How to treat severe diarrhea. How to treat diarrhea at home

The following reasons can lead to the development of diarrhea in adults:

1. Food allergy/poisoning
2. Enzyme deficiency
3. Digestive problems associated with inflammation of the intestinal walls
4. Taking certain medications
5. Infections
6. Stressful situations
7. A sudden transition to a different eating style

If you have diarrhea accompanied by vomiting/fever up to 38°C/blood in the stool, you should immediately consult a doctor. It is important to receive adequate treatment to avoid possible complications.

Replenishing lost fluid

Severe dehydration causes distress of cardio-vascular system and leads to renal failure. Glucose-saline solutions for oral administration are best suited for fluid replenishment. These include:

1. "Regidron"
2. "Glucosolan"
3. "Hydrovit"
4. "Gastrolit"

"Rehydron" is a powder that needs to be dissolved in 1 liter of water and drunk 50-100 ml every 5 minutes. It contains salts that restore water and electrolyte balance, and glucose necessary for energy supply to the body. If such solutions are not at hand, ordinary mineral water and sweet tea will do.

Nausea and vomiting can make diarrhea worse. In this case, taking solutions orally will not have an effect, since the stomach will not be able to retain them. With repeated vomiting, dehydration quickly occurs, which cannot be eliminated at home. In such cases, treatment in a hospital is indicated, where the patient will be administered saline solutions intravenously.

The main signs of dehydration are as follows: dry skin and mucous membranes, small amounts of urine, low temperature, convulsions.

Binding of toxins in the intestinal lumen

It is an important component of treatment, since this is the only way to rid the body of the pathogen that caused diarrhea. “Smecta” and “Activated Carbon” will cope with this task.

"Smecta" is an effective medicine that binds bacteria, viruses and the toxins they secrete. The action of smecta is also aimed at stabilizing the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, which helps normalize stool. Cheap “Activated Carbon” has a similar principle of action.

There are modern drugs with a similar effect (for example, Enterodes, Enterosgel, Polysorb). It is recommended to take 1 hour after meals so that they do not interfere with absorption useful substances from food. The effect of such remedies is almost instantaneous.

Astringents are used to protect the intestinal mucosa from the effects of toxins. The list of such substances is long, but bismuth-based preparations are most often used. They form a dense membrane of proteins that envelops the intestines. Bismuth also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Enzyme Support

A necessary condition for combating diarrhea is taking enzyme preparations. Frequent bowel movements cause pancreatic juice to quickly leave the intestines without digesting food. Unprocessed substances irritate the intestinal wall and increase diarrhea.

Enzymes facilitate the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, which are then easily absorbed. This leads not only to a decrease in stool frequency, but also eliminates the weakness and malaise that often accompany diarrhea.

1. "Creon"
2. "Pancreatin"
3. "Oraza"
4. "Abomin"

Symptomatic treatment

Imodium is most often used to combat diarrhea. This is an effective and fast-acting drug that reduces the motor activity of the intestinal muscles. When taken, the urge to defecate stops and the tone of the anal sphincter increases. As a result, fluid stops leaving the body.

Calcium gluconate has a similar effect. Its antidiarrheal effect is due to the fact that it prevents the entry of water into the intestinal lumen and also relaxes its muscles. Loose stools stop quickly.

Pain is a constant symptom of food poisoning. Abdominal discomfort occurs because excess fluid and gas stretch the intestines. The motor activity of the organ increases, so the person feels cramping or constant pain.

To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, “No-shpu” and “Papaverine” are used. These agents have antispasmodic activity. Taking them allows you to quickly eliminate spasms of muscle cells of the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to the elimination of abdominal discomfort.

Elimination of dysbacteriosis

Dysbacteriosis is a violation of the ratio of microorganisms in the intestines. Normally, a person’s gastrointestinal tract contains many microbes that break down incoming substances and fight infection. With diarrhea, the ratio of beneficial and harmful microbes changes. The latter begin to actively reproduce.

This factor often leads to the development of diarrhea, sometimes lasting long time. The stool may be watery or even yellow, mixed with mucus.

"Linex" - good drug for the treatment of dysbiosis. One capsule contains about 12 million live lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria are found normally in the intestines. They create an acidic environment, which provides optimal performance enzymes, suppress the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, participate in the synthesis of vitamins B, K and C, and increase the body’s resistance to infection.

Hilak Forte is also used to treat dysbiosis. This drug does not contain microbes, but it does contain certain substances that feed lactic acid bacteria. This tool helps restore normal microflora, activates regenerative processes in the intestines and normalizes water and electrolyte balance.

Products are used that contain bacilli that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Examples of such drugs: “Bactisubtil”, “Sporobacterin”, “Bactisporin”.

Use of intestinal antiseptics

To disrupt the vital activity of pathogenic microflora, antimicrobial agents that are not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract are used. They are also called intestinal antiseptics.

"Fthalazol" is one of these drugs. Its strong antidiarrheal effect is associated with blocking the synthesis folic acid, which is necessary for the life of pathogenic bacteria.

Nitrofuran derivatives (“Ersefuril”, “Enterofuril”) are used. These substances destroy the microbial wall and disrupt the process of toxin synthesis. Also, when taking them, immunity increases.

Intestopan can be used in the treatment of diarrhea. The product is active not only against bacteria, but also protozoa. It blocks enzymes of harmful microflora, which disrupts its life cycle.

All intestinal antiseptics do little harm to normal intestinal microbes, so their use is rarely complicated by the development of dysbiosis.

Antibiotics for food poisoning are used only according to strict indications:

• severe dehydration;
• frequent vomiting and diarrhea;
• high temperature for the third day in a row;
• elderly or children's age;
• immunodeficiency.

Caution when using them is due to the fact that they affect the normal intestinal flora, which already suffers from diarrhea. In some cases, antibiotics can worsen the symptoms of the disease.

Among the antibiotics, the most widely used are: Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Ceftriaxone. In some regions of the country, microorganisms are resistant to them, so alternative treatment regimens with Ciprofloxacin and Doxycycline are used. If the causative agent of diarrhea can be identified, the drug to which it is most sensitive is used.

The antibacterial agent “Alpha Normix” is highly effective. It interferes with protein synthesis and nucleic acids pathogenic microbes. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is almost not absorbed in the intestines. The drug affects a wide range of diarrhea pathogens.

