Persistent Diarrhea: Causes, Relief & When to See a Doctor

1. Hydration is key. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can cause a range of other health problems. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, and electrolyte drinks, to stay hydrated.

2. Eat a bland diet. Avoid foods that are high in fiber, fat, or spice, as these can irritate the digestive tract and make diarrhea worse. Stick to simple, easy-to-digest foods such as rice, bananas, toast, and potatoes.

3. Avoid certain medications. Some medications, such as antibiotics and antacids, can cause diarrhea. If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about whether they may be contributing to your diarrhea.

4. Get some rest. Rest is important for allowing your body to heal. Avoid strenuous activity until your diarrhea has resolved.

5. Probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for digestive health. Taking a probiotic supplement can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut and improve diarrhea symptoms.

6. Over-the-counter medications. There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can help to treat diarrhea. These medications include loperamide (Imodium), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), and psyllium husk (Metamucil).

7. See your doctor. If your diarrhea does not improve after a few days, or if you are experiencing severe symptoms, it is important to see your doctor. You may need to be prescribed antibiotics or other medications to treat the diarrhea.