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Diarrhea is one of the most common illnesses across all age groups. Most of us have experienced it, which is characterized by frequent loose or watery stools. Additionally, individuals with diarrhea may experience fever, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Many cases of diarrhea are not serious and will resolve within a few days. You can treat diarrhea at home for both adults and children by replenishing fluids and applying some home remedies.
Do not treat diarrhea at home for infants and children under 2 years old. Contact a pediatrician and follow their advice. Do not give anti-diarrheal medications to children without consulting a pediatrician.
Steps
Assess Symptoms
Understand the causes of diarrhea. Most cases of diarrhea are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It can also occur as a reaction to medication, including herbal treatments. Sensitivity to foods, such as a reaction to laxatives and Mannitol, may also result in diarrhea. People with lactose intolerance may experience diarrhea when consuming dairy products.
- Some gastrointestinal disorders, like inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease, can cause diarrhea. These conditions require medical attention and treatment with prescribed medications.
- Diarrhea is also a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments.
Recognize the symptoms of diarrhea. Most cases of diarrhea are considered 'uncomplicated' and usually resolve within a few days. The symptoms of uncomplicated diarrhea include:
- Abdominal bloating or cramping
- Loose or watery stools
- Frequent bowel movements or urgent need to defecate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Low-grade fever
Check for blood and/or mucus in stool. Intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and infections can lead to blood and/or mucus in the stool. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if blood or mucus is present in the stool.
- You may also experience blood or mucus in the stool if you've recently used antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria in the colon, allowing harmful bacteria to cause an infection.
Monitor for fever. A fever accompanying diarrhea can indicate a more serious health issue. If the fever is 39°C (102.2°F) or higher, or lasts for more than 24 hours, seek medical attention immediately.
Observe for black or dark-colored stools. Dark or black stools may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as pancreatitis or even colon cancer. If your stool is black or dark in color, consult a doctor immediately.
Recognize signs of dehydration in children. Children can become dehydrated if they experience diarrhea. Signs of dehydration in children include:
- Reduced urination or dry diapers
- Few or no tears
- Dry mouth
- Listlessness or lack of interest
- Sunken eyes
- Loss of appetite
Drink the Right Amount of Water
Drink plenty of fluids. Diarrhea causes your body to lose large amounts of water. To prevent dehydration, it's crucial to stay hydrated. While water is essential, you should also seek drinks that contain electrolytes like sodium, chloride, and potassium. Simply drinking water won't replenish enough electrolytes during severe dehydration.
- Healthy adult men should consume at least 13 cups/3 liters of water daily, while healthy adult women should aim for 9 cups/2.2 liters. More may be needed to combat dehydration caused by diarrhea.
- Good options for adults include plain water, vegetable juices (especially celery and carrots), sports drinks, electrolyte supplements, caffeine-free herbal teas, ginger beer, and salty broths like Miso soup.
- Barley water is another great option to hydrate. Steep 1 cup of whole barley in 1 liter of boiling water for 20 minutes, strain, and drink throughout the day.
- Children should drink oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte and Infalyte, which balance their nutritional needs. These are available at most grocery stores and pharmacies. White grape juice is also a good option for children suffering from dehydration due to diarrhea.
Avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks. Beverages like coffee and soda irritate the intestines and can worsen diarrhea. If you want to drink ginger beer, let it sit open or stir it overnight to release carbonation.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages when suffering from diarrhea, as alcohol can dehydrate the body and worsen symptoms.
Try herbal teas. Peppermint, chamomile, and green tea can help reduce nausea associated with diarrhea. You can use pre-made tea bags or brew your own.
- Chamomile tea is safe for both children and adults unless there is an allergy to ragweed. Avoid giving herbs to children without consulting a pediatrician.
- Brewing fenugreek tea involves adding 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to a cup of hot water. While there isn't enough scientific evidence to confirm fenugreek's effectiveness, it may help alleviate stomach discomfort and prevent nausea.
- Consult with a healthcare provider before trying herbal teas. Teas made from raspberry leaves, blackberry leaves, blueberries, or senna seeds can soothe the stomach and intestinal inflammation. However, these herbs may interact with medications, so it’s important to check with your doctor before use.
Try ginger. Ginger helps with nausea and inflammation. You can drink non-carbonated ginger beer or ginger tea to relieve stomach pain and reduce inflammation. When choosing ginger beer, make sure it contains real ginger, as some brands lack sufficient ginger for effectiveness.
- You can make ginger tea by boiling 12 slices of fresh ginger in 3 cups of water. Simmer for 20 minutes and stir in honey before drinking. Honey can help reduce diarrhea symptoms.
- Ginger tea is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, though pregnant women should limit their intake to no more than 1 gram of ginger per day.
- Avoid giving ginger to children under 2 years old. Children over 2 can consume small amounts of ginger beer or ginger tea for nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea relief.
