Biegunka
Leczenie
Biegunka, definiowana jako częste, wodniste stolce, wymaga przede wszystkim zapobiegania odwodnieniu i wyrównania zaburzeń wodno-elektrolitowych, szczególnie u dzieci i osób starszych. Podstawą terapii jest stosowanie doustnych płynów nawadniających (ORS) zawierających wodę, sól i glukozę, które wspomagają wchłanianie wody w jelitach. W łagodnych przypadkach u dorosłych dopuszcza się również wodę, rozcieńczone soki, napoje izotoniczne lub buliony. W ciężkim odwodnieniu konieczne jest dożylne podawanie płynów. Leki przeciwbiegunkowe, takie jak loperamid (4 mg początkowo, następnie 2 mg po każdym luźnym stolcu, max 16 mg/dobę) oraz difenoksylat z atropiną, mogą być stosowane w niepowikłanej biegunce, z wyłączeniem przypadków z krwistą biegunką, wysoką gorączką lub podejrzeniem infekcji bakteryjnej. Subsalicylan bizmutu wykazuje działanie przeciwzapalne i antybakteryjne, jednak jest przeciwwskazany u dzieci, kobiet w ciąży i osób uczulonych na aspirynę.
Leczenie biegunki
Biegunka to stan, który charakteryzuje się częstymi, wodnistymi stolcami i może być spowodowany różnymi czynnikami, w tym infekcjami, reakcjami na leki czy chorobami przewlekłymi. Większość przypadków biegunki ustępuje samoistnie w ciągu kilku dni, jednak niektóre wymagają interwencji medycznej. Poniżej przedstawiono kompleksowe podejście do leczenia biegunki, z uwzględnieniem różnych jej typów i sposobów postępowania.12
Nawodnienie i równowaga elektrolitowa
Najważniejszym elementem leczenia biegunki jest zapobieganie odwodnieniu i przywracanie równowagi wodno-elektrolitowej.12 Niezależnie od przyczyny biegunki, utrata płynów może być znacząca i prowadzić do poważnych konsekwencji zdrowotnych, szczególnie u dzieci i osób starszych.
- Doustne płyny nawadniające (ORS) zawierające wodę, sól i glukozę są najbardziej skuteczną metodą nawadniania i uzupełniania elektrolitów.1 Roztwory te ułatwiają wchłanianie wody w jelitach i zapobiegają odwodnieniu.
- W przypadkach łagodnej biegunki u dorosłych można stosować: wodę, rozcieńczone soki owocowe, napoje sportowe (np. Gatorade, Powerade) lub buliony.12
- Przy ciężkim odwodnieniu może być konieczne dożylne podawanie płynów, szczególnie gdy pacjent wymiotuje lub nie jest w stanie przyjmować płynów doustnie.32
Leki przeciwbiegunkowe
W przypadku niepowikłanej biegunki można rozważyć zastosowanie leków przeciwbiegunkowych, które mogą pomóc złagodzić objawy i skrócić czas trwania choroby.12
Leki przeciwmotoryczne
Te leki spowalniają perystaltykę jelit, wydłużają czas pasażu jelitowego i zwiększają wchłanianie wody w jelitach:
- Loperamid (Imodium) – jeden z najczęściej stosowanych leków przeciwbiegunkowych, szczególnie skuteczny w biegunce ostrej i podróżnych.12 Dawkowanie: zazwyczaj 4 mg na początku, następnie 2 mg po każdym luźnym stolcu, nie przekraczając 16 mg na dobę.1
- Difenoksylat z atropiną (Lomotil) – może być stosowany w połączeniu z loperamidem w leczeniu biegunki 1. lub 2. stopnia w dawce 1-2 tabletek co 6-8 godzin.1
Należy pamiętać, że leki przeciwmotoryczne są przeciwwskazane w przypadku biegunki krwistej, wysokiej gorączki lub podejrzenia infekcji bakteryjnej/pasożytniczej, gdyż mogą przedłużać chorobę i opóźniać eliminację patogenów.12
Preparaty zawierające bizmut
- Subsalicylan bizmutu (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) – działa przeciwzapalnie, antysekrecyjnie i przeciwbakteryjnie.1 Pomaga zmniejszyć częstotliwość wypróżnień i skrócić czas trwania choroby.1 Nie jest zalecany dla dzieci, kobiet w ciąży ani osób uczulonych na aspirynę.1
Antybiotykoterapia
Antybiotyki nie są rutynowo zalecane w leczeniu biegunki, ponieważ większość przypadków ma podłoże wirusowe lub jest samolimitująca.1 Ich stosowanie powinno być ograniczone do sytuacji, gdy:
- Występuje ostra biegunka bakteryjna (np. wywołana przez Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter)1
- Biegunka jest ciężka, z wysoką gorączką i objawami ogólnoustrojowymi1
- U pacjenta występuje biegunka podróżnych1
- W przypadku zakażeń pasożytniczych1
- W przypadku biegunki wywołanej przez Clostridioides difficile (wcześniej Clostridium difficile)1
W leczeniu biegunki bakteryjnej mogą być stosowane następujące antybiotyki w zależności od patogenu i wzorca oporności:
- Fluorochinolony (np. ciprofloksacyna)1
- Makrolidy (np. azytromycyna)2
- W przypadku zakażenia C. difficile: wankomycyna doustna (125-500 mg 4 razy dziennie), fidaksomycyna (200 mg 2 razy dziennie) lub metronidazol (500 mg 3 razy dziennie)1
- Rifaksymina – stosowana w biegunce podróżnych oraz w zespole jelita drażliwego z biegunką (IBS-D)12
Dieta i zalecenia żywieniowe
Odpowiednie postępowanie dietetyczne może pomóc złagodzić objawy biegunki i przyspieszyć powrót do zdrowia.12
- Dieta BRAT (banany, ryż, mus jabłkowy, tosty) – jest często zalecana w ostrej biegunce, ponieważ zawiera produkty łatwostrawne, o niskiej zawartości błonnika, które pomagają ustabilizować stolec.12
- Należy unikać: produktów tłustych i smażonych, surowych owoców i warzyw, pikantnych potraw, kofeiny, alkoholu, produktów mlecznych (które mogą nasilać biegunkę) oraz pokarmów bogatych w błonnik.12
- Wczesne odżywianie (raczej niż głodzenie) zmniejsza przepuszczalność jelit spowodowaną infekcjami, skraca czas trwania choroby i poprawia wyniki żywieniowe.1
Probiotyki i suplementy
Probiotyki mogą być pomocne w leczeniu biegunki poprzez przywracanie równowagi mikroflory jelitowej.12
- Badania sugerują, że niektóre szczepy probiotyków (głównie Lactobacillus GG, Saccharomyces boulardii i Lactobacillus reuteri) mogą być skuteczne w skracaniu czasu trwania ostrej biegunki, szczególnie u dzieci.12
- Suplementacja cynkiem (20 mg dziennie przez 10 dni u dzieci powyżej 2. miesiąca życia) może odgrywać kluczową rolę w leczeniu i zapobieganiu ostrej biegunce, szczególnie w krajach rozwijających się.12
Należy skonsultować się z lekarzem przed rozpoczęciem stosowania probiotyków, szczególnie u pacjentów z obniżoną odpornością.1
Leczenie biegunki przewlekłej
Biegunka przewlekła (trwająca ponad 4 tygodnie) wymaga diagnostyki i leczenia ukierunkowanego na przyczynę.12
- W przypadku biegunki spowodowanej nietolerancją pokarmową lub alergią – eliminacja problematycznych produktów z diety1
- W zespole jelita drażliwego z biegunką (IBS-D) – leki przeciwskurczowe, trójcykliczne leki przeciwdepresyjne, eluksadolina (Viberzi), alosetron (Lotronex)12
- W przypadku biegunki wywołanej nadmiarem kwasów żółciowych – sekwestranty kwasów żółciowych1
- W chorobach zapalnych jelit (np. choroba Leśniowskiego-Crohna, wrzodziejące zapalenie jelita grubego) – leki przeciwzapalne, immunomodulujące, biologiczne1
- Suplementy błonnika (np. psyllium) mogą być pomocne w stabilizacji stolca w niektórych przypadkach1
Leczenie biegunki u dzieci
Leczenie biegunki u dzieci wymaga szczególnej ostrożności i różni się od postępowania u dorosłych.12
- Najważniejsze jest zapobieganie odwodnieniu poprzez podawanie odpowiednich płynów – doustnych płynów nawadniających (ORS) takich jak Pedialyte.12
- Leki przeciwbiegunkowe dostępne bez recepty zazwyczaj nie są zalecane dla niemowląt i małych dzieci ze względu na potencjalne ryzyko działań niepożądanych.12
- W przypadku ciężkiej biegunki u dzieci stosowany może być racekadotryl (acetorfan) – bezpieczny i skuteczny u niemowląt powyżej 3. miesiąca życia.1
- Należy skontaktować się z lekarzem pediatrą, jeśli u dziecka występuje ciężka biegunka, odwodnienie, gorączka, krew w stolcu lub objawy nie ustępują po 48 godzinach.12
Biegunka podróżnych
Biegunka podróżnych to częsta dolegliwość dotykająca 30-70% osób podróżujących do regionów o niskim standardzie sanitarnym.12
- Leczenie obejmuje nawodnienie, leki przeciwbiegunkowe (loperamid) oraz w ciężkich przypadkach antybiotyki (azytromycyna, ciprofloksacyna)12
- W profilaktyce można stosować subsalicylan bizmutu podczas podróży1
- Należy przestrzegać zasad higieny żywności i wody, unikać nieprzegotowanej wody, surowych warzyw i owoców bez skórki1
Biegunka indukowana chemioterapią
Biegunka jest częstym działaniem niepożądanym wielu terapii przeciwnowotworowych, w tym chemioterapii, immunoterapii i radioterapii.12
- Leczenie pierwszego rzutu obejmuje loperamid (4 mg początkowo, następnie 2 mg co 4 godziny lub po każdym luźnym stolcu)1
- W przypadku biegunki opornej na leczenie można zastosować oktreotyd (100-150 mcg podskórnie 3 razy dziennie)1
- Pomocne może być również budezonid doustny (działanie przeciwzapalne w jelitach)2
- Suplementacja glutaminą może chronić błonę śluzową jelit przed toksycznym działaniem chemioterapeutyków3
Kiedy zgłosić się do lekarza
Mimo że większość przypadków biegunki ustępuje samoistnie, w niektórych sytuacjach konieczna jest konsultacja medyczna:12
- Biegunka utrzymująca się dłużej niż 2-3 dni u dorosłych lub 24 godziny u dzieci12
- Gorączka powyżej 38,5°C1
- Ciężkie bóle brzucha lub odbytu1
- Krew, ropa lub śluz w stolcu1
- Objawy odwodnienia (suchość w ustach, zmniejszona ilość moczu, zawroty głowy, osłabienie)12
- Ponad 6 luźnych stolców w ciągu 24 godzin1
- Biegunka u osób z obniżoną odpornością, kobiet w ciąży, osób starszych lub małych dzieci1
Podsumowanie
Leczenie biegunki zależy od jej przyczyny, nasilenia i czasu trwania. W większości przypadków ostrej biegunki wystarczające jest nawodnienie, modyfikacja diety i ewentualnie leki przeciwbiegunkowe dostępne bez recepty. Jednak w przypadku biegunki przewlekłej, ciężkiej lub z objawami alarmowymi konieczna jest diagnostyka i leczenie ukierunkowane na przyczynę.12
Najważniejsze zasady postępowania w biegunce to:12
- Odpowiednie nawodnienie i uzupełnianie elektrolitów
- Dieta lekkostrawna, uboga w błonnik
- Unikanie produktów nasilających biegunkę
- Stosowanie leków przeciwbiegunkowych w uzasadnionych przypadkach
- Antybiotykoterapia tylko przy potwierdzonej lub silnie podejrzewanej infekcji bakteryjnej
- Konsultacja lekarska w przypadku ciężkich objawów lub przedłużającej się biegunki
Wczesne i właściwe leczenie biegunki zapobiega odwodnieniu i innym powikłaniom, prowadząc do szybszego powrotu do zdrowia.12
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Materiały źródłowe
- #1 Diarrhea – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352246
Most cases of sudden diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for diarrhea without success, your healthcare professional might recommend medicines or other treatments. […] Antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines might help treat diarrhea caused by certain bacteria or parasites. Most bacterial causes of diarrhea do not need treatment in most people. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won’t help. […] Your healthcare professional likely will advise you to replace the fluids and salts that you lose when you have diarrhea. For most adults, that means drinking water with electrolytes, juice or broth. If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your healthcare professional might give you IV fluids.
- #1https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease
Diarrhoea should be treated with oral rehydration solution (ORS), a solution of clean water, sugar and salt. […] In addition, a 1014 day supplemental treatment course of dispersible zinc tablets shortens diarrhoea duration and improves outcomes. […] Key measures to treat diarrhoea include the following. […] Rehydration with oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution. ORS is a mixture of clean water, salt and sugar. It costs a few cents per treatment. ORS is absorbed in the small intestine and replaces the water and electrolytes lost in the faeces. […] Zinc supplements reduce the duration of a diarrhoea episode by 25% and are associated with a 30% reduction in stool volume. […] Rehydration with intravenous fluids in case of severe dehydration or shock. […] Nutrient-rich foods. The vicious circle of malnutrition and diarrhoea can be broken by continuing to give nutrient-rich foods including breast milk during an episode, and by giving a nutritious diet including exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life to children when they are well. […] Consulting a health professional, in particular for management of persistent diarrhoea or when there is blood in stool or if there are signs of dehydration.
- #1 Diarrhea Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Further Care, Consultationshttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/928598-treatment
The report also includes information on assessment of dehydration and what steps should be taken to adequately treat acute diarrhea. […] Treatment of dehydration due to diarrhea includes the following: Minimal or no dehydration, Rehydration therapy – Not applicable, Replacement of losses, Mild-to-moderate dehydration, Rehydration therapy – Oral rehydration solution (50-100 mL/kg over 3-4 h), Severe dehydration, Rehydration therapy – Intravenous lactated Ringer solution or normal saline (20 mL/kg until perfusion and mental status improve), followed by 100 mL/kg oral rehydration solution over 4 hours or 5% dextrose (half normal saline) intravenously at twice maintenance fluid rates. […] ORT is the cornerstone of treatment, especially for small-bowel infections that produce a large volume of watery stool output. ORT with a glucose-based oral rehydration syndrome must be viewed as by far the safest, most physiologic, and most effective way to provide rehydration and maintain hydration in children with acute diarrhea worldwide, as recommended by the WHO; by the ad hoc committee of European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN); by the American Academy of Pediatrics; and by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
- #1 Diarrhea: Treatments & Remedieshttps://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-diarrhea-treatment
You usually don’t need medical treatment for diarrhea. In most cases, it will go away on its own in a few days. But there are some things you can do to treat it at home that can help it resolve faster and ease your symptoms. If you have the runs for more than a few days, or you have other symptoms, it might be a good idea to give your doctor a call. […] Diarrhea should go away in a few days without treatment. Until you feel better, rest, drink enough of the appropriate fluids, and watch what you eat. Some foods can help stop your diarrhea, while others may make it worse. […] Liquids that contain electrolytes (such as Gatorade or Pedialyte) can be particularly helpful when you have diarrhea. These types of drinks contain helpful levels of sodium and sugar. Sodium helps slow down the amount of water your body is losing, and sugar helps your body absorb the sodium.
