That frequent bowel movement that makes you weak and uncomfortable is diarrhea. It’s so nauseating to make friends with the pot rather than hanging out with your best friends, isn’t it? That is what diarrhea does to you. It makes you feel uncomfortable enough to not let you go out for days. Most commonly, diarrhea lasts only for a couple of days but in exceptional and special conditions, it might even last for a week, and if it does, it is an indication of serious infection or inflammatory bowel disease. However, sometimes it might not be as serious as it seems to be, prolonged diarrhea can be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome as well.

What might cause Diarrhea?

The ones who suffer from diarrhea might wonder how and why they suffer from this disease? However, the fact is that most people are either unaware or have a misconception about its causes. While people think that a sudden spicy and heavy diet is what it takes to cause diarrhea, the real reason is different. There are various valid reasons for which diarrhea is a common disease today. Sudden virus infection or bacteria and parasitic invasion could be reasons behind a bout of diarrhea. Further, sudden intakes of antibiotics of strong dosages, or incapability of tolerance of lactose or fructose might also be the cause of diarrhea.

Basic treatments of diarrhea
Certain tests are to be done before starting with the treatment of diarrhea. The doctor might refer certain blood tests to check the cause of diarrhea; he might also recommend a stool test to check for bacteria or virus invasion. The steps include as follows:

• Replacing fluids
  The doctor might recommend you to replace or exchange the sources of fluid diets in your body, such as water or juices and sometimes even both. Fluids can be easily replaced by water, but it does not have the minerals and salts necessary for a beating heart. The liquids such as soups and juices are the suppliers of electrolyte to your body but if it causes diarrhea, then the doctor might even advice to take it intravenously. One should remember that certain fruit juices, such as apple juice could worsen the situation and must be avoided.
• Medication adjustments
  The doctor might opt for lowering the dose of antibiotics that trigger diarrhea. The doctor might even opt for antibiotics as the treatment of diarrhea.However, if it is caused by virus-related issues, antibiotics won’t be useful at all.
• Acute treatment of diarrhea
  When diarrhea is caused by serious conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, the doctor might refer to a gastroenterologist for further assistance to treat the problem.

However, there are certain home remedies and treatment of diarrhea to treat the condition as well. If you have acute diarrhea that had caused you bloating and cramps you can use home remedies such as:

• Hydration
  It is very important to keep your body hydrated during diarrhea. Drinking ample water is essential for adults. The sports drink or hydration solution might also help. For infants, it is beneficial to continuously breastfeed, or offer pediatric hydration solution.
• Intake of Probiotics
  Probiotics are natural or daily foods that induce good bacteria in the intestine that would prevent the occurrence of diarrhea. Some of the probiotics are yogurt, aged soft cheese, cottage cheese, dark chocolates, green olives, pickles, etc. Again, some of the probiotics are also available as pills.
• Some common over the counter drugs
  Mild medicine might help you curb the problem of diarrhea. Some of the drugs are bismuth sub-salicylate (Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate), loperamide (Imodium).
• Being concerned about food habits
  Some food that helps you curb diarrhea are unripe bananas, rice, toasts. Even oatmeal, boiled or baked potatoes without the skin, baked chicken, and soups might help too. However, there are certain foods that one needs to avoid during diarrhea to avoid furthering the condition. Consumption of any artificial sweeteners like toffees, chewing gums is a big no-no during diarrhea. Further, consumption of alcohol, milk or tea or coffee would only worsen the situation. In the case of solid foods avoiding beans, berries, cauliflower, broccoli, chickpea, corn, peas, peppers, and prunes would only prove profitable. Therefore it is only a smart idea to avoid what triggers diarrhea and binge into healthy food.

Now that you are aware of all the possible treatments for diarrhea, it would be easier to avoid such extreme situations where a hospital treatment becomes necessary. Follow the simple do’s and don’ts and heal yourself.