good medicine for loose motion - #15929
I am having a really tough time dealing with some major loose motion issues. A couple of days ago, I had dinner with some friends, and I think it might’ve been the undercooked chicken or something, but ever since then, I’ve been running to the bathroom like crazy. I’m talking several times an hour! I can't remember the last time I felt this drained too. My stomach is all churning and feels like a rollercoaster, and to top it off, I got this awful cramping that's making things worse. I tried drinking lots of water and some ginger tea, but that didn’t seem to help. I just want to know what is a good medicine for loose motion that can really work! I did some googling and see a mix of stuff out there—like loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate—but is that really the best options? Are there any over-the-counter meds that you guys recommend? I’m kinda wary of taking meds because I don't want to end up with side effects or make things worse. If I take anything, how long does it usually take to kick in? And what about diet—should I stick to just liquids or can I eat something mild? Any advice on a good medicine for loose motion would be super appreciated! I really need to feel better ASAP!
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Doctors' responses
Based on what you’re experiencing, those symptoms are pretty typical of acute diarrhea, often from some kind of gastrointestinal infection or food poisoning, like from undercooked chicken. Loperamide can actually be helpful in this situation. It works by slowing down gut movement and can reduce the frequency of loose stools. It’s generally fast-acting, often giving relief within a couple of hours, but you shouldn’t use it if you suspect a bacterial infection with a fever or blood in your stools, since it may worsen those cases. On the other hand, bismuth subsalicylate, which is also found in common over-the-counter treatments like Pepto-Bismol, can help reduce inflammation in your stomach and intestines and has some mild antibacterial properties. It’s usually well-tolerated if you’re not allergic to aspirin and is unlikely to have bothersome side effects when used appropriately.
In terms of diet, you’ll want to maintain good hydration with oral rehydration salts and clear fluids—water, broth, and diluted fruit juices work well. Stick to plain foods if you eat: think bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, often referred to as the BRAT diet. Avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods till you feel better. If your symptoms persist for more than a couple of days, seem to get better and then worsen, or if you develop signs of dehydration like decreased urination, dizziness, or dark urine, its important to see a healthcare provider promptly. They might recommend further tests or treatments depending on the root cause of the problem. Remember, it’s also best to avoid self-medication with antibiotics unless prescribed, as these are not necessary or helpful for viral causes of diarrhea.
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