Diet for intestinal upset

For diarrhea, you can eat vegetable broths, boiled meat, lean fish and baked fruits. It is recommended to use homemade jelly because it has an enveloping effect.

Diarrhea is a dangerous condition that can lead to serious consequences. It can be treated at home only if it is mild.

Diarrhea is natural protective reaction of the body for penetration toxin or mucosal irritation: harmful substances are also removed with feces. However, at the same time there arises severe dehydration with loss large quantity valuable nutrients and microelements. Diarrhea that lasts no more than 2 weeks, called acute. If the intestinal disorder is observed longer, it receives the status of chronic.

Depending on the cause that caused it, diarrhea occurs:

• Alimentary (food)– usually develops as a result of individual intolerance to a certain type of food.
• Infectious I am a consequence of a pathogen entering the body (dysentery, viral diarrhea).
• Medication– occurs against the background of an overdose of certain medications.
• Dyspeptic– the result of dysfunction digestive system(disturbance of secretion or chemical composition gastric juice, diseases and intestines that prevent the proper digestion of food).
• Neurogenic is the intestinal response to strong emotions, fears and experiences. It is popularly called “bear disease” and is often observed before any important and responsible events.
• Toxic– these are the consequences of poisoning with mercury or arsenic compounds.

Most often, an adult can easily tolerate temporary indigestion without the use of medications. However, with prolonged diarrhea, the body develops dangerous deficiency of fluid and valuable micronutrients, therefore treat chronic diarrhea definitely necessary.

Diarrhea: home treatment in adults

Often indigestion is accompanied by significant deterioration of general condition. In addition to diarrhea, there are nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature. There is pain and bloating in the abdomen. Feces are always watery, while they may contain various impurities depending on the cause of diarrhea.

Important! Treating diarrhea in adults at home on your own is quite acceptable in the absence of severe symptoms. However, a significant deterioration in the condition, and especially the appearance of blood in the stool, is a reason for emergency hospitalization.

Diet

Acute or chronic diarrhea in adults, regardless of the cause, requires treatment with diets. Recommended for the first few hours complete refusal of food. You can drink special herbal teas (or strong black tea), as well as blueberry jelly. To satisfy hunger at this stage, only dry cookies or dried white bread.

A little later, inclusion in the diet is allowed liquid cereals, cooked exclusively in water without adding oil, salt and sugar (rice is especially useful due to its astringent properties). You can eat boiled pureed vegetables, lean meat and. All other foods (especially dairy, as well as raw vegetables and fried foods) should be eliminated completely to avoid irritation of the intestinal mucosa.

You need to drink a lot, because acute and chronic forms of diarrhea in adults are accompanied by severe dehydration.

Since salts are removed from the body along with water, it is advisable to consume pharmaceutical drugs such as Regidron or a self-prepared rehydration solution. To do this, take 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 sugar per liter of water. You need to drink often, but little by little, so as not to provoke vomiting.

Drugs

Chronic diarrhea in adults, its causes and treatment require the use of medications and specialist consultation. Drug treatment prescribed by a doctor, but you can use some drugs yourself (for example, sorbents). Typically used the following groups medicines:

• Sorbents bind toxins and bacteria in the intestines, safely removing them from the body. Reception Smecta, activated carbon, Polyphepan and other drugs in this group relieves symptoms of intoxication, relieves flatulence and bloating.
• Acute diarrhea, accompanied by vomiting and severe pain, requires the use of anticholinergic and antispasmodics, slowing down intestinal motility. Commonly used No-shpa, Atropine, Papaverine.
• If diarrhea occurs due to enzyme deficiency, when food is poorly digested and not absorbed by the body. it is advisable to take Pancreatin and other drugs based on it ( Mezim-forte).
• In order to restore the natural intestinal microflora, which mostly dies during diarrhea, Linex, Lactobacterin and other means with similar effects.

Treatment with antibiotics is carried out in case of bacterial origin of diarrhea. If the disorder occurs while taking these drugs, then you should reduce the dose or completely stop using them.

Treatment of diarrhea in adults at home with folk remedies (video)

Alternative medicine offers many time-tested effective recipes. The following remedies will help you quickly stop and cure diarrhea in an adult at home:

• 1 tablespoon of starch mixed in a glass of warm water. The mixture should be drunk immediately after preparation, without waiting for the potato flour to settle.
• Oak bark decoction– An excellent astringent for chronic diarrhea. Take a teaspoon of crushed raw materials for 1.5 cups of water and boil for about 10 minutes. The cooled broth is filtered and taken three times a day (1 tablespoon per dose).
• Tea with onions If you have diarrhea, you can drink it instead of water. To prepare, place a peeled and cross-cut onion in a cup of weak, freshly brewed black tea for 10 minutes. Sugar cannot be added.
• Blueberry– one of the most popular and effective remedies for diarrhea in adults and children. Both jelly made from fresh berries and an infusion of dried berries (2 teaspoons per glass of boiling water) are effective.
• From fruits make a decoction: Take a teaspoon of berries per glass of boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, then leave for half an hour. After straining, take 2 tablespoons 3 times a day.
• Pomegranate peel also copes well with symptoms of diarrhea. To do this, dried peels from 1 fruit are poured with 1.5 glasses of water and boiled for at least 15 minutes, then the container with the broth is wrapped and left overnight. You need to take a tablespoon 3 times a day.
• Walnut partitions You shouldn't throw it away either. A pre-prepared alcohol tincture (10 drops per glass of water) will quickly stop diarrhea in an adult. You will need to mix 300 ml of medical 70% alcohol and 150 grams of raw materials, then leave for at least 4 days in a dark place.
• St. John's wort in the form of a decoction(Boil a glass of water with two tablespoons of herbs for 10 minutes) will help quickly cope with diarrhea. The drink is taken hot, after filtering.
• Bitters infusion very effective, but should not be taken longer than a couple days to avoid intoxication. The medicine is prepared from a teaspoon of raw materials and a glass of boiling water. After infusing for half an hour, the drink is filtered and taken 1 teaspoon three times a day.
• Juice mixture from 1 beet, 3 medium carrots and 3 petioles, taken three times a day half an hour before meals will help stop diarrhea.