- #1 Diarrhea – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352246
If your healthcare professional determines that an antibiotic caused your diarrhea, you might be given a lower dose or a different medicine. […] If your diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, your healthcare professional works to control that condition. You might be referred to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, who can help devise a treatment plan for you. […] Ask about antidiarrheal medicines. Nonprescription antidiarrheal medicines, such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, might help reduce how often you pass watery stool and control severe symptoms. […] Take probiotics. These microorganisms may help restore a healthy balance to the intestinal tract by boosting the level of good bacteria. However, it’s not clear if they can help shorten a bout of diarrhea. Probiotics are available in capsule or liquid form and are also added to some foods, such as certain brands of yogurt. Further research is needed to better understand which strains of bacteria are most helpful and what doses are needed.
- #1 List of 41 Diarrhea Medicines Comparedhttps://www.drugs.com/condition/diarrhea.html
Anti-diarrheal medications can be helpful for adults experiencing diarrhea. Two common types are: Loperamide (Imodium): Slows down food movement in the intestines, allowing the body to absorb more liquid […] Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol): Prevents intestinal secretion and promotes fluid and electrolyte reabsorption while reducing inflammation and helping slow the growth of bacteria that might be causing the diarrhea. […] These medications are not recommended for children without first consulting a pediatrician. […] For persistent diarrhea related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), prescription options include: Alosetron (Lotronex): Reserved for severe cases in women with IBS-D. May have side effects like constipation and reduced colon blood flow. […] Eluxadoline (Viberzi): Slows gut contractions, relieving pain. Not suitable for those without a gallbladder, as it may lead to pancreatitis. […] Rifaximin (Xifaxan): An antibiotic used for specific gut bacteria; typically a short-term treatment, sometimes for travelerâs diarrhea.
- #1 Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea: Options for Treatment and Preventionhttps://jhoponline.com/issue-archive/2012-issues/december-2012-vol-3-no-4/15408:chemotherapy-unduced-diarrhea-options
The last consensus conference for the management of CID was published in 1998, and the resulting guidelines were last updated in 2004. […] Loperamide, tincture of opium, and octreotide remain the only agents currently recommended by treatment guidelines, because of the lack of data supporting other therapies for CID. […] These guidelines recommend dietary modification, along with loperamide (4 mg initially, followed by 2 mg every 4 hours or after every unformed stool), as the standard first-line therapy for the treatment of uncomplicated CID. […] If diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, high-dose loperamide (2 mg every 2 hours) is recognized as an appropriate therapeutic option in addition to initiating oral antibiotics for the prevention of infectious complications. […] If diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours with high-dose loperamide therapy, loperamide should be stopped and a second-line treatment should be considered when the patient is evaluated by a physician; options include subcutaneous (SC) octreotide, tincture of opium, or oral budesonide.
- #1 Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea: Options for Treatment and Preventionhttps://jhoponline.com/issue-archive/2012-issues/december-2012-vol-3-no-4/15408:chemotherapy-unduced-diarrhea-options
Loperamide, a synthetic opiate derivative, is the initial drug of choice for CID; it has reduced the incidence of irinotecan-induced diarrhea from 80% to 9% in several studies. […] Tincture of opium, like loperamide, works by slowing GI peristalsis and increasing intestinal transit time. […] In the treatment of irinotecan-induced, acute-onset diarrhea, atropine monotherapy works as a competitive antagonist at anticholinergic receptors, typically dosed as 0.25 to 1 mg intravenous (IV) or SC. […] Diphenoxylate plus atropine can be used in combination with loperamide for the treatment of grade 1 or 2 diarrhea at a dosage of 1 to 2 tablets every 6 to 8 hours. […] Standard- or high-dose loperamide therapy is often unsuccessful in the treatment of aggressive (complicated) CID in 9% to 30% of cases.
- #1 Traveler’s diarrhea – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/travelers-diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352188
Anti-motility medicines aren’t recommended for infants or people with a fever or bloody diarrhea. This is because they can delay clearance of the infectious organisms and make the illness worse. […] Also, stop using anti-motility agents after 48 hours if you have stomach pain or if your symptoms worsen and your diarrhea continues. In such cases, see a doctor. You may need blood or stool tests and treatment with an antibiotic. […] Bismuth subsalicylate. This nonprescription medicine can decrease the frequency of your stools and shorten the length of your illness. However, it isn’t recommended for children, pregnant women or people who are allergic to aspirin. […] Antibiotics. If you have more than four loose stools a day or severe symptoms, including a fever or blood, pus or mucus in your stools, a doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics.
- #1 Acute Diarrhea in Adults | AAFPhttps://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0700/acute-diarrhea.html
Most cases of acute watery diarrhea are self-limited; therefore, antibiotics are not routinely recommended. […] To avoid overuse of antibiotics and related complications, empiric antibiotics should be used in specific instances, including moderate to severe TD, bloody stool with fever, sepsis, and immunocompromised states. […] A fluoroquinolone or macrolide is an appropriate first-line option when empirically treating TD, depending on local resistance patterns and recent travel history. […] Once a pathogen has been identified, targeted antibiotic therapy may be appropriate depending on the organism. […] There are no formal recommendations for or against probiotics to treat acute diarrheal illness due to a lack of consistent evidence.
- #1 Travelers’ diarrhea: Treatment and prevention – UpToDatehttps://www.uptodate.com/contents/travelers-diarrhea-treatment-and-prevention
Travelers’ diarrhea refers to development of unformed stools associated with travel to a region where sanitation and hygienic practices are poor and there is limited access to safe drinking water. It is the most common travel-associated illness; among travelers to such regions, 30 to 70 percent develop diarrhea. […] The treatment and prevention of travelers’ diarrhea are discussed here. […] Most cases of travelers’ diarrhea resolve on their own within three to five days of treatment with oral fluid replacement. Antimotility agents can provide symptomatic relief but should not be used for travelers with diarrhea associated with fever or bloody stools. […] The benefit of antibiotics must be weighed against potential risks, including adverse effects and selection for resistant bacteria. These issues are discussed further below. […] Guidance for self-management â Management of travelers’ diarrhea depends on the severity of illness, which can be categorized based on functional impact according to a scheme outlined by the International Society of Travel Medicine. […] Oral antibiotics for treatment of travelers’ diarrhea.
- #1 Diarrhea – Core EMhttps://coreem.net/core/diarrhea/
C difficile […] Suspect in patients with: […] Profuse diarrhea, significant abdominal pain, fever. […] Recent abx exposure. […] Recent hospitalization. […] History of c difficile infection. […] Treatment: […] Nonsevere, first time infection: […] Vancomycin 125 mg PO 4 times per day or fidaxomicin 200 mg twice daily for 10 days. […] If oral Vancomycin and fidaxomicin unavailable, metronidazole 500 mg PO TID for 10 days is acceptable alternative. […] Severe or fulminant infection: […] Vancomycin 500 mg PO QID. […] PLUS Metronidazole 500mg IV every 8 hours. […] If Ileus present, ADD Vancomycin 500 mg in 100 mL normal saline per rectum every 6 hours as a retention enema. […] Disposition […] Indications for Hospitalization […] Toxic appearance / severe dehydration requiring IV rehydration.
