Diarrhoea is when you have loose or watery stools more than three times a day or more often than usual. Many things, such as infections, food poisoning, medicines, or diseases, can cause it. Diarrhoea can make you lose water and minerals from your body, which can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. It usually goes away on its own in a few days, but if it lasts longer or you have other symptoms, try the following treatment options.
Treatment of diarrhoea
Diarrhoea treatment is easy. Here is how.
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Oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
Diarrhoea leads to fluid and electrolyte loss. If you don’t replenish the lost fluid, you can become dehydrated, which can further lead to low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and even death.
Most people prefer drinking water to deal with this. But water alone is not enough. The reason is it does not contain potassium, sodium, and chloride. That is why you need to drink oral rehydration solutions (ORS), a mixture of water, salt, and sugar that helps the fluids and electrolytes restoration.
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria. Some of them are beneficial, and some are harmful. When you have diarrhoea, the harmful bacteria can outnumber the good bacteria. This causes inflammation and irritation in your intestines, worsening your symptoms and prolonging your recovery.
Probiotics can help by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and enhancing the function of the good ones.
You can get probiotics from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Besides these, some natural ways to get probiotics include kefir, yoghurt, and other fermented products.
Zinc can also help by repairing the damage caused by diarrhoea to your intestinal lining, which is the barrier that protects your gut from harmful substances and bacteria. Zinc can also help regulate the secretion of fluids and electrolytes in your intestines, which can help prevent dehydration and restore regular bowel movements.
You can get zinc from meat, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, whole grains or supplements such as lozenges, syrups, or tablets.
When your stomach is upset, give it a break. Stick to easy-to-digest foods. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (you can remember them as the BRAT diet) are good choices. Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavy foods that might upset your stomach more.
Wash your hands often – it is a simple but powerful defence against spreading germs. You may also use hand sanitisers that contain at least 60% alcohol. Also, make sure to disinfect surfaces like doorknobs and bathroom handles.
Conclusion
While most cases of diarrhoea resolve on their own, it is important to keep an eye out for warning signs like severe dehydration, high fever, or bloody stools. If you notice any of these, it is time to call your doctor. It is good to have a comprehensive health insurance policy to deal with medical bills associated with diarrhoea that can arise anytime.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.