- Ginger may interact with blood-thinning medications like aspirin or Coumadin, so it’s advised to avoid ginger if on blood-thinning drugs.
Drink small sips. If your diarrhea is caused by a "stomach ache" or is accompanied by vomiting, drinking large quantities of water at once could worsen the condition. Instead, take small sips regularly throughout the day to keep your stomach settled.
- You can also use crushed ice or frozen popsicles to hydrate. This is an excellent choice for children who need fluids during dehydration caused by diarrhea.
Keep breastfeeding. If your baby has diarrhea and is breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed. This will help soothe your baby and provide hydration.
- Do not give cow's milk to infants with diarrhea, as it can cause bloating and gas.
Eat the Right Foods
Increase fiber intake. Fiber helps absorb water and firm up stools, which can reduce diarrhea. The U.S. Institute of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends at least 25g of fiber per day for women and 38g for men. Try adding more insoluble fiber, or "roughage," to the diet if you have diarrhea.
- Brown rice, barley, and other whole grains are good sources of insoluble fiber. Cooking grains with chicken or Miso soup can help replenish lost salts.
- Foods high in potassium and fiber include mashed or boiled potatoes and bananas.
- Cooked carrots are another great source of fiber. You can mash them if desired.
Snack on saltines. Saltines are a light snack that can help ease stomach discomfort. Some crackers even contain fiber to help firm up stools.
- If you have trouble digesting gluten, try rice crackers instead of those made with wheat flour.
Try the BRAT diet. The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast – all of which can firm up stool and provide just enough nutrition without upsetting your stomach.
- Opt for whole-grain or brown rice bread. This type of bread is rich in fiber and nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
- Applesauce contains pectin, which helps firm up stool. In contrast, apple juice has a laxative effect and may worsen diarrhea.
- Avoid solid foods if you continue to experience vomiting. Instead, you should switch to soups or liquids and contact your doctor immediately.
Avoid dairy products and milk. These foods can cause diarrhea in people who are lactose intolerant. Even those who can tolerate lactose may struggle to digest dairy products when experiencing diarrhea.
Avoid greasy, fried, or spicy foods. These types of food can irritate your stomach and worsen diarrhea. Stick to a bland diet and consume light foods until you start feeling better.
- If you need to add protein, opt for skinless boiled or roasted chicken. You could also have scrambled eggs.
Use Over-the-Counter Medicine
Try bismuth subsalicylate medication. Bismuth subsalicylate medications, including Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, help reduce inflammation and may assist your body in regulating fluids more effectively.
- This medication also has mild antibacterial properties, making it ideal for diarrhea caused by 'stomach bugs' or infections, such as 'traveler's diarrhea'.
- Do not take Pepto-Bismol if you are allergic to aspirin, nor should you combine it with other medications that contain aspirin.
- Do not administer anti-diarrheal medication to children without first consulting a pediatrician.
Use psyllium husk fiber. Psyllium husk fiber is a good source of soluble fiber that helps absorb water in the intestines and firm up stool.
- Adults should start with a small dose of psyllium husk fiber (½ - 2 teaspoons or 2.5 to 10 g) mixed with water. If you've never used psyllium fiber before, begin with a low dose and gradually increase it.
- Do not give psyllium husk fiber to children without consulting a pediatrician. Children over 6 years old can take a very small dose (¼ teaspoon or 1.3 g) mixed with water.
See a doctor. Visit a doctor immediately if diarrhea lasts more than 5 days for adults. If diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours for children, take them to a pediatrician as soon as possible.
- See a doctor right away if you notice blood or pus in the stool or if you have a high fever (above 39°C).
- Seek medical attention immediately if you experience abdominal or rectal pain.
- If you have trouble keeping fluids in your body, you may experience symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, or dry mouth. If these symptoms don't improve, see a doctor immediately. Severe dehydration can lead to serious illness or even death.
Advice
- Eat light foods. Spicy or very hot meals can exacerbate diarrhea.
- Read and follow the instructions on over-the-counter medicine labels. Use the correct dosage as directed.
- Avoid consuming fruits, coffee, or alcoholic beverages for 48 hours after diarrhea symptoms subside.
- In many cases, it's best to let diarrhea run its course. Diarrhea caused by infection or parasites means your body is using it as a way to expel harmful bacteria or parasites. Try treating the condition with diet before turning to anti-diarrheal medications.
Warnings
- If there is blood, mucus, or pus in the stool, seek medical attention immediately.
- Do not treat children under 2 years old at home. Consult a pediatrician for advice.
- If you or your child has a high fever (above 39°C) along with diarrhea, see a doctor immediately.
- If a child refuses to drink fluids or urinate, take them to a pediatrician right away.
- Anti-diarrheal medications like Imodium may worsen the condition if the diarrhea is caused by an infection.