One of the simplest, but nevertheless very effective means is allspice. The method of its use does not require preparing a decoction or infusion: just swallow 10 to 15 peas of the spice with water before going to bed. The next morning all unpleasant symptoms of poisoning will disappear.

How to quickly stop diarrhea in an adult at home

Diarrhea, like any other disease, requires first of all eliminating the cause pathology. However, the main symptom of intoxication of the body - frequent visits to the toilet - significantly complicates life and requires urgent measures. You can use both medications and folk remedies.

Diarrhea is a symptom characteristic of most intestinal infections and food poisoning. It is necessary to treat not the stool disorder itself, but the disease that caused it. But sometimes the doctor does not have time for a consultation. In this case, it is useful to know how to treat diarrhea at home quickly.

TOP 10 folk remedies for diarrhea in adults

If diarrhea begins, treatment at home in adults is permissible only with a mild form of the disorder. The presence of accompanying symptoms (fever, headache, severe weakness) is a reason to visit a doctor.

On average, it is recommended to use folk remedies for diarrhea in adults at home for no more than 1–2 days. If digestion does not normalize during this period, you should resort to drug therapy.

Boiled carrots

Carrots are useful for normalizing digestion if the disorder is caused by an exacerbation of chronic gastritis, pancreatitis or mild food poisoning. Boiled carrots contain a high concentration of fiber, vitamins and biologically active substances.

To eliminate diarrhea, you need to boil one medium-sized root vegetable in 100 ml of salted water. Cooking should take no more than 3–5 minutes. After this, you need to drain the broth, strain it, and take it warm for 2-3 days. Treatment of diarrhea should be continued even after the diarrhea has stopped.

The root vegetable itself can be ground in a blender to a puree. It should be consumed daily until complete recovery. Such nutrition will speed up the process of restoring the functioning of the digestive tract.

Rice and rice water

Folk remedies for the treatment of diarrhea with complex effects. This cereal is considered a natural sorbent: it absorbs bacteria and the toxins they produce like a sponge. Rice also has strengthening and enveloping properties. It soothes irritated areas of the intestinal mucosa, which accelerates the normalization of digestion.

For diarrhea, it is useful to eat lean rice porridge, cooked in water without oil and sugar. Round-grain rice is more effective - its enveloping properties are stronger than other varieties.

Rice water works in a similar way. You need to boil the cereal until half cooked, drain the liquid and strain it. The resulting drink must be taken every 2–4 hours, 100 ml.

For diarrhea, it is used in complex treatment therapy. Lemon has antiemetic, tonic and rehydration properties. It helps treat dehydration, one of the most dangerous consequences diarrhea.

Lemon is used in several ways for diarrhea and vomiting:

• add a slice to a cup of green or black tea;
• prepared from juice and warm water (fresh juice from one fruit per liter of boiled water);
• inhale essential oil to eliminate the urge to vomit;
• add 1-2 drops of juice to cleansing enemas.
• This fruit contains high doses of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and speeds up recovery.

Bird cherry

The benefits of this plant for diarrhea are explained by its astringent, antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. Bird cherry provokes consolidation of stool, eliminates the cause of its disorder, and reduces the intensity of abdominal pain.

To eliminate diarrhea, you can use the berries, bark and inflorescences of the plant.

To prepare a healing decoction you will need a tablespoon of bird cherry. It needs to be poured with a glass of boiling water and boiled for 20 minutes in a water bath. After cooling to room temperature, drink the drink half a glass 2-3 times a day. It is also useful to include bird cherry berries in your daily diet.

Strong tea

Safe and effective method get rid of stool disorder. Strong tea has astringent properties due to the high concentration of tannins and tannins. It is not recommended for hypertension or any other cardiovascular diseases.

Prepare your favorite tea, approximately doubling the concentration compared to your usual recipe, and drink. You can simply chew dry tea leaves (half a teaspoon) and drink 100 ml of warm water.

Black pepper

The popular spice contains a high concentration of antiseptic, antimicrobial and analgesic components. It helps with diarrhea caused by the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. Folk method treatment will be effective for mild forms of dysentery, salmonellosis and others intestinal infections. An important advantage of the method is that it allows you to cure diarrhea quickly and cheaply.

It is enough for an adult to swallow 10-15 peas and wash them down with water. There is no need to chew the pepper. After 5–6 hours, the dose can be repeated.

Potato starch

Starch is a safe and effective treatment for diarrhea. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and acts in several directions at once:

• eliminates inflammation of the intestinal mucosa;
• accelerates the healing of damaged tissues;
• reduces the intensity of peristalsis;
• envelops the walls of the digestive tract;
• binds liquid feces.

For To treat diarrhea, add a teaspoon of starch to 100 ml of cold boiled water. After mixing, drink the resulting solution at once. The product has no contraindications and side effects. In rare cases, dyspepsia is possible - bloating, flatulence, heartburn.

Pomegranate peels

Pomegranate peel has a high content of polyphenols - biologically active compounds with antimicrobial properties. The product helps in the treatment of diarrhea caused by poisoning, intestinal infections and food allergies.

To prepare the decoction, you need to chop 2 tablespoons of pomegranate peel, add a glass of water, and simmer for half an hour. Take 50 ml 20 minutes before meals.

Vodka with salt

It is a popular and fast-acting treatment for diarrhea. Its effectiveness in treatment is explained by the fact that alcohol retains fluid in the body, preventing dehydration, and kills pathogenic bacteria. But it has a lot of contraindications, including pregnancy, arterial hypertension, the presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and old age.

To prepare the medicine, you need to mix 80 ml of vodka with a third teaspoon of salt. The drink must be drunk in one gulp, without snacking. After this treatment of diarrhea, sleep is recommended.

Garlic

The antimicrobial properties of garlic are widely used in the treatment of diarrhea V folk medicine. They are also useful in the treatment of chronic stool disorders. For the treatment of severe diarrhea caused by acute intestinal infection or poisoning, such a remedy will not be enough.

You need to eat a clove of garlic every day on an empty stomach, an hour before breakfast. It should be swallowed without chewing to avoid bad breath. You can drink garlic with a glass of water. Duration of treatment – ​​10 days.

TOP 5 medications for the treatment of diarrhea in adults

The pathological condition can be explained by:

• activity of pathogenic microorganisms;
• inflammation of the mucous membrane of the lower digestive tract;
• disruption of fluid absorption processes in the small intestine;
• acceleration of intestinal peristalsis.

