stomach ache and loose motion medicine - #14920
I am really struggling with this awful stomach ache and loose motion. It started a few days ago when I ate some street food that I thought looked okay but now I’m not sure. I had a blast eating it but pretty fast after that, I got this terrible stomach ache and then it turned into loose motion, like out of nowhere! It’s been nonstop. I went to the pharmacy and they gave me some over-the-counter stuff, but I still feel like I’m missing something. I mean, how do I know what’s the best stomach ache and loose motion medicine? Is there something more effective than just what I got? I tried ginger tea and it helps a little, but I'm worried because I’m not really eating much, and this just doest seem to let up. Have any of you experienced this too and what do you think is actually the best approach? Should I try something different or stick with what I have? I really hope this doesn’t turn into something worse. My tummy feels like a rollercoaster, and I just want it to be normal again. What should I do? Any advice would be great!
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Doctors’ responses
For stomach ache accompanied by loose motions, especially following a meal of potentially unsafe street food, you may be dealing with a mild case of food poisoning or infectious gastroenteritis. This usually resolves within a few days but here’s a focused approach. First, it’s crucial to stay hydrated, since loose motions can quickly deplete your fluid levels, leading to dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are particularly useful here, as they replenish not only water but essential electrolytes. You can find these at any pharmacy or make a simple version at home by mixing water, salt, and sugar. If you haven’t already tried a probiotic supplement, it might be worthwhile. Probiotics can help rebalance your gut flora and are often used to manage diarrhea. They should be readily available over-the-counter. Continue with ginger tea as it can help soothe your stomach, but avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they may irritate your gut further. As for medication, if your symptoms are severe or non-improving, loperamide is sometimes used for diarrhea control but use it cautiously, primarily if you think it’s bacterial-related, since it could worsen certain infections. Generally, it is better to let the natural process clear out the toxins unless the diarrhea is very bothersome or you’re heading into dehydration territory. It’s advisable to stick to a bland diet temporarily; think of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast as simple and gentle on the stomach. If you’re experiencing constant pain, fever, blood in stool, or if the condition doesn’t improve in a couple of days, these may be signs of something more severe, and you should seek medical attention promptly. Always consider seeing a doctor if you’re concerned about worsening symptoms. Continue monitoring how you feel and make adjustments as needed, but always keep an eye on those red-flag signs.
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