How to Treat Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by excess water in the stool and can be quite debilitating. The cause may vary from tainted food or a virus to severe anxiety. These steps can help you cope.

Things You'll Need

• Antidiarrheal Agents

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Instructions

• 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.