Diarrhea

Prevention

You can help to prevent diarrhea by practicing good hygiene. Most importantly, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating, before preparing food, and after using the bathroom. Since some diarrhea is caused by food poisoning, avoid eating undercooked meats, raw seafood, or foods left out for several hours. If your episodes of diarrhea occur only rarely, a specific cause may not be found. If you experience recurrent episodes, try to identify the factors that trigger your symptoms, such as a reaction to medicine or certain foods, and avoid them.

Treatment

When symptoms start, try to rest more and switch to a diet of clear liquids. Drink water, juice, bouillon, and weak tea to avoid becoming dehydrated. Replace lost fluids and electrolytes with sports drinks such as Gatorade. Avoid coffee or soft drinks that contain caffeine, since caffeine increases the loss of water and salt. When nausea prevents you from drinking fluids, suck on ice chips. As you begin to feel better, start eating solid foods gradually to prevent stomach cramps. Start with soft, starchy foods (cooked cereal, steamed rice, unbuttered toast, and applesauce) before returning to your normal diet. To ease stomach cramps, apply warmth (a hot water bottle, warm compress or electric heating pad set on low heat) to your abdomen. You also may consider over-the-counter medications such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium).