How to Stop Diarrhea

Diarrhea—defined as three or more loose or watery stools per day—can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Most cases are acute, lasting a few days, and resolve with simple home measures. This guide summarizes evidence-based strategies to help you stop diarrhea, prevent complications, and know when to seek medical help.

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1. Understand Diarrhea and Its Causes

Common triggers include:

• Viral infections (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus)
• Bacterial or parasitic infections (food poisoning, travelers’ diarrhea)
• Medications (antibiotics, laxatives)
• Food intolerances (lactose, fructose)
• Stress or anxiety
• Underlying conditions (inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome)

Most acute cases are self‐limiting (Foxx-Orenstein & McFarland, 2010). Identifying any recent travel, food exposures, or new medications can help pinpoint the cause.

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2. Prioritize Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

Fluid loss in diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. Prompt rehydration is crucial.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

• Use commercial ORS packets or make a DIY solution:
  • 1 liter of clean water
  • 6 teaspoons of sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
• Drink small sips frequently (5–10 mL every few minutes).

Additional Fluids

• Clear broths, weak tea, and diluted fruit juices.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and high‐sugar drinks, which can worsen diarrhea.

Signs of Dehydration

• Dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urine output
• Dizziness, rapid heartbeat
• In infants/young children: no tears when crying, sunken fontanelle

If dehydration signs appear, seek medical care promptly.

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3. Follow a Gentle Diet

Adopt a “resting” diet that’s easy on the gut:

Foods to Include

• Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast (BRAT diet)
• Boiled potatoes, plain noodles, crackers
• Yogurt with live cultures (helps restore gut flora)

Foods to Avoid

• Dairy (except yogurt) if lactose intolerant
• Fatty, fried, or greasy foods
• Spicy dishes, caffeine, and alcohol
• High-fiber foods (raw vegetables, whole grains) during acute phase

As symptoms improve, gradually reintroduce a balanced diet.

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4. Consider Over-the-Counter Medications

Self-care medications can reduce stool frequency and urgency.

Loperamide

• Mechanism: slows intestinal motility.
• Adult dose: 4 mg initially, then 2 mg after each loose stool (max 16 mg/day).
• Caution: avoid if you have high fever, bloody stools, or suspected bacterial infection.

Bismuth Subsalicylate

• Mechanism: anti‐secretory and mild antimicrobial effects.
• Adult dose: 524 mg every 30–60 minutes (max 8 doses/24 hours).
• Side effects: black stools or tongue discoloration.

When to Avoid Anti-motility Agents

• Children under 12 years (unless directed by a doctor)
• Signs of systemic infection: fever >102°F (39°C), blood or mucus in stools
• Severe dehydration

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5. Use Zinc Supplementation in Children

In children under five, zinc has proven benefits:

• Dose: 20 mg of zinc daily for 10–14 days (10 mg/day if <6 months old).
• Effects: reduces duration and severity of acute diarrhea, lowers risk of persistent diarrhea (Bhutta et al., 2000).

Always check with a pediatrician before starting supplements.

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6. Address Infectious Diarrhea

When bacterial causes are suspected (e.g., travelers’ diarrhea, dysentery), follow these guidelines:

• Obtain stool cultures if diarrhea is severe (>6 unformed stools in 24 hours), lasts >7 days, or includes blood/mucus.
• Empiric antibiotics may be considered for high-risk travelers or immunocompromised patients (Guerrant et al., 2001).
• Common regimens:
  • Azithromycin 500 mg once daily for 1–3 days (preferred in many regions).
  • Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin) where resistance is low.

Always complete the full course if antibiotics are prescribed.

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7. Prevent Recurrence

Good hygiene and food safety reduce future episodes:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
• Drink treated or boiled water when traveling.
• Avoid raw or undercooked foods.
• Disinfect surfaces and utensils if someone in your household has diarrhea.

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8. Monitor for Warning Signs

While most cases improve within 48–72 hours, seek prompt care if you experience:

• Severe dehydration (see signs in Section 2)
• High fever (>102°F/39°C)
• Bloody or black stools
• Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
• Diarrhea lasting >2 weeks

For a quick, free, online symptom check for diarrhea and related concerns, consider using this tool to help decide if medical evaluation is needed.

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9. When to Talk to a Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if you have:

• Any life-threatening or worsening symptoms
• Underlying health conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes)
• Frequent episodes of diarrhea
• Concerns about dehydration in infants, older adults, or those with weakened immunity

Always follow your doctor’s advice for prescription treatments or further testing.

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10. Key Takeaways

• Stay hydrated with ORS and clear fluids.
• Eat a gentle diet (BRAT) and avoid irritants.
• Use loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate judiciously.
• In children, consider zinc supplementation.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent infections.
• Watch for warning signs and use a free online symptom check for if unsure.
• Speak to a doctor about any serious or life-threatening symptoms.

By following these evidence-based steps, you can safely manage most episodes of diarrhea at home. If symptoms persist or worsen, please speak to a doctor right away.