medicine to get loose motion - #14653
I am kinda freaking out a bit. Last night, I had this really bad stomach ache, and then boom, I was running to the bathroom every few minutes! My friend said it sounded like I needed some medicine to get loose motion, but is that even a thing? I probably ate something weird or maybe it was the street food from that truck. Ugh. The cramps were just awful, and now today I’m still dealing with this super urgent need to go. Like, I can’t even leave the house. I tried drinking some electrolytes but it didn’t help with the whole medicine to get loose motion thing you know? I'm also worried it might be something more serious since I also feel kinda nauseous and tired. Is there a go-to medicine to get loose motion that you guys recommend or is this more about what I should be eating or avoiding completely? I don’t wanna take just anything that might make it worse. Also, is it okay to have some soup? Like, am I even supposed to eat while dealing with this? Hope someone has some advice because I’m really not sure anymore!
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Doctors’ responses
For addressing your symptoms, it sounds like you’re experiencing diarrhea, possibly due to some kind of food upset like street food, which is common. The key is to approach treatment thoughtfully. In general, you could consider an over-the-counter medication like loperamide to help reduce the frequency of bowel movements. However, it’s crucial to avoid these if there’s blood in your stool or you’re experiencing severe abdominal pain because these might be signs of something more serious that should be seen by a doctor. It’s important to stay well-hydrated, too, especially since you mentioned you’re drinking electrolytes. This is great to prevent dehydration, which can happen quickly with diarrhea.
For diet, generally, stick to a bland diet like the BRAT diet - bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, since they’re gentle on the stomach and can help firm up stools. Sipping on clear broths or plain soup is usually fine too and can be soothing. Avoid dairy, fatty, or spicy foods until you’re feeling better, as they can aggravate your digestive track further. Rest is also essential; give your body time to recover. On another note, if your symptoms don’t start to improve within a couple of days, or if you notice severe symptoms like high fever or persistent vomiting, make sure to see a healthcare provider. These could be signs of a bacterial infection or other condition that requires a different approach or a prescription medication. Watch for dehydration signs, like reduced urination or extreme thirst. If you’d experienced exposure to known contaminants or recently traveled, informing your doctor would be critical for a more accurate diagnosis.
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