- #1 Diarrhea – Core EMhttps://coreem.net/core/diarrhea/
Marked electrolyte derangements. […] Inability to tolerate PO fluids. […] Severe symptoms in any high risk patient group. […] Low risk patient […] If the patient has no high risk features and no hemodynamic instability, discharge home with oral hydration and return precautions. Oral hydration is preferred over enteral. No antibiotic treatment is recommended. […] If patient has bloody diarrhea (after first ruling out e coli O157:H7), severe symptoms (fever, 6 episodes per day), dehydration, or foreign travel, empiric antibiotic treatment may be warranted. […] Outpatient antibiotic regimens: […] Azithro 1g once or 500mg PO daily for 3 days. […] Ciprofloxacin 750mg PO daily or 500mg PO twice daily for 3-5 days. […] Levofloxacin 500mg PO daily for 3-5 days. […] Symptomatic Treatment:
- #1 Diarrhea: Treatments & Remedieshttps://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-diarrhea-treatment
The most helpful food tip to remember when you have diarrhea is to keep it simple by eating plain and basic foods. One approach is to follow the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. […] If you have a mild case of diarrhea, you may decide to treat it yourself at home. You may even have some of the most common over-the-counter treatments already in your medicine cabinet. […] Most of the time, diarrhea doesn’t need to be treated with medication. But some over-the-counter medicines can help you feel better. […] Two over-the-counter medicines that can help relieve diarrhea include: Loperamide (Imodium): It slows the movement of food through your intestines, allowing your body to absorb more liquid. Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol): It balances out how fluid moves through your digestive tract.
- #1 Acute Diarrhea in Adults | AAFPhttps://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0201/p180.html
Acute diarrhea in adults is a common problem encountered by family physicians. […] Treatment focuses on preventing and treating dehydration. Oral rehydration therapy with early refeeding is the preferred treatment for dehydration. […] The first step to treating acute diarrhea is rehydration, preferably oral rehydration. […] Early refeeding decreases intestinal permeability caused by infections, reduces illness duration, and improves nutritional outcomes. […] The antimotility agent loperamide (Imodium) may reduce the duration of diarrhea by as much as one day and increase the likelihood of clinical cure at 24 and 48 hours when given with antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea. […] However, when used appropriately, antibiotics are effective for shigellosis, campylobacteriosis, Clostridium difficile, traveler’s diarrhea, and protozoal infections.
- #1 Diarrhea Medication: Antibiotic and antiparasitics agents, Vaccineshttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/928598-medication
Diarrheal diseases have been the object of numerous forms of treatment, both dietetic and pharmacologic, for centuries. However, the evidence is now clear that, in most cases, the best option for treatment of acute-onset diarrhea is the early use of oral rehydration therapy (ORT). Pharmacological treatment is rarely of any use, and antidiarrheal drugs are often harmful. […] Some strains of probiotics (defined as live microorganisms that when ingested in adequate doses, provide a benefit to the host) have been found to be effective as an adjunct when treating children with acute diarrhea. Data from well-conducted randomized controlled trials on efficacy of probiotics in children with diarrhea are definitely positive. They consistently show a statistically significant benefit and moderate clinical benefit of a few, now well-identified probiotic strains (mostly Lactobacillus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii but also Lactobacillus reuteri) in the treatment of acute watery diarrhea (primarily rotaviral) in infants and young children in developed countries.
- #1 Acute Diarrhea in Adults | AAFPhttps://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0201/p180.html
Probiotics are thought to work by stimulating the immune system and competing for binding sites on intestinal epithelial cells. […] Research in children suggests that zinc supplementation (20 mg per day for 10 days in children older than two months) may play a crucial role in treating and preventing acute diarrhea, particularly in developing countries.
- #1http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/health-info/coping-with-cancer/managing-symptoms-side-effects/diarrhea-caused-by-medications
Diarrhea is a common side effect of cancer treatments. […] Diarrhea can be caused by radiation near your bowels, some chemotherapies, and targeted therapies. […] It is very important to manage diarrhea. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, depletion of body salts, weakness, weight loss, skin soreness, and poor nutrition. […] Tell your health care team if you have diarrhea. They will work with you to figure out what is causing the diarrhea and how to manage it. […] Talk to your health care team before taking any anti-diarrheal medications. They need to make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection. […] Your health care team may recommend a medication called loperamide (Imodium). […] If you follow the instructions in this handout and your diarrhea is still not under control, ask to see a BC Cancer dietitian. […] If you are losing weight or you do not have an appetite, ask to see a BC Cancer Dietitian. […] There is not enough evidence to support the use of probiotics. Although probiotics might benefit you, there is a risk for patients with neutropenia.
- #1 Chronic Diarrhea: What It Is, Causes & Treatment Optionshttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24311-chronic-diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea means having loose stools regularly for more than four weeks. […] Chronic diarrhea is persistent diarrhea that continues for more than four weeks. […] Some people have chronic bowel diseases that cause chronic diarrhea. These diseases may not be curable, but you can treat the symptoms. Other causes are often curable with the right treatment. […] Many diseases can cause chronic diarrhea, but so can certain foods and medications. […] Isolating the offending food or drink and reducing it or eliminating it from your diet may solve the problem. […] Many medications can cause chronic diarrhea as a side effect. […] Your healthcare provider will look at your complete medical profile to determine whether medications are a factor. […] If it doesn’t go away with simple diet and medication changes, you need to see a healthcare provider. […] Treatment may include: Opiate antidiarrheals. These slow down your colonic transit time and increase absorption in your colon. […] It’s never a bad idea to see a doctor about chronic diarrhea. […] Diarrhea that persists for a month or longer needs to be addressed by a healthcare professional.
- #1 Treatment of Diarrhea – NIDDKhttps://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/treatment
Most cases of acute diarrhea go away on their own. However, doctors may use a combination of tools to treat diarrhea in some people. […] If you are severely dehydrated, your doctor may recommend you receive intravenous (IV) fluids. […] Antibiotics or other medicines may help people with some digestive tract infections. […] Chronic diarrhea caused by a food allergy or intolerance can be treated by avoiding foods and drinks that trigger the reaction. […] Probiotics are live microorganisms most often bacteria that are like the ones you have in your digestive tract. […] For safety reasons, talk with your doctor before using probiotics or any other complementary or alternative medicines or practices.
- #1 Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: Treatment is a work in progress | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicinehttps://www.ccjm.org/content/87/8/501
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is subclassified as diarrhea, constipation, or mixed type based on the most prominent stool form. […] We review the diagnosis and management of the diarrheal type through a pathophysiologic lens, with attention to recent developments that can inform a mechanistically based targeted approach to treatment. […] Therapies are increasingly being targeted at one or more of these pathologies, leading to the availability of new treatments such as probiotics, bile acid sequestrants, and the low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet. […] First-line therapies still include antidiarrheals, regular exercise, psychological therapy, and the traditional IBS diet. […] Management of IBS-D should be targeted to its underlying etiology. However, in the absence of a clear understanding of the mechanisms that produce symptoms, treatments have traditionally focused on symptom relief, namely, antidiarrheals.
- #1 Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: Treatment is a work in progress | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicinehttps://www.ccjm.org/content/87/8/501
Combination therapy with the antispasmodic mebeverine and cognitive behavioral therapy was more effective than mebeverine alone after 3 months in a randomized controlled trial. […] Peppermint oil is an underappreciated treatment of IBS. […] Rifaximin is currently approved for empiric use in IBS-D. […] Fecal microbiota transplant is not currently endorsed by any guideline for IBS-D, but that may change in light of the emerging evidence. […] Bile acid malabsorption may be present in 30% to 50% of IBS-D patients. […] Expert opinions are mixed regarding empiric use of bile acid sequestrants in IBS-D patients. […] Therapies are increasingly targeting one or more of these mechanisms, leading to availability of several new treatment options.
- #1 Symptom Managementhttps://crohnsandcolitis.ca/About-Crohn-s-Colitis/IBD-Journey/Symptom-Management/Diarrhea-and-Urgency
Diarrhea is when you have loose, watery stools or a frequent need to have a bowel movement. It is one of the most common symptoms of IBD. […] It is important to treat the underlying disease, that is treat the gut inflammation, in cases of active Crohn’s or active colitis. […] Your healthcare provider will first consider the potential causes of your diarrhea in order to adjust your treatment. For example, if your IBD is active and causing inflammation, it may result in diarrhea and your treatment plan may be adjusted to deal with this symptom. […] If tests show your diarrhea is related to inflammation from IBD, medications to control disease activity include aminosalicylates (also called mesalamine or 5-ASA), corticosteroids such as prednisone, immunomodulators, and biologics. […] Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any prescribed or over-the-counter medications for the treatment of diarrhea.
