Diarrhea is one uncomfortable and unpleasant condition that no one wants to have, which can ruin a person’s day or a few days. It is a relief that diarrhea episodes are short-lived and acute. There can be some cases when diarrhea can persist for days or even weeks. But it is usually in case of intolerance due to daily or gluten. In case of extreme discomfort due to diarrhea you can visit a Gastrologist in Kolkata.
Let’s find out the typical duration for diarrhea and look at different ways of stopping diarrhea fast.
Ways of stopping diarrhea fast –
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Over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication.
Anti-diarrhea medication is the most common and convenient solution for diarrhea. Some of the medications available in the market are-
Imodium is a medication that slows digestion that helps to absorb more water from the intestine. That helps in making stools firmer and reduces the frequency of bowel movements.
Pepto-Bismol is another OTC medication. It helps in coating and killing diarrhea-causing bacteria that are present in the person’s guts.
However, these medications are not useful, in case you have symptoms like fever or signs of infections, or bloody stools. In such cases, a medical supervisor can help with your condition.
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Antibiotics for Diarrhea
Doctors prescribe antibiotics to help remove or end bacteria in the Gastrointestinal tract (GI). Many people contract harmful bacteria from contaminated food or water. Some of the bacteria that can cause diarrhea are campylobacter, E. coli, salmonella, and shigella.
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Diet Changes
Certain dietary adjustments may help ease an acute episode of diarrhea. That can also reduce the risk of further complications.
Like eating bland food or easy-to-digest foods that reduce the risk of further GI infections and can reduce diarrhea. One of the popular options is the BRAT diet. A diet that requires consuming only bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These bland foods are your best friends.
One can also increase the intake of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber absorbs fluid in the intestines. It helps in making stools firmer and alleviates diarrhea. Some foods with high soluble fiber are fruits and vegetables, legumes, bread, pasta, and cereals.
People with diarrhea should aim to eat smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day. It is better to avoid two to three large meals. Resting after meals can help slow down the movement of food throughout the gut. This can also help reduce the frequency of bowel movements.
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Hydration
It is necessary that you drink a lot of water when you have diarrhea. Diarrhea causes a person to lose fluids and electrolytes. This can cause dehydration along with other severe complications. Different signs of dehydration are: low urine output, increased thirst, dizziness, or confusion. To prevent dehydration, the patient should drink plenty of fluids. Fruit juices and sports drinks are all good options as they are high in potassium and other electrolytes.
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Supplements
Different supplements that can relieve diarrhea are psyllium, pectin, blackberry root bark, and probiotics. People who are taking antibiotics should finish their course of medication, before taking probiotics or other supplements. Zinc supplements can help treat and prevent acute diarrhea
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ORS
Oral rehydration solutions are popular solutions for diarrhea. ORS is the best to replace the fluids and electrolytes lost during episodes of diarrhea. Some oral rehydration solutions include Pedialyte, Naturalyte, Enfalyte, and CeraLyte.
What you should not do when trying to stop diarrhea fast?
People with diarrhea should avoid the following foods and ingredients that could make their diarrhea worse. That includes caffeine, alcohol, foods high in fructose, prune juice and dried fruits, sugar replacements or substitutes, fatty foods, fried foods, and spicy foods.
Persistent diarrhea could also be an indicator of food sensitivity or intolerance. Seen in the case of people having lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, or gluten intolerance. In such cases, try to avoid the foods that trigger your diarrhea.
What is the typical duration of diarrhea?
The typical duration of diarrhea is 1-2 days. Moreover, medical professionals divide it into acute, persistent, and chronic diarrhea based on the length of the infection. Acute diarrhea usually lasts 1-2 days. Persistent diarrhea lasts for 2-4 weeks. Whereas chronic diarrhea can last for about 4 weeks or it can be conditional on the diet of the person.
How to ease symptoms of diarrhea in the meantime?
Acute diarrhea can last for about a day or two. In the meantime, people can follow these tips to help with the condition – drinking plenty of water, juices, and broths to help avoid dehydration. Taking OTC antidiarrheal medications that can help relieve pain from gas and bloating or getting plenty of rest to help slow the digestive process.
When should you see a doctor in case of diarrhea?
In case of acute diarrhea, adults can see a doctor if their diarrhea lasts more than 24h. They should see a doctor if their diarrhea has signs of dehydration, fever, frequent vomiting, or severe pain in the stomach, abdomen, or rectum with bloody or tarry stools.
Conclusion –
Diarrhea can show up on some days and can resolve. Most cases are acute lasting for about 2 days. In case you are experiencing persistent or chronic diarrhea that persists for longer weeks then you can opt for different methods to deal with diarrhea symptoms. These methods are different for children, adults, and pregnant women.
People should see a doctor in case their diarrhea persists or they experience pain in their intestines. A Gastrologist in Kolkata will better understand the symptoms and diagnose the condition. They will prescribe the appropriate treatment after the proper check-up.