Ways to stop diarrhea at home in an adult include the use of astringents, antispasmodics, antibacterial and sorbent agents.

Inexpensive antibiotic. It is used to treat diarrhea caused by the activity of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines. For viral infections, food allergies, and functional digestive disorders, it is not advisable to use an antibiotic. Levomycetin is available in the form of solutions for injections and suspensions, but tablets are most often used in the treatment of diarrhea.

The drug has many contraindications, so it can only be taken with the permission of a doctor. Patients over 12 years of age are prescribed 250–500 mg per day. The tablets should be swallowed without chewing and washed down with a glass. clean water.

The duration of treatment should not exceed 1-1.5 weeks. Subsequently, the sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria to the antibiotic decreases, and it is replaced with an analogue.

Imodium (Loperamide)

A drug that reduces the intensity of intestinal peristalsis. It suppresses wave-like contractions of the walls of the rectum, which leads to normalization of stool. This treatment is due to the selective inhibitory effect of Loperamide on opioid receptors.

The drug is available in capsule form under the trade name Imodium. Adults are prescribed 2-3 pieces per day. If necessary, you can increase the dosage, but do not take more than 8 capsules per day.

Polysorb MP

A powerful enterosorbent, available in powder form for preparing a suspension. It is able to bind and remove toxins of endo- and exogenous origin, as well as allergens. Polysorb MP helps with intestinal infections, poisoning, and functional disorders of the digestive tract. It is prescribed to pregnant and lactating women, patients with chronic diseases internal organs, small children.

Adult patients are prescribed 2 tablespoons of powder diluted in half a glass of water. For severe diarrhea, you can take the medicine every hour for 5 hours. On the second day, the dosage is reduced to 4 doses of the drug. On average, 2 days of treatment is enough to completely get rid of diarrhea. If necessary, you can continue taking the drug for treatment and complete elimination of toxins.

Smecta

A sorbent that combines detoxification and enveloping properties. Soothes the irritated mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, binds and removes toxins from the body, and helps improve digestion.

For the treatment of diarrhea, 1 sachet of Smecta is prescribed three times a day. The contents of the package should be dissolved in warm water and drunk. If the patient is also taking other medications, a break of at least 2 hours should be taken between doses.

Activated carbon

An inexpensive and popular medicine for the treatment of diarrhea. It operates on the same principle as Polysorb, but has a lower sorption capacity. Helps in the treatment of poisoning, acute intestinal infections of bacterial and viral etiology.

For an adult patient for the treatment of diarrhea Prescribe 1 tablet of activated carbon per 5 kg of body weight. The drug should be taken with a sufficient amount of water and swallowed without chewing. Do not take the medicine later than 2 hours before going to bed.

In itself, diarrhea in an adult is not a separate disease, but a symptom that occurs in a wide variety of ailments. Therefore, in order to successfully normalize stool, it is necessary to understand the causes of diarrhea in each specific case and, if possible, eliminate them.

What is diarrhea in adults?

Diarrhea (diarrhea) is pathological condition when there is an increase in stool frequency in adults more than 3 times a day, as well as a change in its consistency: it becomes watery, maybe with mucus and bloody discharge. Acute diarrhea lasts up to 2 – 3 weeks. Chronic diarrhea lasts more than 21 days.

Classification of diarrhea by mechanism of occurrence

Sodium and chloride ions accumulate in the intestinal lumen, which leads to an increase in osmotic pressure. High osmotic pressure causes additional water intake and a sharp increase in the volume of intestinal contents. Typically, this type of diarrhea is characterized by very large and loose stools, as well as loss of water and electrolytes.

In severe cases without timely treatment secretory diarrhea can lead to death due to acute fluid deficiency and the development of hypovolemic coma.

This type of diarrhea is observed with cholera, salmonellosis, viral intestinal infections, and hormonally active tumors. In addition, some laxatives and prostaglandins cause increased stool frequency in this way.

To some extent similar to secretory, since in this case increased osmotic pressure also leads to excessive accumulation of water in the intestinal lumen and an increase in volume feces. However, here hyperosmolarity does not arise due to increased secretion of sodium and potassium ions, but due to the fact that the intestinal contents initially have high osmotic pressure. This type of diarrhea usually occurs in the case of rotavirus infection, as well as with an overdose of saline laxatives.

Inflammation develops in the lower intestines, which impairs the reabsorption of water. Observed in dysentery and amoebiasis.

Dilution of feces occurs due to additional release of blood, protein exudate, mucus or pus into the intestinal lumen. This type of diarrhea is typical for diseases accompanied by inflammation of the intestinal mucosa - Crohn's disease, intestinal tuberculosis, nonspecific ulcerative colitis and so on.

Characterized by acceleration of intestinal motility. Typically observed in cases of stress, functional digestive disorders, diabetic enteropathy, amyloidosis, scleroderma.

Main causes of diarrhea in adults

The leading causes of diarrhea in adults are:

• food poisoning;
• excessive consumption of “heavy” foods;
• diseases of the digestive system, accompanied by inflammation of the intestinal walls (enteritis, enterocolitis);
• food allergies;
• enzyme deficiency;
• taking certain medications (for example, synthetic sweeteners, laxatives);
• sudden change in food style and conditions (travelers' diarrhea);
• intestinal flu and other infections;
• lead and mercury poisoning;
• stress.

When diarrhea is accompanied by a fever up to 380C, vomiting, or diarrhea with blood or water diarrhea, it is important to immediately consult a doctor in order to receive adequate treatment and avoid the development of serious complications.

Why is frequent diarrhea dangerous?

If stools are watery and frequent, you are more likely to develop dehydration and electrolyte loss, which can be fatal. For this reason, you should immediately see a doctor and immediately provide assistance to the sick person if the following symptoms are observed:

• dry mucous membranes;
• increased heart rate;
• chapped lips;
• rare or complete absence of urination;
• decreased blood pressure;
• the appearance of muscle cramps;
• disturbance of consciousness.

Be sure to consult a doctor in the following situations:

• diarrhea does not stop for 3 or more days;
• bowel dysfunction occurs and develops without reason;
• in addition to diarrhea, yellowness of the sclera and skin, intense abdominal pain, sleep disturbance and high fever are observed;
• stools are dark black or green in color, mixed with blood.