- #1 Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: Treatment is a work in progress | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicinehttps://www.ccjm.org/content/87/8/501
Loperamide, the best studied antidiarrheal, is a synthetic opioid that slows intestinal motility and increases absorption of water and electrolytes, leading to firmer and less frequent stools. […] Soluble fiber supplements such as psyllium that act as stool bulking agents are recommended by recent guidelines for the management of IBS. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended as first-line or second-line therapy. […] A recent meta-analysis reported significant benefit of relaxation therapy, multicomponent psychological therapy, hypnotherapy, and dynamic psychotherapy. […] Tricyclic antidepressants can modulate pain and slow gastrointestinal motility through their anticholinergic effects. […] Antispasmodics are thought to decrease symptoms of pain by relaxing gut contractions and slowing motility.
- #1 Treatment of Diarrhea – NIDDKhttps://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/treatment
In most cases, you can treat acute diarrhea at home, without medical treatment. […] When you have diarrhea, you need to replace lost fluids and electrolytes to stay hydrated. […] You can also drink oral rehydration solutions, liquids that contain glucose and electrolytes. […] In most cases, you can safely treat acute diarrhea with over-the-counter medicines such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. […] Doctors typically recommend against over-the-counter medicines for infants, children, or people who have bloody stools or fever. […] If your child has diarrhea, talk with their doctor for advice. […] It’s important for children to stay hydrated when they have diarrhea. […] Doctors typically recommend against giving infants, toddlers, and young children over-the-counter medicines to treat diarrhea.
- #1 Diarrhea: Treatment at Home, Dehydration and When to See a Doctor | Nationwide Children’s Hospitalhttps://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites and can lead to dehydration. […] The biggest risk of diarrhea is dehydration. This means that your child has lost too much fluid and doesn’t have enough electrolytes (salts) in their body for it to work the right way. Your child may need extra liquids given in smaller amounts more often until they’re well. […] With moderate to severe diarrhea, your child may need to drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like Pedialyte to help prevent dehydration. An ORS replaces the electrolytes and fluids that your child needs. […] WARNING: Do not give medicines to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor specifically orders it. These medicines can be very dangerous if they are not used properly. […] Watch for signs of dehydration while treating your child’s diarrhea. […] Call your child’s doctor or health care provider if you think they are getting worse, do not get any better in 48 hours, will not breastfeed or eat, or has: […] Signs of dehydration (See above).
- #1 Diarrhea: Treatments & Remedieshttps://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-diarrhea-treatment
Studies have found that the drug racecadotril (acetorphan) is safe and effective for babies older than 3 months and reduces the amount of poop and the duration of the diarrhea. Your doctor would have to prescribe this drug. […] Modifying your diet to eat plain, bland food; drinking water and other clear liquids; and taking anti-diarrheal medications may help you get rid of diarrhea quicker if your case is mild.
- #1 Travelersâ Diarrhea | Yellow Book | CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/preparing-international-travelers/travelers-diarrhea.html
Healthcare professionals should advise on food safety and options for medications to prevent and treat travelers diarrhea. […] Replacement of fluid losses is key to diarrhea therapy and helps the traveler feel better more quickly. […] Antimotility agents provide symptomatic relief and are useful therapy in TD. […] The effectiveness of a particular standby antimicrobial drug for self-treatment depends on the etiologic agent and its antibiotic sensitivity. […] Antibiotics are effective in reducing the duration of diarrhea by approximately 12 days in cases caused by bacterial pathogens susceptible to the antibiotic prescribed. […] The main treatment for TD in children is ORS. […] Consider empiric antibiotic therapy for severe watery diarrhea or evidence of systemic infection.
- #1 Diarrhea: Treatments & Remedieshttps://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-diarrhea-treatment
Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicine doesn’t usually cause problems. But like other medicines, there’s always a chance you could have unwanted side effects. […] If you are traveling to a third-world country, your doctor may advise you to take Pepto-Bismol (bismuth) tablets both before you travel and while you’re on vacation to help prevent diarrhea. […] Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms if you often have diarrhea. […] Eluxadoline (Viberzi) is used to treat diarrhea caused by irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). It works by slowing down gut contractions. […] If you have chronic diarrhea, you should see your doctor to find out if there are any underlying causes, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a bacterial or parasitic infection.
- #1https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travelers-diarrhea
Travelers’ diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. It can occur anywhere, but the highest-risk destinations are in Asia (except for Japan and South Korea) as well as the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America. […] In otherwise healthy adults, diarrhea is rarely serious or life-threatening, but it can make a trip very unpleasant. […] Learn some ways to treat travelers diarrhea […] Drink lots of fluids. If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. In serious cases of travelers diarrhea, oral rehydration solution available online or in pharmacies in developing countries can be used for fluid replacements. […] Take over-the-counter drugs. Several drugs, such as loperamide, can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea. These drugs decrease the frequency and urgency of needing to use the bathroom, and may make it easier for you to ride on a bus or airplane while waiting for an antibiotic to take effect.
- #1 Diarrhea and Cancer – Side Effects – NCIhttps://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/diarrhea
Drink water and other clear liquids to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea. […] Diarrhea is a common side effect of many cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. […] Your doctor will find the diarrhea’s cause and recommend ways to feel better, which may include medicines and food that help decrease or stop diarrhea. […] Treatment of diarrhea in people with cancer depends on its cause and severity (grade). Your doctor may suggest changes to your diet and prescribe medications. You may also receive intravenous (IV) fluids to help replace the fluids you lost. If chemo is causing severe diarrhea, your doctor may reduce your dose or have you stop taking it until your diarrhea gets better. […] For severe diarrhea that happens while you are getting cancer treatment, your doctor may recommend medication. Your doctor may prescribe loperamide (Imodium) or a combination of diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil) to prevent or treat diarrhea.
- #1 Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea: Options for Treatment and Preventionhttps://jhoponline.com/issue-archive/2012-issues/december-2012-vol-3-no-4/15408:chemotherapy-unduced-diarrhea-options
Patients experiencing refractory grade 1 or 2 CID, as well as grade 3 or 4 CID can be treated more aggressively with SC octreotide acetate (100-150 mcg 3 times daily). […] Octreotide is a synthetic somatostatin analogue that regulates intestinal fluid and electrolyte transport. […] The guidelines suggest the initiation of antibiotics for patients who are experiencing diarrhea for more than 24 hours for the prevention of septic complications. […] Budesonide, an oral, topically active synthetic glucocorticoid, provides anti-inflammatory activity within the intestines. […] Glutamine supplementation may aid in protecting the gut mucosa from toxic chemotherapeutic agents. […] Probiotics, nonpathogenic microorganisms such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and bifidobacterium, have been extensively studied in the prevention of diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome and Crohns disease.
- #1 5 Effective Diarrhea Remedieshttps://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/most-effective-diarrhea-remedies
Hydration is very important when you have diarrhea. Dehydration from diarrhea can be fatal in young children and older adults. Over-the-counter oral pediatric hydration solutions, like Pedialyte, are the recommended fluids of choice for children with diarrhea. Studies have shown that for adults with mild symptoms of diarrhea, sports drinks and over-the-counter rehydration solutions are equally effective. Probiotics can help with diarrhea by restoring the balance of bacteria in your gut. With your doctor’s supervision, several over-the-counter medications can help with acute diarrhea if your symptoms are not severe. Common over-the-counter medications include bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate) and loperamide (Imodium). While these drugs can relieve the symptoms of diarrhea, they don’t treat the underlying cause. If you have chronic diarrhea, you shouldn’t use these drugs without your doctor’s consent. Stick to low-fiber BRAT foods that will help firm up your stool. These include bananas, rice (white), applesauce, and toast. Fried and greasy foods are usually not well-tolerated in people who have diarrhea. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends contacting a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms: diarrhea lasting more than 2 days, fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, frequent vomiting, six or more loose stools in 24 hours, severe pain in your abdomen or rectum, black, tarry, bloody, or pus-filled stools, symptoms of dehydration.
