Treatment for Diarrhea

Having diarrhea can be quite a debilitating experience. It is characterized by the increase in the number and frequency of one’s bowel movements. There is a looseness of a patient’s stool. It is also characterized by an increase or rather an excess of water in a patient’s stool. The looseness of one’s stool is independent from the frequency of bowel movements. The treatment for diarrhea requires some safe practices and medication.

Non-Pharmaceutical Treatment for Diarrhea

There are a number of things you can do as treatment for diarrhea. You usually don’t need to see your doctor when diarrhea isn’t severe. There are also a number of things you should avoid while treating this condition. However, if your child suffers from diarrhea, it is recommended to see your pediatrician or other healthcare provider.

Since diarrhea is quite debilitating, one should get an ample amount of rest. This is highly recommended for those who are already weakened. It would be well for those undergoing treatment to avoid taking in any milk products. It is quite common for patients to experience temporary lactose intolerance. This is due to the insult to one’s intestines.

As part of ongoing treatment and its safe practices, one should wash their hands after each bowel movement. Some might think that diarrhea isn’t transmittable, but it is. You should wash your hands frequently with soap and water in order to reduce the risk of transmitting this pathogen to other people living with you.

Some doctors recommend what is called a BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. This might be quite helpful if your child is suffering from diarrhea. It is believed that this diet will help in the formation of stools. Do take note that you should use this diet rather sparingly. Overdoing it might aggravate the situation than help.

Severe Cases

The treatment for diarrhea in more severe cases will be a bit different. You should consult your doctor right away if diarrhea becomes severe and painful. Be sure to do this especially if you get diarrhea while taking prescription drugs or antibiotics. You should also call your doctor immediately when diarrhea is accompanied by fever.

Food will have to be withheld from the patient for about 24 hours to allow stools to form. At this time, only clear liquids will be allowed for the patient. You may ask your pharmacist for anti-diarrhea medication for moderate cases but it would be better to consult your doctor about it.

Anti Diarrhea Medications

As part of the treatment for diarrhea, your doctor may prescribe certain medications. However, there are two medications that are available without prescription. The first is attapulgite and the second one is polycarbophil. These two medications are also called absorbents, which basically makes stools less watery. These medications also bind any bacteria-produced toxic chemicals in the small intestines.