First aid for diarrhea

If you experience diarrhea and vomiting or diarrhea and fever, it is better to consult a doctor as soon as possible, as these symptoms may indicate the development of a serious illness, for example, acute intestinal poisoning. First aid until the patient is examined by a doctor is to prevent dehydration and significant loss of minerals. In this regard, experts, in case of diarrhea, recommend the following:

1. Drink plenty of minerals. For this purpose, Regidron (and its analogues) is best suited. If it is absent, then you can take lightly salted water or saline solution.
2. Stick to strict diet. When diarrhea begins, it is better to generally abstain from 1 – 2 or more meals, unless the doctor recommends otherwise. To relieve intestinal inflammation, you can drink tea or decoctions of anti-inflammatory herbs.

Treatment of diarrhea: diet

Complete treatment for diarrhea includes the following dietary recommendations.

1. It is allowed to eat such foods as white crackers, slimy porridges, vegetable purees, steamed and boiled fish, lean meats, rice water, and tea.
2. It is prohibited to eat spicy, salty, sour foods, or foods containing large amounts of coarse fiber. In addition, milk, brown bread and anything that can cause increased gas formation and "fermentation".
3. In the first days, foods that stimulate the release of bile are excluded from the diet: eggs, fatty meat, butter, etc.

Gradually, the list of permitted products is expanding, and the patient, as stool normalizes, can switch to a normal diet. In situations where diarrhea is caused by enzyme deficiency or any chronic intestinal diseases, systematic diet is one of the most effective means of therapy.

How to treat dehydration with acute or chronic diarrhea

As a rule, glucose-saline solutions are prescribed until stool normalization. They replenish the loss of mineral salts and fluids in the body. The most well-known drugs in this group are Regidron, Gastrolit, Citroglucosan. In the absence of them on hand, you can independently prepare and use the following solution: take 1 liter of water baking soda½ teaspoon, salt - 1 teaspoon, potassium chloride - ¼ teaspoon, and also add 4 tbsp. l. Sahara. Instead of potassium chloride, you can take a decoction of dried apricots (dried apricots).

How to treat diarrhea with medications

The most common drugs used to treat diarrhea are:

The best prevention of diarrhea is maintaining personal hygiene, eating only high-quality foods and timely treatment of various chronic intestinal diseases.

Despite our extraordinary resilience, our body is susceptible to various diseases, serious and not so serious. Even those that usually pose no danger can seriously complicate our lives. This category includes diarrhea - simply diarrhea, caused by many factors that we sometimes don’t even suspect. In this article we will tell you why diarrhea occurs and what treatment at home will quickly help cope with the disease.

Before listing the list of medications used to return stool to normal consistency, it is necessary to understand the reasons. The fact is that the same phenomenon in our body can manifest itself as a reaction to completely different stimuli. Each diarrhea has its own cause, therefore, taking medications or consuming decoctions prepared at home thoughtlessly is not only useless, but also dangerous.

Let's look at our list.

Poor nutrition and negative eating habits

Opening diarrhea can be a signal from the body not only to a momentary irritant. Quite often, our intestines turn on this backup method of emergency cleansing in the case when we have tortured it for a long time:

• unhealthy diet;
• bad eating habits.

Aren't they the same thing, you ask? We answer: no, these two factors, although they appear on the same line, imply completely different aspects of food consumption. Each of the categories has a major impact on the functioning of the digestive system within our body.

Bad eating habits

Let's start looking directly at bad eating habits. When we talk about them, we do not mean a list of foods that negatively affect digestion, but rather we are talking about the technical side of the issue. Consider the list below.

Point No. 1. One of the most bad habits is to quickly eat cooked foods. The faster you consume food, the slower you feel full. The fact is that our brain receives a signal from the stomach to receive food only 20 minutes after the food gets inside. Until this moment, you will constantly feel like you are not full. By loading yourself with even more food, you risk a number of negative consequences:

• unpleasant heaviness in the stomach;
• stretching of the stomach, that is, an increase in space in it, as a result, extra centimeters at the waist;
• stomach overload.

It will be good if your digestive system can cope with such an overload, however, with a record large number of varied foods, in some cases it cannot cope, so diarrhea may develop.

Point No. 2. Second bad habit associated with rapid swallowing. As you know, the entry of gases into the digestive system leads to unpleasant consequences:

• bloating;
• flatulence.

The fact is that during rapid swallowing, air, also a gaseous substance, enters the digestive system along with food. Harmless and necessary for our lungs, it can cause a real commotion inside the intestines, forming the so-called foam.

It is almost impossible to continue sitting in the office when your stomach is simply bursting and the gaseous contents of the intestines are asking to come out, because the fear of embarrassing yourself in public is mixed in

Of course, defoaming drugs that stop the formation of intestinal gases can provide immediate help, however, if you do not give up this bad eating habit, you will make the tablets a permanent part of your diet.

Point No. 3. Eating food that is difficult to digest large quantities– the third bad habit. Heavy foods tend to be the tastiest foods for many people. Given the emotional attachment we all have to food, we can say that such food is often present in the diet. I just want to give myself positive emotions during or after a hard day at work, or have a good rest on the weekend. However, hopes for relaxation and joy usually do not last long, because heavy food consumed in large quantities instantly creates a commotion inside the digestive system, leading to heaviness, diarrhea and other consequences.

Eating heavy food sometimes leads to heaviness in the stomach and diarrhea

Point No. 4. Late dinners are another cause of digestive disorders. The point is that in evening time the body system responsible for digesting food does not work properly full force as she gets ready for bed. The body has exhausted its resources and sent a signal to the organs to calm down. It is logical that if you eat food at this time, you can get a negative reaction from the body.

Late dinners cause digestive disorders

Poor nutrition

Now let's move on to considering the wrong diet, made up of foods harmful to the body. It should be noted that each organism has individual tolerance; the strongest irritant products for some can be absolutely calmly perceived by others. However, they cause harm even in the second case, and maybe not from the first, but from the second, third or fourth time they create digestive problems even for “tough nuts”.

Fast food is the main cause of many digestive ailments

Point No. 1. First of all, we are talking about alcohol, this means drinks of absolutely any strength, composition and “nobility”:

• wine;
• beer;
• liqueurs;
• vermouths;
• vodka and the like.