- #1 Approach to the adult with acute diarrhea in resource-abundant settings – UpToDatehttps://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-the-adult-with-acute-diarrhea-in-resource-abundant-settings
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS), including standard World Health Organization ORS or commercial ORS, such as Rehydralyte and Ceralyte, may be more appropriate in patients with more severe diarrheal disease. […] We generally withhold antibiotic therapy in the following circumstances: For most patients with acute, nonbloody diarrhea (non-travel-associated), we recommend not administering empiric antibiotic therapy. […] We suggest empiric antibiotic therapy in the following circumstances: Severe illness (fever â¥38.5°C [101.3°F], hypovolemia, â¥6 unformed stools per 24 hours, severe abdominal pain). […] For patients with severe diarrhea in the setting of recent antibiotic therapy (within the preceding three months), empiric treatment for C. difficile is reasonable if the clinical suspicion is high. […] For patients who want symptomatic therapy, the antimotility agent loperamide (Imodium) can be used cautiously in patients in whom fever is absent or low grade and the stools are not bloody. […] Probiotic use in adults with acute infectious gastroenteritis is unproven.
- #1 Traveler’s diarrhea – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/travelers-diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352188
Call a doctor if you have diarrhea that is severe, lasts more than a few days or is bloody. If you are traveling, call an embassy or consulate for help locating a doctor. Other signs that you should seek medical attention include: A fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher. Ongoing vomiting. Signs of severe dehydration, including a dry mouth, muscle cramps, decreased urine output, dizziness or fatigue. […] If you have diarrhea and you’ve just returned home from a trip abroad, share that trip information with your doctor when you call to make an appointment.
- #1 Diarrhea – Core EMhttps://coreem.net/core/diarrhea/
Be cautious with certain patient groups such as the young, elderly, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised. […] Avoid antibiotic use in the majority of cases. Antibiotics may be considered in patients with severe symptoms, travel to endemic areas, or bloody diarrhea after testing for shiga-toxin.
- #1 Diarrhea: Causes, treatment, and symptomshttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158634
In most cases, diarrhea isn’t something to be concerned about and will resolve itself without medical treatment. […] If a person has diarrhea and it lasts for more than 7 days, they should consult a doctor urgently. […] In developing countries, however, the prevention of diarrhea may be more challenging due to dirty water and poor sanitation. […] In most cases, a range of home remedies and medical treatments can help.
- #1 Approach to the adult with acute diarrhea in resource-abundant settings – UpToDatehttps://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-the-adult-with-acute-diarrhea-in-resource-abundant-settings
Approach to the adult with acute diarrhea in resource-abundant settings […] Most cases of acute diarrhea in adults are of infectious etiology, and most cases resolve with symptomatic treatment alone. […] The management of patients with acute diarrhea begins with general measures such as fluid repletion and nutrition maintenance, with adjustments in diet if necessary. Patients who have bothersome symptoms may benefit from symptomatic pharmacologic therapy. Antibiotic therapy is not indicated in most cases since the illness is usually self-limited. Nevertheless, empiric and specific antibiotic therapy may be appropriate in certain situations, mainly in patients with severe disease, with symptoms and signs suggestive of invasive bacterial infection, or at high risk for complications. […] The most critical therapy in diarrheal illness is rehydration, preferably by the oral route, with solutions that contain water, salt, and sugar.
- #2 Treatment of Diarrhea – NIDDKhttps://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/treatment
In most cases, you can treat acute diarrhea at home, without medical treatment. […] When you have diarrhea, you need to replace lost fluids and electrolytes to stay hydrated. […] You can also drink oral rehydration solutions, liquids that contain glucose and electrolytes. […] In most cases, you can safely treat acute diarrhea with over-the-counter medicines such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. […] Doctors typically recommend against over-the-counter medicines for infants, children, or people who have bloody stools or fever. […] If your child has diarrhea, talk with their doctor for advice. […] It’s important for children to stay hydrated when they have diarrhea. […] Doctors typically recommend against giving infants, toddlers, and young children over-the-counter medicines to treat diarrhea.
- #2 Acute Diarrhea in Adults | AAFPhttps://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0700/acute-diarrhea.html
Acute diarrheal disease accounts for 179 million outpatient visits annually in the United States. […] Most episodes of acute diarrhea in countries with adequate food and water sanitation are uncomplicated and self-limited, requiring only an initial evaluation and supportive treatment. […] In all cases, management begins with replacing water, electrolytes, and nutrients. Oral rehydration is preferred; however, signs of severe dehydration or sepsis warrant intravenous rehydration. […] Rehydration is the first-line treatment for acute diarrhea, with oral rehydration being the preferred method for fluid replacement. […] In combination, loperamide (Imodium) and simethicone may provide faster and more complete relief of acute watery diarrhea and abdominal discomfort than either medication alone.
- #2 Diarrhea – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352246
Most cases of sudden diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for diarrhea without success, your healthcare professional might recommend medicines or other treatments. […] Antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines might help treat diarrhea caused by certain bacteria or parasites. Most bacterial causes of diarrhea do not need treatment in most people. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won’t help. […] Your healthcare professional likely will advise you to replace the fluids and salts that you lose when you have diarrhea. For most adults, that means drinking water with electrolytes, juice or broth. If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your healthcare professional might give you IV fluids.
- #2 Treatment of Diarrhea – NIDDKhttps://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/treatment
Most cases of acute diarrhea go away on their own. However, doctors may use a combination of tools to treat diarrhea in some people. […] If you are severely dehydrated, your doctor may recommend you receive intravenous (IV) fluids. […] Antibiotics or other medicines may help people with some digestive tract infections. […] Chronic diarrhea caused by a food allergy or intolerance can be treated by avoiding foods and drinks that trigger the reaction. […] Probiotics are live microorganisms most often bacteria that are like the ones you have in your digestive tract. […] For safety reasons, talk with your doctor before using probiotics or any other complementary or alternative medicines or practices.
- #2 Diarrhea: Causes, treatment, and symptomshttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158634
Diarrhea can range from a mild, temporary condition to a potentially life threatening one. […] This article looks at the causes and treatments of diarrhea. […] For persistent or chronic diarrhea, a doctor will treat any underlying causes in addition to the symptoms of diarrhea. […] Replacing the fluids, salts, and sugars lost during diarrhea is vital for all cases. […] Oral rehydration solution or salts (ORS) can be particularly effective in dehydration recovery. […] Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications are also available. […] Antibiotics can only treat diarrhea due to bacterial infections. […] The following diet tips may help with diarrhea: sipping on clear liquids, such as electrolyte drinks, water, or fruit juice without added sugar; after each loose stool, replacing lost fluids with at least 1 cup of liquid; doing most of the drinking between, not during, meals; consuming high potassium foods and liquids, such as diluted fruit juices, potatoes without the skin, and bananas; consuming high sodium foods and liquids, such as broths, soups, sports drinks, and salted crackers; eating foods high in soluble fiber, such as banana, oatmeal, and rice, as these help thicken the stool; limiting foods that may make diarrhea worse, such as creamy, fried, high dairy, and sugary foods.
