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Diarrhea
Overview
Diarrhea has
several common causes including eating contaminated foods, water
or other beverages; viral infections (the “stomach flu”);
lactose (dairy product) intolerance; food allergies; and
intestinal parasites. Some medications, such as certain
antibiotics, can cause diarrhea. It can also be caused by
seemingly unrelated things like menstrual cramps, overuse of
alcohol, stress, or panic attacks.
Diarrhea can
affect the absorption and, therefore, the effectiveness of oral
medications. If you have significant diarrhea and take birth
control pills, use a backup birth control method, like condoms,
until you start your next period. However, keep taking your
pills on schedule. Contact your healthcare provider about
possible effects of diarrhea on other medications you’re taking.
This advice deals
only with diarrhea lasting 2 weeks or less and that is not
occurring in conjunction with, or as a result of, another
medical problem.
Signs and Symptoms
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Frequent loose or watery bowel movements
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Cramping or abdominal pain
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Fever and/or chills
Self-Care Measures
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Drink 4 to 8 ounces of clear liquid every hour. Drink mostly
water, but also drink non-caffeinated drinks like sports
drinks, broth/bouillon, flat sodas or ginger ale, weak teas,
or diluted juices.
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If
you wish, you may take an OTC anti-diarrheal medication.
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Unless a healthcare provider tells you to do so, don’t take
an antidiarrheal medication if you have a fever, severe
abdominal pain, or blood or mucous in your stool.
Choose: soft, starchy foods;
lean meats; cooked vegetables; non milk-based soups; fruits
high in potassium such as bananas and avocados; and yogurt
(especially with lactobacillus acidophilus).
Avoid: alcohol; caffeinated
foods or beverages; OTC drugs with ibuprofen or aspirin;
spicy, acidic or fried food; milk products (except for
yogurt); raw vegetables and fruits (other than those listed
above); bran; nuts; and gas-producing foods.
Red Flags
Check in with the
nurse if there is..
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Fever of 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher.
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Signs of significant dehydration such as dizziness
(especially when you stand up), dry mouth, decreased
urination and/or dark yellow urine, and weakness.
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Diarrhea following recent travel outside of the U.S.,
especially to a developing country.
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Blood and/or mucous in your stool.
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Diarrhea that lasts longer than 72 hours without decreasing
in frequency.
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Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t improve after a bowel
movement.
CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO A LOCAL EMERGENCY ROOM IF ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING OCCURS:
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Abdominal swelling or distention with a fever.
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Passing large or repeated amounts of bloody, black or
tarry-looking stool.
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Severe dizziness, fainting, severe breathing problems,
severe weakness or stupor.
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