best medicine for loose motions - #12796
I am having a really tough time lately with loose motions that just won’t go away. It started about a week ago after I had some street food that didn’t sit right with me. At first, I thought it was just a normal tummy upset, but this has really escalated. I mean, I'm talking like 5 to 6 times a day with that feeling I might explode at any moment. I haven’t really changed my diet other than that, and drinking water has helped keep me from feeling too dehydrated, but it’s hard keep anything down. I’ve tried some over-the-counter meds that were supposed to help but no real luck. I’m kind of frantic here and wondering what is the best medicine for loose motions that doctors would recommend? I even thought about going to a doc, but I’m hoping maybe someone here can point me in the right direction first. Is there a specific type of medicine for loose motions that really works well? Or maybe some home remedy that people found useful? I feel like I’m at my wits end, and just want to get back to normal. Would really appreciate any advice on the best medicine for loose motions I could use.
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Doctors’ responses
When dealing with loose motions, especially when they linger for a week, it’s important to consider what’s causing the symptoms. The street food you ate might have introduced some bacteria or viruses into your system causing this reaction. Typically, for acute diarrhea caused by infection, the focus is on replacing fluids and electrolytes. Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are quite effective in replenishing fluids lost through diarrhea. They can be made at home or purchased over-the-counter. For immediate symptom relief, medications like loperamide can reduce the frequency of stools, but should be used cautiously, especially if there’s any suspicion of an infection causing your symptoms as it can potentially make things worse. If you experience high fever, blood in stools, or severe dehydration, it’s urgent to seek medical attention. These are red-flag symptoms that could indicate something more serious than a standard gastroenteritis. Antibiotics might be necessary if a bacterial infection is confirmed, but these should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. For some cases, probiotics may help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your intestines. Additionally, stick to a plain diet avoiding dairy, spicy, and fatty foods, instead focus on bland, easy-to-digest options like rice, bananas, toast, and applesauce. If your symptoms persist, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Home remedies are largely supportive; the persistent nature of your symptoms warrants careful monitoring, since prolonged diarrhea can lead to significant dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Prioritize staying hydrated with ORS and seek medical advice if you don’t see improvement soon.
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