Diarrhea is the frequent passage, generally considered >6 per day, of unformed, watery, sometimes urgent bowel movements. It is a common symptom of the stomach flu or gastroenteritis. You may also experience a crampy pain throughout the abdomen, especially before each stool.

Common causes:

• Viral infections are the most common cause.

• Bacteria or bacterial toxins found in food (food poisoning)

• Medications such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Emotional stress

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Parasites (frequently following foreign travel)

Self care or treatment:

• Antibiotics are rarely helpful and may make things worse as many cause diarrhea as a side effect.

• Over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate may reduce the stool amount and consistancy.

• Drink plenty of clear liquids (gatorade is especially good)

• Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, as they can increase diarrhea

• When clear liquids are well tolerated, progress to constipating foods that spell BRAT.

  • Bananas

  • Rice

  • Applesauce

  • Toast

• Unless recommended by a doctor, DO NOT use medications that slow the peristalsis of the bowel such as Lomotil or Immodium as they may slow elimination of toxins or organisms.

Risks and Dangers:

• The greatest risk is dehydration. You must keep up your fluid intake!

  • When accompanied by vomiting and/or fever, chances of becomming dehydrated are increased.

• Black or bloody diarrhea may signal bleeding from the stomach or intestines. However some medications can also turn the stool black, (especially Pepto-Bismol).

• Cramping or intermittent gas-like pains are common, however steady persistant abdominal pain is not!

When to see a doctor:

• Presence of black or bloody stool.

• Severe abdominal pain.

• Dehydration caused by inability to keep down liquids.

  • decreased urine output or very dark urine.

  • marked thirst

  • dry mouth

  • sunken looking eyes sometimes with dark circles.

  • skin that has lost it's elasticity (to check this pinch up skin on the stomach or the back on the hand using all five fingers. When released it should spring back immediately. Compare to another persons if necessary). When skin remains tented and does not spring back normally, dehydration is indicated.

• Diarrhea lasting longer than 96 hours with prescribed treatment.