What Types Of Otc Medicines Treat Diarrhea
You can buy over-the-counter medicines without a;prescription;from your doctor. Some OTC medicines can help you feel better if you have diarrhea. These are called antidiarrheal medicines. Antidiarrheal medicines include:
- Loperamide .
- Bismuth subsalicylate .
Bismuth subsalicylate can also be used for an upset stomach.
Causes Of Stomach Cramps And Diarrhea
Many causes of digestive upset will also result in stomach cramping and diarrhea. Cramps in the lower abdominal area usually feel like short, sharp pains that donât last very long. Stomach cramps may also feel as if your belly muscles are tightening.
Some of the reasons for stomach aches that also cause stomach cramping and loose stool are:
- Diverticulitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
What To Do About Nutrition When You Have Diarrhea
Do stick with bland foods. One tried and true diet for diarrhea is the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Low in fiber, bland and starchy, these foods can help replace lost nutrients and firm your stools. According to the National Institute of Healths National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , you can also try boiled potatoes, crackers, or cooked carrots.
Do eat small meals. Too much food will stimulate your gastrointestinal tract to move even more, says Ganjhu, and possibly worsen the diarrhea. Eating five to six small meals, rather than three large ones, can give your intestines a chance to digest the food more easily.
Dont eat fried food.;Prepare foods like beef, pork, chicken, fish, or turkey by baking or broiling, not frying, which can worsen diarrhea. Cooked eggs are okay, too, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Do eat when hunger strikes. Listen to your body and dont force yourself to eat, which can worsen symptoms. Trust your body to tell you when and how much it can tolerate, notes Ganjhu.
Dont eat fruits and vegetables that cause gas. Eating gassy food when you have diarrhea can increase intestinal gas and should be avoided. This includes fruits and vegetables, like prunes, berries, beans, peas, broccoli, corn, and green leafy vegetables, and sweet foods like cookies or cakes.
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Tips To Relieve Symptoms
If someone on the keto diet is experiencing GI problems, they can try to relieve the symptoms by:
- Eating more fiber:Fiber can help relieve constipation or diarrhea. Greens, cucumber, broccoli, and cabbage are some high fiber foods that are suitable as part of a keto diet.
- Eating less dairy: As whole dairy products are high in fat, people starting on a keto diet may consume more of these than they previously did. This dietary change may reveal an intolerance to dairy, common symptoms of which are diarrhea, bloating, and gas.
- Easing into the diet: A sudden change in the diet may disrupt the GI bacteria. Easing into a keto diet by slowly reducing carbs and increasing fats may help the body adapt better.
- Staying hydrated: Drinking can help improve constipation. If a person is experiencing diarrhea, it is important to replace fluids. Drinking water and sugar-free electrolyte beverages can help replace these fluids and any lost electrolytes.
- Adding probiotics and prebiotics: Taking a probiotic supplement or increasing the intake of probiotic- and prebiotic-rich foods may effectively support the gut bacteria during a keto diet. Doing this may
Carrot And Mint Juice Helps An Upset Stomach
It might sound iffy, but this is one of the stomach ache remedies thats;super helpful if youre suffering from the winter flu; the carrot provides nourishment and peppermint soothes your upset stomach. Boil four sliced carrots, four cups of water, and one teaspoon of dried peppermint or one peppermint teabag. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook about 15 minutes or until carrots are soft. If youre using a teabag, remove it and then blend the mixture until smooth and enjoy! You can also add a pinch of ground ginger to further soothe, or a squeeze of lemon juice for flavor. These are the best foods for your belly.
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Why Do I Have Stomach Pain And Diarrhea
Abdominal pain and diarrhea can be all-too familiar, and nearly everybody will suffer from this combination at some point during their lifetime. But how do I know if my stomach pain is serious?
Having diarrhea with stomach pain is a common symptom of stomach flu. The good news is, the discomfort and pain usually disappear within a few days. However, there are other reasons you may have stomach cramps or diarrhea, and its important to know when to see a doctor and when to ride the symptoms out.;
Read on to learn about the different possible causes of stomach pain and diarrhea, how to prevent some instances of it, and when to give your physician a call.
When Should I See My Doctor
Sometimes, abdominal pain can signal something serious. You should see your doctor immediately or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you:
- have pain that is severe and is getting worse
- have pain that spreads to your chest, neck or shoulders
- have pain that lasts for several hours or longer
- have pain and vaginal bleeding and you are pregnant
- have pain in the scrotum
- have pain and vomiting or shortness of breath
- have pain and vomiting blood
- have blood in bowel motions or urine
- cant pee , do a poo or fart
- are experiencing vomiting that wont go away
If you have a sudden, severe, debilitating pain in your abdomen, go to your nearest hospital emergency department or call triple zero immediately and ask for an ambulance. It may be a sign of a serious illness that requires urgent treatment.
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Take With Or Without Food
Check the label on your antibiotics. Does it recommend taking them with food or on an empty stomach?
In either case, follow the directions. Some antibiotics are better absorbed on an empty stomach, so you dont want to limit their effectiveness. But if the label says, Take with food, taking your pills with a meal might help ease stomach issues.
Beyond the specifics above, good old-fashioned advice for treating diarrhea still applies. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and use rehydrating beverages high in electrolytes if needed. Avoid alcohol and caffeine if theyre making your diarrhea worse. Keep in mind alcohol may actually cause severe reactions while you are taking certain antibiotics, so check the label for that information, as well. Eat a more bland diet than you might normally eat.
Its better to use caution than get hit with unpleasant side effects.
Common sense would say you are going to disturb the natural balance with antibiotics, Dr. Rabovsky says, so anything else that causes you GI symptoms could make side effects even worse.
How Do Otc Antidiarrheal Medicines Work
Loperamide;slows down how fast things move through your intestines . This allows more fluid to be absorbed into your body. This helps you have less diarrhea and more formed stools.
Bismuth subsalicylate;balances the way fluid moves through your intestines. It reduces inflammation. It keeps bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhea from growing in the stomach and intestines.
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How Can I Treat Abdominal Pain
If you have abdominal pain, keeping warm and placing a heat pack or hot water bottle on your stomach may help.
If your abdominal pain does not require you to stop eating and drinking, stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of clear, non-alcoholic fluids. If you have a medical condition that restricts your fluid intake, check with your doctor about how much fluid you can have.
Eat small meals and – foods such as rice, dry toast or bananas. Avoid spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine until 48 hours after the pain has gone away.
Several medicines can help if you have non-acute abdominal pain, including:
- paracetamol to ease the pain
- charcoal tablets or similar for wind pain
- medicines to ease spasms
- medicines to stop diarrhoea
Avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen and naproxen since these can irritate your stomach. A pharmacist can advise you about the most appropriate medicine for your abdominal pain.
In more serious cases, the treatment recommended will depend on the cause and severity of the abdominal pain, and how long you have had it. Treatment may include following a particular diet in the long term; getting more exercise; taking medicines; or having surgery.
Gulp Down A Sports Drink
Most people think of Gatorade as a sports beverage, as it replenishes electrolytes after a workout, helping restore hydration. It works the same way when you have diarrhea. If the volume and frequency of watery stool is significant, steps must be taken to avoid dehydration, Dr. Masoud explains. The most important thing to remember is that with fluid losses also come electrolyte depletion.
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What Causes Abdominal Pain In Children
Common causes of abdominal pain in children include:
- gastroenteritis
- trapped wind
- lower urinary tract problems, such as cystitis
Most abdominal pain is mild and will go away without treatment after a few days. However, your child should see a doctor if the pain is severe or doesnt go away, especially when they also have other symptoms, such as a fever. In this case, you should ensure they are monitored closely and they may need further medical assessment.
How Do I Safely Take Otc Antidiarrheal Medicines
Before you take an OTC antidiarrheal medicine, read the directions on the drug facts;label. This will tell you how much medicine to take and how often to take it. If you have any questions, call your family doctor or pharmacist.;Keep a record;of which OTC medicines you are using and when you take them. If you need to go to the doctor, take this list with you.
Follow these tips to make sure you are taking the right amount of medicine:
- Take only the amount recommended on the medicines label. Dont assume that more medicine will work better or quicker. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
- If you take prescription medicine, ask your doctor if its okay to take OTC antidiarrheal medicine.
- Dont use more than one OTC antidiarrheal medicine at a time unless your doctor says its okay. They may have similar active ingredients. These could add up to be too much medicine.
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Crohn’s Disease And Ulcerative Colitis
What it feels like: Both are inflammatory bowl diseases . Crohn’s disease targets the intestines and bowel but can also affect any part of the digestive tract. Some people have mild intermittent flare-ups; others experience excruciating cramping, vomiting, bloating, bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss and fatigue. Ulcerative colitis has similar, though less severe, symptoms and affects only the colon and rectum.
What causes it: These are autoimmune disorders in which the immune system designed to guard against bacteria, viruses and other foreign invaders turns on itself. The result: chronic inflammation, scarring and blockage. Since it can be hard to absorb key nutrients, such as vitamin B-12, you may be at risk for pernicious anemia.
The fix: Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis cannot be cured, but you can tame symptoms with a combination of lifestyle changes and medications, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs, plus over-the-counter meds for diarrhea and constipation. Stop smoking, ramp up fluids, exercise and experiment to see which foods you can tolerate. Some find that dairy products worsen symptoms; others can’t eat high-fiber grains and vegetables. Eating small meals gives the body time to digest.
Drink Plenty Of Fluids
One of the biggest problems with diarrhea, and what leads many people to the emergency room, is dehydration. Diarrhea causes the body to lose a lot of water and electrolytes it needs to function normally. If not treated appropriately, dehydration can become dangerous, especially in young children.
To manage a mild bout of diarrhea, you will need to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost. Drink plenty of water, clear juices, clear broths, or an electrolyte-rich sports drink.
There are also things you should avoid when you have a bout of diarrhea. Avoid coffee, caffeinated drinks, prune juice, sugary drinks, sodas, and alcohol, all of which have a laxative effect. It is also a good idea to avoid dairy products.
Young children and babies with diarrhea should be given pediatric rehydration drinks, marketed under such brand names as Pedialyte, Enfalyte, or Gastrolyte. Breastfed infants;should continue to breastfeed. Children should continue with their regular diet, plus rehydrating fluids, rather than be put on a restrictive diet.
If you want to avoid the artificial colorings or flavorings used in some commercial rehydration drinks, you can make a homemade rehydration drink using only salt, sugar, and water. You can also purchase oral rehydration salts over the counter at most drugstores. Follow the preparation instructions as too much salt can be harmful, especially to children.
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Fecal Impaction And Constipation
It may surprise you to know that constipation can also cause symptoms of diarrhea. How is it possible to have impacted hard stool as well as watery diarrhea?
Doctors from the National Health Service explain that what looks like diarrhea is actually anal leakage. Fecal impaction can make it almost impossible to having a bowel movement. However, watery stool can leak around the hard stool and look as if you have constipation and diarrhea at the same time.26
Please read my article on the best way to treat anal leakage naturally and avoid embarrassment.
When Should You Seek Medical Care
Diarrhea can usually be treated with home care. In some cases, it may become more severe. A person should go to a hospital emergency department in the following situations:
- If the person has the condition along with high fever, moderate-to-severe abdominal pain, or dehydration that cannot be managed by drinking fluids
- If the diarrhea appears to contain blood
- If the person is sleepy and is not acting like their usual selves
- Vomiting and inability to tolerate any food or to keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration
- High fever, significant abdominal pain, frequent loose bowel movements, or bloody diarrhea
- If he or she is elderly or has serious underlying medical problems, particularly diabetes, heart, kidney, or liver disease, or HIV/AIDS
- A parent or caregiver needs advice about preventing dehydration in newborns and infants
- Symptoms do not improve in two to three days or appear to become worse
- If he or she develops diarrhea after travel within their home country, or foreign travel; or if a woman is pregnant
For cases of chronic diarrhea, your primary care provider may consult with a gastroenterologist .
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Could It Be Cancer
Colon cancer symptoms, including unexplained weight loss, vomiting, chronic bloating of the abdomen and blood in the stool, mimic many common stomach problems. If you haven’t already, schedule a baseline colonoscopy. “The chance of colon cancer increases with age, but if caught early, it can often be cured,” says Maged Rizk, a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland.
“The medications we need to treat them also take a toll,” says gastroenterologist Brijen J. Shah, assistant professor of gastroenterology, geriatrics and palliative medicine at the Mount Sinai Hospital. Antidepressants, pain relievers, drugs for insomnia, high blood pressure, incontinence, asthma and allergies, and even calcium and iron supplements can trigger or aggravate digestive problems. We also tend to be less active as we age, and exercise is essential for keeping the gut and the rest of us healthy.
Thanks to new treatments and smart lifestyle choices, there’s a lot you can do to keep everything moving. Here’s what you need to know:
Small Bowel Water Content
A group of researchers found that, compared to healthy control subjects, IBS-D patients have lower amounts of water in the small intestine and it passes through quicker to the large intestine, which may contribute to postprandial diarrhea.
This research dovetails with the FODMAPs theory for IBS;as foods with high osmotic value are particularly troublesome for people with IBS.;If true, the development of medications that would slow transit time and thus better regulate the flow of liquid into the large intestine may be of value.
Clearly, research into the factors behind postprandial diarrhea in IBS is quite limited, and therefore no definitive conclusions can be drawn. In addition, despite the variety of plausible theories explaining the problem, data regarding treatments for this condition don’t exist, so it’s unclear thus far which treatments will help patients, and which do not.
Hopefully, further research will shed more light on the subject and offer some effective treatment options. In the meantime, if you tend to experience urgent diarrhea episodes after eating, discuss the subject with your physician to see if any of the proposed interventions would be a safe option for you.
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Tips To Prevent Dehydration
- Avoid caffeine
- Replenish electrolytes
If you have nausea or vomiting, taking tiny, frequent sips of water can help the fluids stay down. In addition, caffeinated beverages and other diuretics should be avoided.
The caffeine in coffee and sodas can block your body from absorbing fluids, making you pass liquids more frequently than you normally would. Alcohol can do the same thing, so that is also best avoided.
Electrolytes are found in a wide variety of sources, but if youre not feeling well, the easiest place to get them is through drinking beverages with a small amount of salt. .
Sports drinks and special hydration fluids like Pedialyte work well, or you can make your own by adding a pinch of salt to lemon water and adding a small amount of sweetener, like sugar or a sugar substitute.
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