1 Answer

1 Rest to give your body time to recover.

2 Avoid milk products, because temporary lactose intolerance is common after an insult to the intestine.

3 Wash your hands after every bowel movement to reduce the chance of transmitting the pathogen to someone else.

4 Consider your diet. Some people believe bananas help to form stools in children. Some doctors recommend a 'BRAT' diet: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. But use them sparingly and cautiously so as not to aggravate the problem.

5 Withhold food for 24 hours in moderate to severe cases, allowing only lukewarm clear liquids. As stools begin to form, slowly add soft foods.

6 Visit your doctor if the diarrhea is painful, is severe, contains blood or is accompanied by a high fever. Also, see or call a doctor immediately if you are taking antibiotic or prescription drugs.

7 Ask your pharmacist about any antidiarrheal medication you're considering to make sure that it does not interact with medications you are already taking.

Tips & Warnings

In children, diarrhea that is due to bacterial infection is severe and can last up to twelve days.

Check your medicines: Products containing magnesium may cause diarrhea.

The elderly and children can quickly become dehydrated, which can turn an intestinal illness into a systemic emergency. Replace fluids by drinking water, an electrolyte replacement drink or juice if tolerable.

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.