood or pus in the stool or if you have a high fever (38 degrees Celsius or higher).
- If you experience severe pain in the abdominal or rectal area, see a doctor immediately.
- If you have trouble keeping hydrated, some symptoms, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling very weak, and dry mouth, may occur. If these symptoms persist, see a doctor immediately. Extreme dehydration can lead to severe illness and even death.
Tips
- Eat light food for digestion during diarrhea. Any food that is too spicy or hot can make diarrhea worse.
- Read and follow all directions on the label on the package of over-the-counter medications. Make sure to take the medicine at the recommended dosage.
- Do not eat fruit, caffeine, and alcohol until 48 hours after all symptoms have disappeared.
- In most cases, it is best to let the diarrhea "go away on its own". If diarrhea is caused by a bacterial or parasitic infection, the body uses diarrhea to relieve the condition. Try home remedies first before taking antidiarrheal drugs.
Warning
- If there is blood, mucus, or pus in the stool, see a doctor immediately.
- Do not give home remedies to children under 2 years of age. Contact your pediatrician for advice.
- If you or your child has a high fever (38 degrees Celsius or higher) with diarrhea, call your doctor immediately.
- If your child doesn't want to drink or doesn't urinate, see your pediatrician immediately.
- Antidiarrheal drugs such as Imodium can actually make the condition worse if the diarrhea is caused by an infection.
