Diarrhea can be uncomfortable and unpleasant and can seriously disrupt a person’s day. However, most diarrhea is short-term or “acute”, but some can last for days or weeks.
This article outlines the typical duration of diarrhea, tips on how to get relief quickly, and advice on when to see a doctor.
First aid methods for adults
Below are a few methods you can use to get rid of diarrhea in adults quickly.
Antidiarrheal medicine
The most common and convenient solutions for acute diarrhea are over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as:
Loperamide (Imodium): This drug slows down digestion and causes the body to pull more water from the intestines. It helps to tighten the stool and reduce the frequency of bowel movements.
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): This medication helps coat and kill diarrhea-causing bacteria that may be present in a person’s gut.
The above drugs are not suitable for people whose diarrhea is accompanied by the following symptoms.
fever
signs of infection
bloody stools
Here’s what causes chronic diarrhea and how to treat it.
Antibiotics
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help clear up a bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
People can become infected with harmful bacteria as a result of drinking contaminated food or contaminated water. According to trusted sources, the most common bacteria that cause diarrhea are:
Campylobacter
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Salmonella
Shigella
Read more about side effects of antibiotics here.
Adjusting the diet
Some dietary adjustments can help alleviate acute episodes of diarrhea and reduce the risk of further complications. For example:
Eat bland foods: Bland, digestible foods reduce the risk of gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea. A popular diet option for indigestion is the BRAT diet, which stands for the following bland foods.
banana
rice
apple cider vinegar
toasted bread
Increase your intake of soluble fiber: Soluble fiber is a type of fiber that absorbs liquid in the intestines. Therefore, it tightens the stool and relieves diarrhea. Foods high in soluble fiber include:
fruits and vegetables
legumes
bread and pasta
grain
Eat smaller meals: People should aim to eat smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day instead of two or three large meals.
