treatment of loose motion - #13275
I am freaking out a bit because for the past week I've been dealing with this crazy issue of loose motions. I’ve tried to stick to a bland diet like rice and bananas, but honestly, it feels like nothing is working! Last weekend, we went out for dinner, and I think that’s when things went south—maybe it was some sketchy street food? Who knows! I’ve had constant episodes, like maybe 5-6 times a day, and sometimes it feels like I can't even make it to the bathroom in time. My doctor said I should drink more fluids, but I don't know how I can keep up with all the water and electrolytes when the treatment of loose motion feels like it’s dragging on forever. Also, I've read conflicting info online about what to avoid and what to do…and fancy treatments, which are just confusing. Do I really need to consider something more than just the basics for treatment of loose motion, or will it eventually just go away on its own? I’m anxious about getting dehydrated since I feel a bit lightheaded, but do I need to go back to the doc or is there any other home remedy? The treatment of loose motion seems straightforward, but maybe I'm just overthinking? Any thoughts or advice would be super helpful!
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Doctors’ responses
Managing loose motions can be frustrating, especially when it feels like nothing helps. Since this has been ongoing for a week with frequent episodes, it’s essential to take some specific steps. First, focus on staying hydrated as dehydration is a main concern with persistent diarrhea. You might want to try oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or electrolyte drinks which are more effective than plain water; they help replace lost minerals and salts. Also, keeping up the bland diet is wise — foods like boiled potatoes, toast, and applesauce can be gentle on the stomach. Avoid high-fiber, fatty, and spicy foods as they can aggravate symptoms. Probiotics, such as plain yogurt with live cultures, may help restore balance to your gut flora, potentially shortening the duration of symptoms.
However, if you’re feeling lightheaded, that might be a signal of significant fluid loss, so consider reaching out to your doctor again to rule out any serious issues like an infection that might need more than just supportive care. Always watch for warning signs — high fever, bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or persistent vomiting would necessitate more immediate medical attention. Meanwhile, keep an eye on your body’s signals for improvement or any deterioration. It’s important not to rely too heavily on over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications without consulting a healthcare provider, as they can sometimes mask underlying problems. Loose motion treatment mostly revolves around hydration and conservative diet adjustments, and while it’s possible for this to resolve naturally, given your symptoms, ongoing assessment by a healthcare professional might be prudent if things don’t improve soon.
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