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Digestive Health
Question #12126
45 days ago
72

Loose motion stop - #12126

Kavya

I am feeling really anxious about this whole loose motion thing that started a few days ago. Like, it just hit me outta nowhere, and now I find myself running to the bathroom way too often. I thought it was just something I ate, but it’s been like this for three days and I can’t figure out how to make this loose motion stop. I tried drinking ginger tea and staying hydrated but nothing’s working. Also, I feel super bloated and a bit nauseous on top of it all. Yesterday, I was at work and felt so embarrassed having to excuse myself constantly. Just not a good look you know? I went to the pharmacy, and the guy suggested some over-the-counter stuff, but I’m hesitant. What if this is something more serious, and I just try to make the loose motion stop without knowing what’s really going on? Has anyone experienced this before, and how did you make your loose motion stop? Should I be looking for certain foods to avoid or something? I keep second-guessing myself and feeling lost about it all. Like, am I not eating the right things, or could this be from stress? Would love to get some advice from all of you doc’s out there!

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Doctors’ responses

Loose motions, often referred to as diarrhea, can indeed be distressing and disruptive, especially if they’ve been going on for several days. There are a few steps you can take to manage the situation and potentially identify the cause. First off, considering the duration and additional symptoms like bloating and nausea, it might be wise to monitor if there are any additional signs, like fever, blood in stool, or severe abdominal pain, which could indicate the need for medical attention. If these accompany your symptoms, contacting a healthcare provider would be essential before trying more over-the-counter remedies. Now, in terms of managing the loose motions, ensuring proper hydration is the cornerstone. Keep drinking fluids that include electrolytes; oral rehydration solutions or drinks like coconut water could be helpful. While ginger tea can be soothing, it might not directly address the root cause of diarrhea. You can try introducing bland foods slowly back into your diet, like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet), as they are gentle on the gut and could help firm up stools. Avoid foods that are known to aggravate the gut, such as dairy, fatty foods, high-fiber foods (like salads), caffeine, and carbonated drinks. Stress can exacerbate gut symptoms too, so consider whether any recent stressors could be contributing. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness might also bring some relief. While the pharmacy’s recommendations might be safe, usage of over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications is generally okay for short-term relief, but they can sometimes mask symptoms if an infection is present, so proceed with caution. If there’s no significant improvement soon, or if new symptoms develop, don’t hesitate to seek medical evaluation. Getting a proper diagnosis will help ensure you’re managing the condition effectively and safely. Remember that everyone’s gut can react differently, so what works for one person might not work for another.

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