AskDocDoc
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Pediatric Medicine
Question #14421
8 days ago
33

drink for diarrhea - #14421

Kavya

I am really worried because my little brother has been dealing with some serious diarrhea for the past two days. It started after he ate something from that new taco place, and now he can’t seem to keep any food down at all. He looks pale and kind of lethargic, which is super concerning. We’ve been giving him water, but he says he is still feeling dehydrated. I’ve heard that some drink for diarrhea can really help, but I don’t know what to give him. I looked up electrolyte drinks, but there are like a million options! Some people say just plain water or even broth could be good too, but then I read that those might not have enough electrolytes. What kind of drink for diarrhea does he really need? Should I be making some kind of homemade drink or just buy something from the store? I’m scared of him getting worse, and I can't stand seeing him feel this way. Is there a specific drink for diarrhea I should be looking for, like something with more electrolytes or sugar? Any advice would help!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

For managing diarrhea, especially when it leads to dehydration, rehydration with the appropriate fluids is crucial. Based on the symptoms you’ve described, it would be a good idea to ensure your brother gets enough electrolytes and fluids to rehydrate effectively. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are typically the best choice here. These are scientifically formulated to provide the right balance of salts, sugars, and water to help quickly address dehydration. You can find commercially prepared ORS products in pharmacies. They come in powder form to be mixed with water or as ready-to-drink solutions. In terms of homemade options, you could make a simple solution by thoroughly dissolving six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in a liter of clean water. This mimics the composition of store-bought ORS somewhat closely. Broth or soup can be a useful supplement since they contain some electrolytes, but they’re not sufficient alone for rehydration during significant diarrhea. Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and dairy products, as these can sometimes worsen diarrhea. While it’s essential to get the fluids in, you should also keep an eye on any worsening symptoms like increased lethargy, inability to drink, or if the diarrhea becomes very bloody. These are red flags, and if they occur, it’s time to seek medical attention promptly. Keeping him well hydrated is a good start, but if things don’t improve, a healthcare professional’s evaluation may be necessary to ensure there’s no underlying issue that needs addressing.

5014 answered questions
68% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions