Diarrhea

Diarrhea Treatment

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea are common digestive issues that can vary in severity and duration. Each condition has distinct symptoms and treatment approaches.

Symptoms

  • Frequent loose or watery stools (3 or more times a day)

  • Urgency to have a bowel movement

  • Abdominal cramps or pain

  • Bloating or gas

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Fever (in some infections)

  • Dehydration signs (dry mouth, low urine output, dizziness)

  • Blood or mucus in stool (in some infections or inflammatory causes)

Diagnosis

Clinical Evaluation:

  • Detailed history (duration, food intake, travel history, medications)

  • Physical examination (hydration status, abdominal tenderness)

Tests (if needed):

  • Stool tests – to detect infections (bacteria, viruses, parasites), blood, or white cells

  • Blood tests – for signs of infection or dehydration

  • Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy – if chronic or inflammatory bowel disease is suspected

  • Hydrogen breath test – for lactose intolerance or small intestine bacterial overgrowth

  • Thyroid function test – in chronic unexplained diarrhea

Treatment

General Management:

  • Hydration is key – Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), water, coconut water, clear soups

  • Bland diet – BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast), avoid spicy or fatty foods

  • Rest and avoid caffeine or alcohol

Medications:

  • Antidiarrheals (e.g., loperamide) – for short-term use, not in bloody or infectious diarrhea

  • Antibiotics – if bacterial infection confirmed (e.g., traveler’s diarrhea, dysentery)

  • Probiotics – to restore gut flora

  • Zinc supplements – especially in children (recommended by WHO)

Treat underlying cause if chronic:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D)

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

  • Celiac disease

  • Medication side effects

  • Malabsorption syndromes