From the list presented, you should identify a specific drink, after drinking which a negative reaction of the digestive system occurs in the form loose stool, and exclude it from the diet. Ideally, of course, it is better to abstain from everything, or allow consumption “for the sake of taste” - in minimal quantities.

Alcohol can cause a negative reaction in the digestive system in the form of diarrhea.

Point No. 2. Spicy food– the cornerstone of digestive problems. On the one hand, spices can have a positive effect on human digestion, as well as on the blood and cell nutrition processes, however, only if they are ingested in moderation. Too spicy foods can not only cause diarrhea, but also cause serious pain. You especially need to be wary of chili peppers, because the complex substances in its composition can bring considerable suffering to those with delicate intestines.

Point No. 3. Foods that are cooked by frying and contain large amounts of fat– literally a killer of the digestive system. The intestines have to devote all their strength to processing this heaviness, as a result, intestinal motility increases, and diarrhea occurs.

We would like to warn you that constant abuse of such food can quickly lead to the occurrence of various diseases, for example, cholecystitis and other equally serious ailments that are literally very painful.

Fatty foods are literally a digestive killer.

Point No. 4. Another reason for persistent intestinal disorders is excessive consumption of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. and other plant products containing fiber. In fact, all these names are incredibly useful, both for health and for maintaining peristalsis, however, for proper functioning, the body also needs carbohydrate and protein products. Add them to your diet and rest assured that your digestive problems will soon go away.

A large amount of fiber is another reason for the active work of intestinal motility.

Point No. 5. Dairy. Some people cannot tolerate lactose, an essential component of all dairy products. Therefore, any consumption of this food, even in small quantities, leads to diarrhea. To subsequently avoid a recurrence of this problem, replace animal milk with plant milk, namely:

• soy;
• almond;
• coconut;
• oatmeal and other varieties.

If you are lactose intolerant, dairy products can cause diarrhea.

Point No. 6. Drinking caffeinated drinks also leads to stool liquefaction in people with particular sensitivity to this component. If this is your case, avoid herbal tea from:

• black tea;
• coffee.

Caffine helps loosen stool

Point No. 7. Sugar substitutes, which many modern people use can also cause diarrhea. They are found not only in those dishes where we added them ourselves, but also in purchased dietary sweets, drinks, and chewing gum. The substances that make up the sweetener are poorly absorbed by the intestines. It is best to give up sugar altogether, or use the most natural sweeteners possible.

We would like to remind you that the consistency of your stool is affected by foods consumed not only today, but also yesterday, therefore, in order to determine any specific irritant, you will have to recall in your memory the list of foods you consumed for at least a day.

Allergies to certain foods and individual intolerances

Another common cause of diarrhea is the body’s individual reaction to certain specific foods. We hasten to replace that the concepts of allergy and intolerance differ from each other, since they reflect completely different reaction processes within the human body.

Allergy to a specific food

An allergen is a substance that enters the body, which is determined by all its systems as a threat to human life. As soon as it is detected, the immune system joins the fight. Eating such food is accompanied not only by diarrhea, but also by an additional number of possible symptoms:

• sneezing;
• rash;
• diarrhea;
• vomiting and nausea;
• redness of the eyes and their itching;
• lacrimation;
• runny nose;
• swelling of the skin, mouth and throat;
• severe itching and redness of the skin;
• difficulty breathing, whistling or accompanied by shortness of breath and similar manifestations.

Symptoms begin to develop a few minutes after consuming the allergen.

Individual food intolerance

The principle of food tolerance is different. It is in no way interconnected with immunity; the consequences of eating the “wrong” product are reflected exclusively in the functioning of the stomach. At the same time, the consequences may appear only a few hours or days after eating inappropriate food.

Symptoms of individual intolerance include:

• nausea and vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• bloating and flatulence;
• pain in the abdomen.

We have already mentioned one of the intolerances in the section about poor nutrition. We were talking about lactose, a milk sugar that is not digestible by many modern people. They are contraindicated to drink milk and it is better to abstain from dairy products altogether, replacing them with plant-based analogues.

To cope with food intolerances or allergies, it is advisable to keep a food diary. It will help you recognize foods that are not suitable for you, allowing you to track their consumption and subsequent reaction.

In addition, a smart decision would be to consult with specialists - doctors who will help you understand and determine which product is not suitable for you.

Food poisoning

The next common cause of intestinal upset is food poisoning. It must be said that in this case, adjusting the diet is no longer enough, since diarrhea has become a reaction to serious damage caused to the digestive system.

A similar reaction occurs among most tourists traveling to warm, southern countries, in which there are unsatisfactory sanitary conditions for food preparation and living in general.

However, you can get a similar unpleasant effect at home, in your own kitchen, cleaned to a shine. All you need to do is:

• drink contaminated water;
• eat contaminated, poorly washed or undercooked food.

Diarrhea can be caused not only by dirt, but also by the ingestion of new types of bacteria into the gastrointestinal tract.

It doesn’t matter whether at home or in a foreign country, preventive rules should be followed to avoid poisoning. These include:

• carefully examining food before eating for proper preparation(meat should not be raw in places, vegetables should be clean, cereals should be cooked, etc.);
• compliance with hygiene rules (washing hands before eating, after using the toilet, upon arrival from the street);
• refusal to purchase street food in countries where the sanitary situation is not satisfactory;
• Availability of necessary medications in your home and travel first aid kits.

Stress

We would like to draw your attention to an unexpected factor for many, which is a common cause of diarrhea. We are talking about mental tension - stress. This condition is destructive for humans; it can provoke many negative processes in the body, including irritation of the intestinal walls. As we know, the required processes in this element of the digestive system always lead to a change in the consistency of the stool.

Stress is unexpected, but common reasons occurrence of diarrhea

It is perhaps necessary to clarify what kind of stress we are talking about in this section of the article. We clarify: about any nervous tension. It can be one-time and very strong, or moderate, but permanent. The causes of stress also vary:

• overstrain at work is the cause of stress for most citizens aged 25 to 50 or more;
• Intensive study, especially sessional workloads, is stressful for students;
• lack of free time spent on mental or physical rest is a problem common to many segments of the population, regardless of the status and age of their representatives.

