Usually diarrhea is not dangerous and you do not need to see a doctor. Often, a simple treatment by home remedies or adjusting your diet is enough for diarrhea. Nevertheless, serious problems with diarrhea also exist.
When you should go to the doctor with diarrhea
In the following cases, a visit to the doctor is inevitable:
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If the diarrhea is very severe or lasts longer than a week.
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if you have blood, mucus or pus in your stool
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if you have other symptoms besides diarrhea, such as high fever, joint pain or a general feeling of illness
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if signs of incipient dehydration (desiccosis) occur, for example, you have a dry mouth and little or dark urine. If you feel light-headed or black eyes, your circulation is also affected – a sign that your body lacks water and you should urgently add fluids
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If you have made a long-distance trip just before
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if small children or elderly people are affected
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if you can not compensate for the loss of fluid, for example, because of too much nausea through drinking
The treatment of diarrhea has several objectives: The fluid and electrolyte loss must be compensated, if possible, the cause of diarrhea should be eliminated, in addition, you can support the damaged intestinal flora in its construction.
Supply fluid and electrolytes
The biggest problem with diarrhea is the increased loss of water and electrolytes, or salts. So drink plenty, preferably two to three liters daily. Suitable drinks include teas (the tannins contained in black tea also soothe inflamed intestinal mucosa) with sugar, lemonade or cola. You have diarrhea because you are stressed or anxious? Drink a calming tea prepared from equal parts chamomile and calendula flowers and raspberry leaves. Special electrolyte solutions are available in pharmacies; you can also mix such a drink yourself from five teaspoons of dextrose and half a teaspoon of salt to half a liter of water. If you have an appetite, nibble on some saltines. Mucilage soups also provide fluidity, are easy to digest and do not put additional strain on the intestinal mucosa. For this, boil oatmeal, rice or semolina with a little water and then dilute the mixture until it has soup consistency.
Medication for diarrhea
Loperamide inhibits intestinal muscle activity, stopping diarrhea immediately. However, this also inhibits the elimination of toxins or pathogens. Therefore, you should not take this remedy for more than two days. If there is no improvement, please consult a doctor. Other medications, such as Perenterol, contain yeast that inhibits the growth of harmful germs in the intestines and helps rebuild the natural intestinal flora. Adsorbents work physically: they bind dissolved substances such as toxins to themselves and thus combat the cause of the diarrhea. These agents include activated charcoal, kaolin, and silicon dioxide. Other preparations contain tanning agents. These seal and soothe the inflamed intestinal mucosa. Tannins are also found in black tea and many plants. Antibiotics should only be used if the bacterial pathogens causing the diarrhea are known. This is the only way to protect the intestinal flora, which is already under attack. In most cases, the use of antibiotics is not necessary. Butylscopolamine can help with abdominal cramps. However, you should not take this agent for more than a few days without a doctor’s order.
Diarrhea: relief with plants
Uzara root, which inhibits intestinal movements and soothes the intestinal lining, comes from Africa. Other herbal remedies are tormentil, oak bark or dried blueberries, they inhibit secretion, contain tannins and have an astringent effect. Psyllium and pectins from raw apples (it is best to grate the apple finely) contain swelling agents that bind toxins and fluid. Preparations with these active ingredients are available at the pharmacy of your choice.
Diarrhea treatment with acupressure
Acupressure can also help with diarrhea. To do this, locate the point called “Spleen 4″ (called Gong sun or Grandson of the Prince) on the inside edge of your foot. It is located approximately in the middle of the inner edge, where the skin changes color.Press as hard as you can stand for about one to two minutes, and repeat after half an hour if needed.
Prevent rather than treat
Many troublesome diarrheal illnesses can be easily prevented. The best way to combat traveler’s diarrhea is to “cook it, peel it or leave it” (cook foods, peel them or don’t eat them). Especially when traveling to warm countries, pay attention to where your drinking water comes from: drink either boiled or originally packaged bottled water (also use it for brushing your teeth). Other sources of danger may include ice cubes, raw or undercooked foods (especially seafood, fish, eggs, meat, and poultry), and sauces or salads. If vomiting diarrhea is currently “raging” in your family, you may be able to avoid infection by adhering to strict hygiene measures, such as washing your hands with a virus-active antiseptic. As a matter of principle, make sure you eat a balanced diet rich in fiber so that your intestinal flora is always in top shape.
