Effective treatment options for diarrhea

Effective treatment options for diarrhea

Diarrhea is a condition that can cause loose and watery bowel motions more than three times a day. Usually, these symptoms subside on their own after a few days; if it does, this can be categorized as acute diarrhea. However, if the symptoms do not subside and if medical intervention is required, then it is known as chronic diarrhea. Getting proper treatment for diarrhea may depend on the intensity of the condition. Any of the following options could be recommended.

Rehydration
Rehydration is the most important treatment option in the case of any type of diarrhea. If one doesn’t drink enough amount of fluid, it could lead to dehydration; this could cause further problems. One has to replenish on fluids as one would be losing lots of fluids from the body. One can also take Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) to combat dehydration. This solution gets absorbed by the small intestine and helps recover the loss of water and electrolytes during diarrhea. According to the WHO, these salts can help rehydrate those suffering from acute and even chronic diarrhea. Besides this, there are rehydration supplements available that can be consumed after getting a prescription from the doctor.

Antidiarrheal medications
These medicines are also known as anti-motility medications. A doctor will prescribe these medications depending on the intensity of the condition so that it can slow down the bowel moments. One can also take these medications while traveling to alleviate any possible diarrheal attack as it can help comfort the sufferer even though for a short period of time. One can purchase these medications from any pharmacy. However, these medications can be considered harmful if one is suffering from severe or bloody diarrhea. One must not utilize these medications to treat diarrhea in the case of infants or children as these may not agree with them. Loperamide, diphenoxylate, and atropine are some of the common medications prescribed. One should avoid alcohol while taking these medications. If one is suffering from bacterial-induced diarrhea, consuming such medications will cause drowsiness.

Antibiotics
There are various antibiotics which can be utilized for the treatment of diarrhea. One can use such antibiotics only in the case of bacterial-induced diarrhea. One should consult a doctor as the doctor will be able to prescribe the right medications based on the intensity of diarrhea.

Diet
One can ask a nutritionist for a proper diet plan, which will help in recovering from diarrhea. One should drink clear liquids like juice without sugar. One should drink liquids between meals and avoid drinking liquids during meals. One should also consume high-potassium food items like potatoes.

These are a few treatment options that can help cure diarrhea effectively.