On nervous soil a person can get not only headache, dry mouth, but also diarrhea. Again, in this case age does not play any role.

Many people continue to be at a loss as to how nervous tension is related to the physical manifestation of problems in our body. We hasten to remind you that the nervous system of the body is connected with each system element human body, because it carries out some of the regulatory processes associated with them. Constant stress lead to the production of special hormones that change the state of the whole body and intestines, provoking increased peristalsis. These include:

• motilin;
• gastrin;
• cholecystokinin.

An increase in the frequency and intensity of intestinal contractions, as we remember, leads to the formation of diarrhea. The fact is that the intestines in this state do not have time to absorb liquid, and it remains in it, diluting the feces. This stool consistency is guaranteed to you even if the absorption capacity decreases slightly.

Loose stools are especially likely to occur during stress in those citizens who have irritable bowel syndrome. And if we add to this the special hormonal sensitivity of the organ, then the likelihood of changes in stool under stress is most likely to occur.

Diagnosing the cause of diarrhea that occurs due to stress is usually very difficult even when visiting a doctor, since, when interviewed, the patient can name absolutely any reason that, in his opinion, provoked an intestinal disorder, however, he will not mention mental stress. Perhaps this is due to embarrassment, since in our society it is not customary to complain to strangers about fatigue, perhaps people simply do not understand the relationship between the mental and physical aspects of the interaction of the body, which we explained to you above.

If you find yourself going to the toilet frequently and don't know why, when you see your doctor, try to describe the full picture, including whether you have high levels of stress on a daily basis.

Too frequent diarrhea is a reason to consult a doctor

Let us pay attention to the manifestations of symptoms of diarrhea during stress:

• discomfort inside the abdomen;
• bloating and flatulence;
• false urge to visit the toilet;
• pain in the navel area, or slightly to the side of it;
• headache;
• weakness and numbness of the arms and legs;
• lump in throat.

Even if diarrhea from nervous overstrain does not manifest itself often in your case, it is nevertheless capable of bringing even more tension into your life, thereby triggering a certain physiological and mental cycle. As a result of prolonged diarrhea, dehydration occurs, which can really threaten the patient’s life.

Treatment for stress-induced diarrhea will involve not only taking specific medications or folk remedies, but also consulting with a psychologist aimed at calming and relaxing nervous system patient.

Until you contact a specialist, we recommend following some rules presented in the list below:

• drink more water to prevent dehydration;
• The water consumed must be clean and free of impurities in the form of coffee, tea leaves or herbs;
• it is necessary to eat food that strengthens diarrhea, for example, boiled rice and crackers;
• Do not under any circumstances allow the use of heavy, fatty foods, flavored with spices;
• refrain from plant foods that cause gas formation;
• Be sure to give yourself time to rest, both mental and physical; ideally, it is better to normalize your waking hours and give more time to sleep;
• take a break from school or work, take a day off or sick leave;
• do not neglect physical activity, sports activity helps to produce endorphin - a hormone that fights stress and other negative conditions in the body.

Norovirus and rotavirus

Sometimes diarrhea can be caused by reasons much more serious than stress or poisoning. Among these causes is the infectious norovirus disease - a highly contagious disease, if detected, the patient must go into quarantine and try not to interact with others.

Most often, norovirus affects our intestinal system in winter time, it is in cold weather that its prevalence increases significantly. The introduction of an infection into the body can lead to serious consequences, for example, to a disease, which we will discuss in the next section of the article.

Adults are susceptible to norovirus, however, children also have their own “infectious disease” - rotavirus. The symptoms of the searched names coincide. It includes the following dyspeptic disorders:

• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• vomit.

The disease is characterized by a high degree of contagiousness, therefore, if it is detected, it is advisable to lock yourself at home and, if possible, limit communication not only with friends, but also with household members.

Fever is one of the symptoms accompanying diarrhea of ​​viral etiology.

Let's add another list of precautions to take when contracting norovirus:

• It is necessary to wash your hands after using the toilet with antibacterial soap;
• disinfect the toilet seat and flush handle;
• Do not cook food for family members and try to be in the kitchen less often.

When norovirus is detected, diarrhea must be stopped as quickly as possible, since in this case, stool liquefaction does not act as a protective mechanism that removes toxic toxins, but simply as a symptom that causes harm:

• actively removes fluid and interferes with its absorption;
• taking vitamins and important microelements.

Gastroenteritis is a disease that can be caused by norovirus or become a consequence of some other pathological processes already present in the human body.

In no case should you treat gastroenteritis on your own, since incorrectly selected medications can seriously aggravate the situation.

With gastroenteritis, the intestines, as well as the stomach, become inflamed and irritated, and diarrhea eventually appears as a symptom - an acute digestive disorder. The causes of this disease may have the following etiology:

• it is easily caused by viruses (norovirus, rotavirus);
• occurs after drinking contaminated water;
• manifests itself in food poisoning.

In addition to diarrhea, the symptoms accompanying the disease will be as follows:

• gagging and eventually vomiting;
• temperature;
• headache.

These manifestations usually last no more than 2-3 days, then they pass.

Remember, depending on what caused the development of gastroenteritis, the disease may or may not be contagious. It is important to find out the cause and take appropriate safety measures as quickly as possible so as not to endanger your family and friends.

Menstruation

Every woman knows that once a month she will have to experience some discomfort associated with menstruation for several days. Firstly, because the renewal of the inner layers of the uterus is a painful process, secondly, instability of the emotional state really manifests itself during this period in most representatives of the fair sex, thirdly, because the irritated uterus is close to the intestines and is capable of transmitting this condition to it by calling:

• diarrhea;
• bloating;
• flatulence.

It is believed that intestinal problems associated with menstruation affect almost a third of women among those who do not have any intestinal problems in normal life.

Typically, these antibacterial drugs are prescribed to patients suffering from various types of infections. After taking it for 4-5 days, people begin to notice more frequent intestinal disorders. This is one of the side effects of the medications you need. Antibiotics work on the principle of destroying bacteria, but they cannot determine their effect on the body and kill indiscriminately:

• harmful microorganisms;
• beneficial bacteria.

This leads to disturbances in the intestinal microflora.

In particularly severe cases, in addition to watery diarrhea, the following symptoms appear:

• pain caused by pressing on the stomach;
• periodic spasms;
• increase in body temperature.

