How to Stop Diarrhea: Causes, Risk Factors and Home Remedies

Diarrhea is a type of a gastrointestinal infection. It leads to excessive discharge of the bowels in the form of watery stools and stomach pain. If your child has been suffering from diarrhea, the first question that comes to your mind is “ How can this disease be treated?” It is important to know about the disease and understand how to prevent diarrhea. Luckily, the good news is that there are a number of steps you can take to treat diarrhea. 

 

Mentioned below are steps you can take to overcome the symptoms of diarrhea.

Causes of Diarrhea

 

Diarrhea is often caused due to dehydration, infection or toxins. Examples consist of bacteria, food allergies or other microbes. One of the risks associated with diarrhea is that it can worsen your condition and often lead to excessive dehydration. This happens because the body loses huge amount of water.

Here are some of the symptoms of diarrhea.

 

• Recurring bowel movements, including going to the bathroom more than one time.
• Loose stools.
• Stomach pain, cramps
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Trouble in eating
• Increased thirst
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Change in the blood pressure

When Should You Seek Medical Care? Diarrhea can usually be treated with home care. But there might be cases where the situation becomes more severe. A person should visit a hospital in the following situations:

• If you are suffering from fever
• Severe abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• If the person is sleepy and is not acting in their usual selves.
• Frequent loose bowel movements
• Bloody diarrhea
• If he or she is elder and has serious medical issues like diabetes, heart disease, or a liver disease.

Is It Possible to Prevent Diarrhea? Diarrhea condition differs from person to person. The following precautions can help an individual avoid diarrhea and other viral or bacterial infections:

• People who take care of sick children or adults should carefully wash their hands after changing diapers, helping an individual use the bathroom, or helping an individual with their basic requirements.
• Children should be instructed to wash their hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom.
• Practice safe food handling. Always wash hands before and after handling food.
• You should take care of various aspects when preparing food. Make sure the utensils you use are cleaned properly.

• Fruits and vegetables consumed raw should be thoroughly rinsed in clean water.

How to feel better? If the situation is not serious, then diarrhea should go away in few days without treatment. Until you feel better, rest, drink enough fluids, and watch what you eat. Drink clear liquids -- water, broth, or fruit juice to stay hydrated. Eat bland, low-fiber foods until you feel better. Other good choices include:

 

• Potatoes
• Peanut butter
• Skinless chicken or turkey
• Yogurt

Avoid foods that can make diarrhea worse, like:

 

• Fatty or fried foods
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Spicy foods
• Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and soda
• Beans
• Cabbage

Are you looking for a medical clinic in Midtown and Manhattan? Get in touch with Walk in Clinic. For further details 212-686-5800.