How to recover from loose motion? - #12229
I am dealing with a bit of a mess right now and need some advice on how to recover from loose motion. It started a few days ago after I had some street food, which I know I shouldn’t have had but hey, it was delicious. Anyway, I was fine at first, but then outta nowhere, my stomach started rumbling like crazy and I felt this urgent need to use the bathroom a lot. I thought it might just be a one-off thing but now it’s been more than 48 hours. I’ve been drinking lots of fluids but still keep running to the loo. I’m seriously worried about how to recover from loose motion because it feels never-ending! I’ve lost a couple of pounds and my energy is just through the floor. Is there anything specific I should be eating or avoiding? I read somewhere that bananas can help but then others say not to eat too much fruit. Could you guys share what worked for you on how to recover from loose motion? Maybe there are some home remedies or stuff I should be doing? Also, should I consider seeing a doctor or just let this run its course since it seems like everyone deals with this at some point? Thanks in advance, I just wanna feel normal again!
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Doctors’ responses
Loose motion often occurs after consuming contaminated food or drink, like street food, leading to gastroenteritis or an upset stomach. The primary focus should be on staying hydrated to avoid dehydration, especially if this has been persisting for more than 48 hours. You’re already on the right track by drinking fluids. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are ideal since they replenish both the water and essential electrolytes lost during frequent bathroom visits. Alternatively, clear soups, broths, or diluted fruit juices can also help. As for your diet, the BRAT diet which consists of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, can be gentle on your stomach and help firm up stools. Bananas are particularly useful because they contain potassium that helps replace essential electrolytes. Avoid dairy, caffeine, and fatty or spicy foods as they can aggravate your digestive tract. Additionally, steer clear of high-fiber foods during this phase as they might increase stool output.
If there’s no improvement after 48 hours of self-care or if you’re experiencing severe symptoms like high fever, blood in stool, or significant dehydration (dry mouth, deep yellow urine, dizziness), see a doctor promptly. They may need to rule out infections that require specific treatment. Antibiotics are generally not indicated for common viral causes but might be necessary for bacterial infections. Similarly, over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide can provide temporary relief but should be used sparingly and avoided if an infection is suspected. Remember that listening to your body is crucial; rest is important during recovery. If you’re feeling particularly drained or losing weight rapidly, professional medical advice should be sought to tailor further care to your specific condition.
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