Treatment is usually carried out in this case with:

• probiotics;
• toxin-absorbing drugs.

• drink large amounts of clean water without impurities to maintain water balance in the body;
• do not eat dairy products, flour, coarse fiber;
• consult a doctor.

Remember, you can only get rid of health problems on your own if they are not significant. All other situations require an immediate visit to the hospital.

It is especially important to contact professionals if:

• diarrhea occurs more than five times a day;
• antibiotics provoke watery diarrhea;
• body temperature is increased;
• upon palpation, pain is felt in the abdomen;
• impurities of pus and/or bloody spots were found in the stool.

How to quickly treat diarrhea at home

Now that you know that diarrhea can be caused by a variety of reasons, let’s move on to consider the most effective medications for its immediate elimination, and also consider interesting recipes from traditional medicine.

Treatment with medications

Antibiotics. If diarrhea occurs as a result of an infectious disease occurring within the gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to start taking antibiotic drugs. The list of the most effective and gentle on the intestines includes:

1. "Levomycytin" is prescribed by a doctor in the form of tablets.
2. Amoxicillin is also the most effective against intestinal infections; it is taken in the form of tablets, capsules, injections, or suspensions.
3. Metronidazole is a high-quality antimicrobial, usually used in a course for intestinal infections, lasting about 4 days.

Metronidazole

Yes, it will be very, very difficult to stop diarrhea caused by an infectious disease immediately, however, by destroying microorganisms, antibiotics will help you achieve your goal. Remember, the disease can be contagious, so it’s better to forget about the urgency and calmly lie down at home near the bathroom.

Enterosorbents. If diarrhea is caused by poisoning, that is, any toxins or contaminants have entered the intestines, it is necessary to choose enterosorbents as a medicine. These drugs are in every family's medicine cabinet, and we have known their names since childhood:

1. “Activated carbon” - this drug is taken in a dosage of one tablet per 10 kilograms of body weight, however, just in case, you can eat a little more, there is guaranteed to be no overdose.
2. “Polysorb” - suspensions are prepared from this powder, then consumed orally, the doses for adults and children are different, with timely administration it is possible to avoid a large number of negative consequences.
3. “Smecta” is another absorbent that we know from the cradle, it is also used in the form of a suspension and quite quickly has a pronounced effect.

Probiotics. Probiotics will help stop diarrhea, and at the same time restore the intestinal microflora, “damaged” by long-term use of antibiotics - medicines, rich in microorganisms that are natural and beneficial to the human digestive system.

These include:

• the famous “Hilak Forte” with a pleasant sour taste, a popular antidiarrheal agent with high level efficiency;
• “Bifidumabacterin” is a powder that not only populates the intestines with beneficial bacteria, but also helps suppress harmful microorganisms;
• "Linex" is a medicine aimed at normalizing the state of intestinal microflora.

To eliminate diarrhea, which is the result of a number of reasons that have an impact on the excessive activation of peristalsis, it is necessary to take drugs that normalize intestinal contractions and calm its irritation:

• “Imodium” is a medicine that blocks the body’s receptors responsible for intestinal contractions; it is prescribed exclusively by a doctor;
• “Loperamide” - sold in the form of capsules, tablets, powder, calms intestinal contractions, normalizing them, and also restores tone to the sphincter muscle;
• “Enterobene” also combats the unpleasant symptom of loose stools, showing fairly quick results.

Enterobene

Of course, the list of drugs presented in this section is not complete; there are many more tablets, suspensions, capsules and powders with similar effects. It is best to consult your doctor before taking any medication.

Folk remedies

Now let's turn to the list of effective folk recipes. We would like to immediately warn our readers: the composition of some medications prepared at home may also contain allergenic substances that are individually not suitable for some of you. That is why you should only turn to prescriptions if you are completely sure that there are no negative side effects.

1. The first and simplest folk recipe for anti-diarrhea medicine is boiled rice. It is believed that “empty” boiled rice can help even with severe poisoning, removing waste and toxins, and also have a strengthening effect on diarrhea. Whatever the cause of diarrhea in your case, rice can be consumed without fear of making the situation worse.
   

   Tea with sugar

2. Excellent for diarrhea bird cherry fruits, famous for their astringent effect. They can be bought at a pharmacy, where they are sold in dry form, and then taken orally according to a prescription, and the diarrhea will go away very quickly.
   

   Bird cherry is another one folk remedy to combat diarrhea

3. Another berry with antidiarrheal and antiseptic effect - blueberry. The only difficulty is that you cannot buy it at a pharmacy; you have to go to specialized stores and spend decent money on it. However, the fruits taste pleasant, they can be eaten dry or made into a decoction (and even jelly). So why not, if possible, compensate in this way for the stress that has arisen due to loose stools.
   

   Folk remedy for diarrhea - blueberry jelly

4. Another herb that helps get rid of annoying loose stools is burnet. You need to purchase its roots at the pharmacy and brew it according to the instructions, then take it orally. Believe me, the effect will not keep you waiting.
   
5. Pomegranate peel- another effective folk remedy, one might even say that it is the most effective of those presented. To use it, you need to remove the peel from a fresh pomegranate fruit purchased in a store and dry it. It is best to do this in advance, in a natural way, but if there is not enough time, dry the future medicine in the oven. Then grind the resulting skin into powder or cut into small pieces, pour about a tablespoon of boiling water and wait until it infuses. Once cool, drink!
   

Let us summarize the information obtained about anti-diarrhea remedies in the table below.

Table 1. Anti-diarrhea medications

Video - Diarrhea treatment. How to treat diarrhea in children and adults

Let's sum it up

Diarrhea is an unpleasant event that greatly interferes with to modern man continue living a full life. Judge for yourself: it is simply impossible to go to work, school, kindergarten, or university with such a disorder. Besides, persistent diarrhea can lead to the development of many truly unpleasant and dangerous processes in the body.

To as soon as possible to get rid of diarrhea, read our article carefully. It is best to immediately consult a doctor, however, if this is not possible, purchase the medications we have indicated for temporary relief, or use one of the folk recipes.

As soon as the diarrhea stops a little, still get ready to go to the hospital. It is necessary to find out the cause of loose stools and get rid of it once and for all. read on our website.