- #2 Acute Diarrhea in Adults | AAFPhttps://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0201/p180.html
Acute diarrhea in adults is a common problem encountered by family physicians. […] Treatment focuses on preventing and treating dehydration. Oral rehydration therapy with early refeeding is the preferred treatment for dehydration. […] The first step to treating acute diarrhea is rehydration, preferably oral rehydration. […] Early refeeding decreases intestinal permeability caused by infections, reduces illness duration, and improves nutritional outcomes. […] The antimotility agent loperamide (Imodium) may reduce the duration of diarrhea by as much as one day and increase the likelihood of clinical cure at 24 and 48 hours when given with antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea. […] However, when used appropriately, antibiotics are effective for shigellosis, campylobacteriosis, Clostridium difficile, traveler’s diarrhea, and protozoal infections.
- #2 Diarrhea: Treatments & Remedieshttps://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-diarrhea-treatment
The most helpful food tip to remember when you have diarrhea is to keep it simple by eating plain and basic foods. One approach is to follow the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. […] If you have a mild case of diarrhea, you may decide to treat it yourself at home. You may even have some of the most common over-the-counter treatments already in your medicine cabinet. […] Most of the time, diarrhea doesn’t need to be treated with medication. But some over-the-counter medicines can help you feel better. […] Two over-the-counter medicines that can help relieve diarrhea include: Loperamide (Imodium): It slows the movement of food through your intestines, allowing your body to absorb more liquid. Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol): It balances out how fluid moves through your digestive tract.
- #2 Diarrhea – Core EMhttps://coreem.net/core/diarrhea/
Marked electrolyte derangements. […] Inability to tolerate PO fluids. […] Severe symptoms in any high risk patient group. […] Low risk patient […] If the patient has no high risk features and no hemodynamic instability, discharge home with oral hydration and return precautions. Oral hydration is preferred over enteral. No antibiotic treatment is recommended. […] If patient has bloody diarrhea (after first ruling out e coli O157:H7), severe symptoms (fever, 6 episodes per day), dehydration, or foreign travel, empiric antibiotic treatment may be warranted. […] Outpatient antibiotic regimens: […] Azithro 1g once or 500mg PO daily for 3 days. […] Ciprofloxacin 750mg PO daily or 500mg PO twice daily for 3-5 days. […] Levofloxacin 500mg PO daily for 3-5 days. […] Symptomatic Treatment:
- #2 Pharmacological management of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) – American Gastroenterological AssociationAGA Logo_Horizontalhttps://gastro.org/clinical-guidance/pharmacological-management-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome-with-diarrhea-ibs-d/
Eight clinical recommendations to guide the use of FDA-approved and over-the-counter medications for irritable bowel syndrome with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D). […] 1. In patients with IBS-D, AGA suggests using eluxadoline. Implementation remark: Eluxadoline is contraindicated in patients without a gallbladder or those who drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day. […] 2a. In patients with IBS-D, AGA suggests using rifaximin. […] 2b. In patients with IBS-D with initial response to rifaximin who develop recurrent symptoms, AGA suggests retreatment with rifaximin. […] 3. In patients with IBS-D, AGA suggests using alosetron. […] 4. In patients with IBS-D, AGA suggests using loperamide. […] 5. In patients with IBS, AGA suggests using tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). […] 6. In patients with IBS, AGA suggests against using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). […] 7. In patients with IBS, AGA suggests using antispasmodics.
- #2 5 Effective Diarrhea Remedieshttps://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/most-effective-diarrhea-remedies
Hydration is very important when you have diarrhea. Dehydration from diarrhea can be fatal in young children and older adults. Over-the-counter oral pediatric hydration solutions, like Pedialyte, are the recommended fluids of choice for children with diarrhea. Studies have shown that for adults with mild symptoms of diarrhea, sports drinks and over-the-counter rehydration solutions are equally effective. Probiotics can help with diarrhea by restoring the balance of bacteria in your gut. With your doctor’s supervision, several over-the-counter medications can help with acute diarrhea if your symptoms are not severe. Common over-the-counter medications include bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate) and loperamide (Imodium). While these drugs can relieve the symptoms of diarrhea, they don’t treat the underlying cause. If you have chronic diarrhea, you shouldn’t use these drugs without your doctor’s consent. Stick to low-fiber BRAT foods that will help firm up your stool. These include bananas, rice (white), applesauce, and toast. Fried and greasy foods are usually not well-tolerated in people who have diarrhea. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends contacting a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms: diarrhea lasting more than 2 days, fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, frequent vomiting, six or more loose stools in 24 hours, severe pain in your abdomen or rectum, black, tarry, bloody, or pus-filled stools, symptoms of dehydration.
- #2 Diarrhea and Cancer – Side Effects – NCIhttps://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/diarrhea
Tell your doctor or nurse if you are having diarrhea. They can help you find ways to prevent and control this side effect of cancer and cancer treatment. […] Drink lots of clear liquids like water, ginger ale and clear broth. Most people need to drink more liquids when they have diarrhea 8 to 12 glasses a day. […] Avoid things that can make your diarrhea worse, like milk, alcohol, and drinks with caffeine in them. Stay away from raw fruits and vegetables that have a lot of fiber in them and stay away from fried or greasy foods. […] Ask your doctor about other foods you may need to avoid.
- #2 Diarrhea Medication: Antibiotic and antiparasitics agents, Vaccineshttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/928598-medication
Diarrheal diseases have been the object of numerous forms of treatment, both dietetic and pharmacologic, for centuries. However, the evidence is now clear that, in most cases, the best option for treatment of acute-onset diarrhea is the early use of oral rehydration therapy (ORT). Pharmacological treatment is rarely of any use, and antidiarrheal drugs are often harmful. […] Some strains of probiotics (defined as live microorganisms that when ingested in adequate doses, provide a benefit to the host) have been found to be effective as an adjunct when treating children with acute diarrhea. Data from well-conducted randomized controlled trials on efficacy of probiotics in children with diarrhea are definitely positive. They consistently show a statistically significant benefit and moderate clinical benefit of a few, now well-identified probiotic strains (mostly Lactobacillus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii but also Lactobacillus reuteri) in the treatment of acute watery diarrhea (primarily rotaviral) in infants and young children in developed countries.
- #2 Diarrhea Medication: Antibiotic and antiparasitics agents, Vaccineshttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/928598-medication
A position paper jointly published by the ESPGHAN and the European Society for Pediatric Infectious Disease (ESPID) stated, Probiotics may be an effective adjunct to the management of diarrhea. However, because there is no evidence of efficacy for many preparations, we suggest the use of probiotic strains with proven efficacy and in appropriate doses for the management of children with acute gastroenteritis as an adjunct to rehydration therapy.
- #2https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease
Diarrhoea should be treated with oral rehydration solution (ORS), a solution of clean water, sugar and salt. […] In addition, a 1014 day supplemental treatment course of dispersible zinc tablets shortens diarrhoea duration and improves outcomes. […] Key measures to treat diarrhoea include the following. […] Rehydration with oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution. ORS is a mixture of clean water, salt and sugar. It costs a few cents per treatment. ORS is absorbed in the small intestine and replaces the water and electrolytes lost in the faeces. […] Zinc supplements reduce the duration of a diarrhoea episode by 25% and are associated with a 30% reduction in stool volume. […] Rehydration with intravenous fluids in case of severe dehydration or shock. […] Nutrient-rich foods. The vicious circle of malnutrition and diarrhoea can be broken by continuing to give nutrient-rich foods including breast milk during an episode, and by giving a nutritious diet including exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life to children when they are well. […] Consulting a health professional, in particular for management of persistent diarrhoea or when there is blood in stool or if there are signs of dehydration.
