Diarrhoea, often known as watery stools, is embarrassing and can occur at inconvenient times, such as during a vacation or special occasion. While diarrhoea usually heals on its own in two to three days, there are a few home remedies that can help promote firmer stools more quickly. Please continue reading to learn about quick-acting treatments, as well as what causes diarrhoea and how to avoid it.
Some individuals dismiss diarrhoea as a minor annoyance and allow it to pass, especially because some bouts last less than 24 hours. To avoid dehydration, stay close to home or a bathroom and drink enough fluids and electrolytes. But what if you're unable to stay at home? In this scenario, using an anti-diarrhoeal medicine after the first dosage may help to minimize or eliminate loose stools. Search for over-the-counter medications with the components loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol. Imodium's active ingredient works quickly by slowing the flow of fluid through the intestines. This can immediately return bowel function to normal. On the other hand, aids in the killing of germs that cause diarrhoea in the intestines.
Another quick and effective cure for diarrhoea is rice water. One cup of rice and 2 cups water should be cooked for around 10 minutes, or until the water gets hazy. Then, rinsing the rice and keep the water for later use. Rice water not only hydrates your body and prevents dehydration, but it also helps to shorten the duration of diarrhoea. In the digestive tract, rice water has a binding action, resulting in firmer, bulkier faeces.
Taking a probiotic complement or eating probiotic foods, such as some yoghurt brands, can also help to prevent diarrhoea. A bacterial imbalance in the intestines can sometimes cause diarrhoea. Probiotics aid in the restoration of balance by increasing the number of beneficial microorganisms in the body. This can help to restore regular bowel function and reduce the length of time diarrhoea lasts.
Antibiotics may be required if bacteria or a parasite causes diarrhoea. In this situation, diarrhoea might occur after consuming tainted food or water, which is common when travelling. Keep in mind that when viral illnesses induce diarrhoea, medications are useless. This sort of diarrhoea must be allowed to pass.
BRAT is a diet that can help you get rid of diarrhoea quickly. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) are bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. The bland character of these foods and the fact that they're starchy, low-fibre foods make this diet helpful. These diets bond together in the digestive tract, resulting in more giant faeces. They're also less likely to upset your stomach or increase diarrhoea because they're bland. You may also eat (similarly bland) saltine crackers, clear broth, and potatoes with these.
Knowing what causes diarrhoea can help you avoid it in the future. Among the most common causes are:
Stomach Virus
One cause of diarrhoea is viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu). You may also have the following symptoms in addition to watery stools:
Norovirus and rotavirus are two viruses that can cause diarrhoea and vomiting after eating or drinking contaminated food or sharing personal belongings with an infected individual.
Medication
Some drugs can cause diarrhoea if you are sensitive to them. This can occur as a side effect of antibiotics, pain medicines, or cancer-fighting medications.
Foodborne Illness
Diarrhoea, often known as food poisoning, occurs when bacteria, parasites, or toxins infect food. Bacteria such as the ones below can cause foodborne illnesses:
A Food Allergy
If you have lactose intolerance, eating dairy products may cause diarrhoea. Milk, cheese, ice cream, and yoghurt are among them. A dietary allergy or intolerance can also cause diarrhoea. For example, you may experience diarrhoea after consuming gluten-containing foods such as wheat, pasta, or rye.
Mock Sweeteners
Diarrhoea can be caused by less well-known reasons, such as fake sweeteners. If you're sensitive to artificial sweeteners, though, you may get diarrhoea after consuming foods or beverages that contain these sweeteners. Diet drinks, sugar-free goods, chewing gum, and even some candies include artificial sweeteners.
Digestive Problems
Diarrhoea can be an indication of intestinal issues. If you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, you may experience frequent spells of loose stools. Irritable bowel syndrome can also induce diarrhoea and constipation in cycles.
Diarrhoea brought on by a virus or bacteria is infectious. You can defend yourself by doing the following:
If you have diarrhoea upon starting a new medicine, talk to your doctor about switching to a different drug or reducing your dosage. You can also protect yourself by cooking food thoroughly and adequately washing fruits and vegetables before preparing them. Also, make sure you know how to wash your hands properly. Hands should be washed in warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. If you don't have access to water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Maintain a diet diary and write down all you eat for a few weeks to detect potential food allergies or sensitivities. Make a list of the days you've had diarrhoea. Maintaining a food diary might assist in determining whether you have lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. After that, you can attempt an elimination diet. See if your symptoms improve after eliminating identified issue foods from your diet. If your present treatment for a digestive condition isn't working, go to your doctor. You may need to change your medicine.
If your diarrhoea lasts more than three days or you show indications of dehydration, see a doctor. Extreme thirst, reduced urination, and dizziness are some of the symptoms. If you have any of the ensuing indications, you should see a doctor:
Diarrhoea might last for up to 24 hours. It could even persist for days, causing you to miss out on your plans. However, you can immediately ease symptoms and enjoy diarrhoea-free days by combining medication, low-fibre diets, and avoiding foods that irritate your digestive systems, such as dairy or artificial sweeteners.