HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Remedies For Diarrhea

default
Posted on Tue, 14 Jun 2016
Question: My husband has had diahrea for about 4-5 days. He is losing weight. No pain or cramping. He was taking metamucil but stopped when he started with this problem. I've finally convinced him that fiber is important right now. He has an upcoming appointment with his primary car physician this coming week. In the meantime is there something we can do to help with this problem, etc., foods to eat or to avoid. He has been eating but think he may be losing most of it. He is on a number of heart, colesterol, and blood pressure meds. Will he lose the important meds due to the rapid loss of nutrients caused by the diahrea?

Sorry for your time. I didn't realize there would be a fee.......my lack of knowing nothing is free.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
hold off solid food, fluid/electrolyte replacement, probiotics

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic


The most common cause of acute diarrhea is infection, usually viral infection though parasitic and bacterial infection can also occur.
The infection is usually self limiting and lasts less than a week in most cases, the weight normally returns to normal with one to three weeks after it ceased.


During this time, the intestines are not able to absorb food and the use of solid foods may actually slow down the healing process.

Treatment: (a) withhold all solid food till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms

When this time has passed with no diarrhea, then he can start small amounts of dry foods, increase only if this is tolerated

(b)use fluids to replace what he is losing via the diarrhea. It would be best to use an oral rehydration production/sport drink to get back both fluids and electrolytes

(C)probiotics- these help to repair the bowel and shorten the course of the diarrhea

Can be used on their own or he can use yogurts with probiotics

(d)medications such as peptobismol or lomotil help with diarrhea

I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Remedies For Diarrhea

Brief Answer: hold off solid food, fluid/electrolyte replacement, probiotics Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The most common cause of acute diarrhea is infection, usually viral infection though parasitic and bacterial infection can also occur. The infection is usually self limiting and lasts less than a week in most cases, the weight normally returns to normal with one to three weeks after it ceased. During this time, the intestines are not able to absorb food and the use of solid foods may actually slow down the healing process. Treatment: (a) withhold all solid food till there is a 4 hour window with no symptoms When this time has passed with no diarrhea, then he can start small amounts of dry foods, increase only if this is tolerated (b)use fluids to replace what he is losing via the diarrhea. It would be best to use an oral rehydration production/sport drink to get back both fluids and electrolytes (C)probiotics- these help to repair the bowel and shorten the course of the diarrhea Can be used on their own or he can use yogurts with probiotics (d)medications such as peptobismol or lomotil help with diarrhea I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions