Browse Medications by Everyday Health Concerns: Diarrhea
Written by Amar Lunagaria
Pharm.D • NiHowdy Founder
Reviewed by James Wong
Pharm.D • NiHowdy Founder
Updated Jan 27, 2025
•Published Jan 15, 2025
Fact checkedWhat is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a condition where you have frequent, loose, or watery stools. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, food intolerances, or stress. Understanding what causes diarrhea can help you take action to manage it effectively.
Symptoms of Diarrhea
Diarrhea often comes with the following symptoms:
- Frequent, watery stools
- Abdominal cramping or discomfort
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, excessive thirst)
What causes Diarrhea?
Diarrhea can be caused by many factors, including:
- Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections
- Food intolerances or allergies
- Medications (antibiotics, laxatives)
- Digestive disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease)
- Stress or anxiety
Risk factors for Diarrhea
You may be at a higher risk of diarrhea if you:
- Have a weakened immune system
- Are traveling to areas with contaminated food or water
- Have food allergies or intolerances
- Are taking certain medications, especially antibiotics
- Experience high levels of stress or anxiety
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How is Diarrhea diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Medical history review (diet, medication use, travel history)
- Physical examination (signs of dehydration or abdominal discomfort)
- Stool tests (to check for infections or parasites)
- Blood tests (to check for dehydration or infection)
- Imaging tests (in some cases, if an underlying condition is suspected)
How is Diarrhea treated?
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Hydration (oral rehydration solutions or clear fluids)
- Medications (anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide, or antibiotics if infection is the cause)
- Dietary changes (eating bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast)
- Probiotics to restore gut health
- Stress management techniques (relaxation, therapy)
Medications for Diarrhea
Common medications to treat diarrhea include:
- Anti-diarrheal medications (e.g., loperamide, bismuth subsalicylate)
- Antibiotics (if bacterial infection is the cause)
Can Diarrhea be prevented?
Diarrhea can often be prevented by:
- Practicing good hygiene (washing hands regularly)
- Avoiding contaminated food and water, especially when traveling
- Managing stress
- Following a healthy diet and avoiding foods that may trigger symptoms
- Taking medications as prescribed
Managing Diarrhea at home
- Stay hydrated with water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths
- Eat bland foods like bananas, rice, and toast
- Rest and avoid fatty, spicy, or dairy foods that may irritate your stomach
- Monitor symptoms and seek help if they worsen
When should you seek help for Diarrhea?
Seek medical help if:
- Diarrhea lasts more than 2 days or is severe
- You have symptoms of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine)
- You experience bloody stools or severe abdominal pain
- You have a high fever or vomiting along with diarrhea
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How NiHowdy helps with Diarrhea
NiHowdy offers savings on anti-diarrheal medications and treatments, making it easier to manage diarrhea while earning Bitcoin rebates.
Success stories with Diarrhea
Ariel had been struggling with frequent diarrhea due to an infection. After using NiHowdy to save on her medication, she was able to stick with her treatment plan and manage her symptoms effectively. The savings made it easier for her to focus on her recovery without worrying about costs.
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