- #2 Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatmenthttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea
Diarrhea means having a loose, watery stool during a bowel movement. If it doesnt improve or if youre experiencing other symptoms like a fever or bloody stool, reach out to a provider to get the treatment (and relief) you need. […] Diarrhea is usually mild (only a few bathroom trips a day) and goes away within a few days. […] Your provider may recommend treatments like: Antibiotics or antiparasitics. These drugs kill infection-causing germs. […] Probiotics introduce good bacteria into your gut to combat diarrhea. Your healthcare provider may suggest you try them. […] Usually, you can get rid of diarrhea at home. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for diarrhea, like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate), often help people feel better quickly. […] Call your childs pediatrician if they have severe diarrhea. Treatments for diarrhea in children are different from treatments for adults. Over-the-counter medications may be dangerous. […] Call your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that doesnt improve or go away within a few days. Reach out if you have a fever, severe pain and a bloody stool in addition to diarrhea.
- #2 Diarrhea: Treatments & Remedieshttps://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-diarrhea-treatment
Your doctor will likely perform some tests to diagnose any condition that could be causing the diarrhea. Based on the diagnosis, they will recommend treatment for the condition, which could then help resolve the diarrhea. […] When your child gets diarrhea, it can be unpleasant for both you and them. […] If your child has diarrhea and is dehydrated, the best liquid to give them is known as oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte. […] Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicines generally aren’t advised for infants or children because the risks exceed the benefits. […] Most cases of diarrhea clear up on their own, but you should seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences any of the following: Bloody diarrhea, Your infant refuses to eat or drink for more than a few hours (more than 8 hours in case of a child), Moderate to severe hydration that doesn’t respond to increased fluids, Persistent stomach pain, Severe and repeated vomiting.
- #2 Travelersâ Diarrhea | Yellow Book | CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/preparing-international-travelers/travelers-diarrhea.html
Healthcare professionals should advise on food safety and options for medications to prevent and treat travelers diarrhea. […] Replacement of fluid losses is key to diarrhea therapy and helps the traveler feel better more quickly. […] Antimotility agents provide symptomatic relief and are useful therapy in TD. […] The effectiveness of a particular standby antimicrobial drug for self-treatment depends on the etiologic agent and its antibiotic sensitivity. […] Antibiotics are effective in reducing the duration of diarrhea by approximately 12 days in cases caused by bacterial pathogens susceptible to the antibiotic prescribed. […] The main treatment for TD in children is ORS. […] Consider empiric antibiotic therapy for severe watery diarrhea or evidence of systemic infection.
- #2 Travelers’ diarrhea: Treatment and prevention – UpToDatehttps://www.uptodate.com/contents/travelers-diarrhea-treatment-and-prevention
Travelers’ diarrhea refers to development of unformed stools associated with travel to a region where sanitation and hygienic practices are poor and there is limited access to safe drinking water. It is the most common travel-associated illness; among travelers to such regions, 30 to 70 percent develop diarrhea. […] The treatment and prevention of travelers’ diarrhea are discussed here. […] Most cases of travelers’ diarrhea resolve on their own within three to five days of treatment with oral fluid replacement. Antimotility agents can provide symptomatic relief but should not be used for travelers with diarrhea associated with fever or bloody stools. […] The benefit of antibiotics must be weighed against potential risks, including adverse effects and selection for resistant bacteria. These issues are discussed further below. […] Guidance for self-management â Management of travelers’ diarrhea depends on the severity of illness, which can be categorized based on functional impact according to a scheme outlined by the International Society of Travel Medicine. […] Oral antibiotics for treatment of travelers’ diarrhea.
- #2 Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea: Options for Treatment and Preventionhttps://jhoponline.com/issue-archive/2012-issues/december-2012-vol-3-no-4/15408:chemotherapy-unduced-diarrhea-options
Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) is a predictable yet undertreated side effect of several frequently used chemotherapy agents and can lead to delays in treatment and poor quality of life. […] Medications such as loperamide and diphenoxylate plus atropine are frequently used along with nonpharmacologic measures to treat mild CID. […] To discuss the currently recommended treatment for CID, as well as other potential medications for the treatment and the prevention of CID. […] Through different mechanisms of action, medications such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, glutamine, palifermin, and activated charcoal have been studied for the prevention of CID. […] For patients with treatment-resistant CID, small clinical trials suggest that probiotics or octreotide long-acting release may be an effective alternative.
- #2 Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea: Options for Treatment and Preventionhttps://jhoponline.com/issue-archive/2012-issues/december-2012-vol-3-no-4/15408:chemotherapy-unduced-diarrhea-options
Patients experiencing refractory grade 1 or 2 CID, as well as grade 3 or 4 CID can be treated more aggressively with SC octreotide acetate (100-150 mcg 3 times daily). […] Octreotide is a synthetic somatostatin analogue that regulates intestinal fluid and electrolyte transport. […] The guidelines suggest the initiation of antibiotics for patients who are experiencing diarrhea for more than 24 hours for the prevention of septic complications. […] Budesonide, an oral, topically active synthetic glucocorticoid, provides anti-inflammatory activity within the intestines. […] Glutamine supplementation may aid in protecting the gut mucosa from toxic chemotherapeutic agents. […] Probiotics, nonpathogenic microorganisms such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and bifidobacterium, have been extensively studied in the prevention of diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome and Crohns disease.
- #2 Traveler’s diarrhea – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/travelers-diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352188
Call a doctor if you have diarrhea that is severe, lasts more than a few days or is bloody. If you are traveling, call an embassy or consulate for help locating a doctor. Other signs that you should seek medical attention include: A fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher. Ongoing vomiting. Signs of severe dehydration, including a dry mouth, muscle cramps, decreased urine output, dizziness or fatigue. […] If you have diarrhea and you’ve just returned home from a trip abroad, share that trip information with your doctor when you call to make an appointment.
- #2 Acute Diarrhea in Adults | AAFPhttps://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0700/acute-diarrhea.html
When using antibiotics for travelers diarrhea, adjunct loperamide shortens the duration of symptoms and increases the likelihood of a cure. […] Empiric antibiotics can lessen the duration and severity of symptoms in moderate to severe cases of travelers diarrhea. […] Supportive management begins with replacing water, electrolytes, and nutrients. Oral rehydration is the preferred method for fluid replacement. Severe dehydration associated with shock, sepsis, or altered mental status warrants rehydration with isotonic intravenous fluid. […] Oral rehydration solution has decreased the worldwide mortality of acute diarrhea, particularly in children and older people. […] The antisecretory properties of bismuth subsalicylates and the antimotility properties of loperamide (Imodium) make these two drugs the most useful symptomatic therapies for acute watery diarrhea and can help decrease inappropriate antibiotic use.
- #3 Diarrhea – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352246
Most cases of sudden diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for diarrhea without success, your healthcare professional might recommend medicines or other treatments. […] Antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines might help treat diarrhea caused by certain bacteria or parasites. Most bacterial causes of diarrhea do not need treatment in most people. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won’t help. […] Your healthcare professional likely will advise you to replace the fluids and salts that you lose when you have diarrhea. For most adults, that means drinking water with electrolytes, juice or broth. If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your healthcare professional might give you IV fluids.
- #3 Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea: Options for Treatment and Preventionhttps://jhoponline.com/issue-archive/2012-issues/december-2012-vol-3-no-4/15408:chemotherapy-unduced-diarrhea-options
Patients experiencing refractory grade 1 or 2 CID, as well as grade 3 or 4 CID can be treated more aggressively with SC octreotide acetate (100-150 mcg 3 times daily). […] Octreotide is a synthetic somatostatin analogue that regulates intestinal fluid and electrolyte transport. […] The guidelines suggest the initiation of antibiotics for patients who are experiencing diarrhea for more than 24 hours for the prevention of septic complications. […] Budesonide, an oral, topically active synthetic glucocorticoid, provides anti-inflammatory activity within the intestines. […] Glutamine supplementation may aid in protecting the gut mucosa from toxic chemotherapeutic agents. […] Probiotics, nonpathogenic microorganisms such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and bifidobacterium, have been extensively studied in the prevention of diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome and Crohns disease.