How To Stop Diarrhea? A Complete Guide

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A lot of time we experience the problem of loose, watery stool with pressure and cramps and this is the problem of diarrhea. The problem of diarrhea occurs as a result of microbial infection. It may last for 2-4 days without treatment and if treated properly it can go away soon. Dehydration and loss of energy is the most common problem that occurs during diarrhea. Severe diarrhea can cause a serious threat to life. Malnourished children, weak infants and people with the weak immune system have a high risk of getting diarrhea. Every year, 760,000 children under the age of 5 die due to the problem of diarrhea. It has become a second leading cause of death in children, especially who live in countries like Africa.

What occurs in diarrhoea?

Diarrhea can cause severe illness in a person. When you suffer from diarrhea, you pass a lot of fluid out of your body, which causes loss of water and electrolytes in the body. Rotavirus, Norovirus and Adenovirus are common causes of diarrhea in people. Bacteria like Salmonella or Escherichia and Parasites like Giardia intestinalis can also cause diarrhea. When bowel movement occurs frequently, it leads to explosive diarrhea in which a person experiences a forceful explosion of watery, loose stool along with gas. People who travel to different regions and eat the food of different varieties are at the highest risk of falling prey to serious bowel infections.

Other causes of diarrhea

Apart from Virus, bacteria and parasites, there can be some other causes of diarrhea in both adult and children, like –

  •          Intestinal disorders or diseases
  •          Reaction to certain medications
  •          Alcohol abuse
  •          Radiation therapy
  •          Intolerance or allergies to foods
  •          Running
  •          Laxative abuse
  •          Digestive surgery
  •          Food poisoning
  •          Exposure to severe heat

The problem of diarrhoea increases during summers. So when you go out in sun exposure, drink plenty of fluids to avoid problems like diarrhoea, vomiting and high fever.

Symptoms of diarrhoea

·         Cramping

·         Loss of control of bowel movements

·         Nausea

·         Pain in the abdomen

·         Dehydration

·         Loss of appetite

·         Watery stools

·         Feeling tired

·         Lack of energy

·         Body pain

Serious infection may lead to serious symptoms of diarrhea like –

  •          Bloody, watery and loose stools
  •          Light-headedness and dizziness
  •          Headaches
  •          High fever and chills
  •          Frequent urge for vomiting

How to stop diarrhoea fast?

If you’ve been suffering from the problem of acute diarrhea, then you need to follow some steps to manage it. Following is the list of tips that will help you stop diarrhea faster.

1.      Drink plenty of fluids

Dehydration is one of the major issues that occur during diarrhea. Diarrhea causes the body to lack more fluids and electrolytes, which our body needs to function properly. Dehydration may be dangerous, especially in young children if not properly treated. To avoid the problem of dehydration and loss of electrolytes in your body drink plenty of fluids. Avoid coffee, caffeine drinks, hot drinks, soda and alcohol while suffering from diarrhea. It’d be a good idea if you avoid dairy products. Drink water as much as you can, drink water mixed with Glucon D, ORS and Electral powder to replenish your body glucose level. If the problem lasts longer than 2 days, visit your family doctor instantly.

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2.      Eat bread

This is one of the common remedies that Indian mothers follow to treat diarrhea and it’s very effective. Eat bread slice untoasted 3-4 times a day and see the magic. Bread has yeast and it makes the stool hard. Once you start eating bread while suffering from diarrhea, you can feel relaxed after 6-7 hours. Bread has helped people with severe diarrhea without causing any side effect.

Also Read:   How To Stop Hiccups

3.      Take probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria for your bowel. Probiotics create a healthy environment in your gut. Certain food can deliver live microorganisms to your gut. The foods that contain microorganisms are soft cheese, kefir, beet kvass, dark chocolate, cottage cheese, kimchi, kombucha, green olives, natto, pickles, yoghurt, etc. Probiotics are essential for the normal functioning of your bowel. They play an important role in protecting your entire digestive system. If you’ll add foods that have high probiotics in your diet, then you are less likely to experience severe illnesses like diarrhea. Probiotics also come in pill, liquid and powder form.

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4.      Avoid certain foods

There are some foods that can irritate your entire gastrointestinal tract and cause major problems. When you are suffering from diarrhea, avoid foods that are greasy, high-fat and spicy. You should also avoid food that contains artificial sweeteners and fructose. Products that have lactose like dairy products should be avoided when you are suffering from diarrhea.

Also Read:   Foods For a healthy gut

5.      Eat a balanced diet

A light diet of small, frequent meals is advised during diarrhea. Eat foods rich in pectin, potassium and electrolytes. Eat an adequate amount of protein, boiled vegetables, sweet potatoes, soup, sports drinks, banana, rice, bread, apple, etc. Food that is low in fiber and high in starch help producing a solid bowel movement. Eating a balanced diet will help you stay energetic and provide your body with essential nutrients.

Also Read:   Healthy diet program

6.      Seek medical help

You should never ignore any health problem and if it’s diarrhea, you need to be very serious towards your health. If you’ve tried all the above-listed home remedies to cure diarrhea and still have loose watery stool, then seek medical help before the problem gets worse. Diarrhea for more than 24 hours in children can cause dehydration, which will lead to serious health conditions. If you are an adult and it’s been more than 3 days and your diarrhea is not cured with home remedies, then consult the specialist as soon as possible.

When you seek medical help?

Seek medical help for children when they have –

         High fever

         Dry mouth

         Unusual sleepiness

         Black & bloody stools

         Dry cheeks

         Pale skin and eyes

         Severe intestinal inflammation

         And diarrhoea lasts for more than 24 hours

Adults should seek medical help when –

         Diarrhea lasts for 3 days or more

         Severe abdominal pain occurs

         Experience bloody and black stool

         Experience high fever

         Experience little urination

         Experience extreme weakness and fatigue

         Experience joint pain

         Experience excessive thirst

         Experience dark urine

         Experience prolonged vomiting

         Experience severe dehydration

Infants should be taken to the doctor or emergency room immediately when diarrhea occurs. Do not wait and try home remedies to treat diarrhea in infants. It can be dangerous and cause other health issues.

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