What to do when you have loose motion? - #11880
I am trying to figure out what to do when you have loose motion because I've been dealing with this for almost a week now. It started on a Saturday after I tried out this new restaurant that had a weird smell but I thought, "Hey, I can handle it!" Well, I definitely couldn't. First, I just felt a little uneasy, then boom — the next day was a disaster! I had running to the bathroom constantly, like every hour! I thought it might just be a bug or food poisoning, but when the loose motion didn't go away, I began to worry. I tried some over-the-counter meds, but it didn't seem to help much. Even drinking just water is making me feel kinda queasy. I did manage to eat some plain rice and bananas which I heard might help, but still no real relief. My friend told me to hydrate more, but honestly, I’m not drinking like, enough — guess I’m scared it’ll make it worse? What to do when you have loose motion? Any home remedies or advice would be great! Really trying to avoid another trip to the doc, but if I need to go I will. What should I look out for? Are there signs that I shouldn't ignore? Thanks in advance!
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Doctors’ responses
If you’ve been dealing with loose motions for nearly a week, it’s important to balance self-care with knowing when to seek medical attention. It sounds like this started after dining out, so it could be related to foodborne illness, but continuing symptoms warrant attention. Your friend’s advice is correct; hydration is key. Diarrhea causes fluid and electrolyte loss, especially sodium and potassium, which can lead to dehydration. Drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS) if possible, or a mixture of water, a pinch of salt, and some sugar. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and dairy, as they might worsen symptoms. Eating small amounts of bland foods like rice, bananas, and toast can help manage symptoms without irritating your stomach. Over-the-counter medications such as loperamide might help, but they shouldn’t be relied on if symptoms are persistent without checking with a healthcare provider. Importantly, you need to watch for red-flag symptoms. If you experience high fever, blood in your stool, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration like excessive thirst, dry mouth, or dizziness, seek medical attention promptly. Since symptoms have been ongoing, a consultation with a healthcare provider might be necessary to rule out bacterial infections or other issues. Try to reflect on any recent use of antibiotics, history of travelers’ diarrhea, or other infections, as these can be underlying factors. Avoiding a doctor’s visit might not be the best approach if symptoms persist; they can provide tests to identify specific pathogens and prescribe targeted treatment.
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