How to treat diarrhea at home?

What is Diarrhea? Do you know how to treat diarrhea at home?

Diarrhea is defined as the passage of three or more loose or liquid stools per day. It can be acute, lasting for a few days to a week, or chronic, persisting for several weeks or more. Diarrhea can be caused by various factors, including infections, dietary indiscretions, medication side effects, and underlying medical conditions.
Knowing the symptoms of diarrhea and simple home remedies can help alleviate discomfort and promote recovery.

Common symptoms of diarrhea include:

• Frequent Bowel Movements: Having to use the bathroom more often than usual.
• Watery Stools: Stools that are loose, liquid, or runny in consistency.
• Abdominal Cramps: Pain or discomfort in the abdominal region.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nauseous or vomiting may accompany diarrhea, especially in cases of gastrointestinal infection.
• Fever: Infections or inflammatory conditions may cause fever along with diarrhea.
• Dehydration: Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, increased thirst, decreased urine output, dark-colored urine, and fatigue.

Simple Ways to Treat Diarrhea at Home

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, herbal teas, or oral rehydration solutions, to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, as they can worsen dehydration.
• BRAT Diet: Follow a bland diet consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are easy to digest and can help firm up stools.
• Probiotics: Consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or taking probiotic supplements can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut and aid in recovery from diarrhea.
• Avoid Trigger Foods: Stay away from spicy, fatty, or fried foods, dairy products, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners, as they can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms.
• Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs, such as chamomile, ginger, and peppermint, have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help soothe the digestive tract and alleviate diarrhea.
• Rest and Relaxation: Give your body time to heal by getting plenty of rest and avoiding strenuous activities that may aggravate symptoms.
• Over-the-Counter Medications: In some cases, over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may provide temporary relief. However, use these medications with caution and consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.

While most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own within a few days, seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent diarrhea lasting more than two days.
• High fever (above 102°F or 39°C).
• Bloody or black stools.
• Signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, or decreased urine output.
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping.

Above are some ways to treat diarrhea at home that you should keep in mind. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.