Can Diarrhea Harm My Health?
Yes. Ongoing diarrhea causes the body to lose large amounts of
water and nutrients. If you have watery stools more than three
times a day and you are not drinking enough fluids, you could
become dehydrated, which can cause serious complications if not
treated.
How Is Diarrhea Treated?
If you have a mild case of diarrhea, you can just let it run its
course, or you can treat it with an over-the-counter
medicine.Common brand names include Pepto-Bismol, Imodium A-D and
Kaopectate, which are available as liquids or tablets. Follow the
instructions on the package.
In addition, you should drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of fluid
per day. Choose fruit juice without pulp, broth or soda (without
caffeine). Chicken broth (without the fat), tea with honey and
sports drinks are also good choices. Instead of drinking liquids
with your meals, drink liquids between meals. Drink small amounts
of fluids frequently.
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/90/100639.htm
Home Care
Drink plenty of fluid to avoid becoming dehydrated. Start with sips
of any fluid other than caffeinated beverages. Milk may prolong
loose stools, but also provides needed fluids and nourishment.
Drinking milk may be fine for mild diarrhea. For moderate and
severe diarrhea, electrolyte solutions available in drugstores are
usually best.
Active cultures of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) make diarrhea
less severe and shorten its duration. Probiotics can be found in
yogurt with active or live cultures and in supplements.
Foods like rice, dry toast, and bananas can sometimes help with
diarrhea.
Avoid over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications unless
specifically instructed to use one by your doctor. Certain
infections can be made worse by these drugs. When you have
diarrhea, your body is trying to get rid of whatever food, virus,
or other bug is causing it. The medicine interferes with this
process.
Rest.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003126.htm
