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how to get rid of diarrhea
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Digestive Health
Question #16227
4 days ago
14

how to get rid of diarrhea - #16227

Arnav

I am really freaking out because this diarrhea just won't stop! It started like two days ago after I had some questionable street tacos. Ugh. First it was just a little cramping and now it seems like every hour I'm running to the bathroom, and it’s totally ruining my life. I've tried drinking water and some ginger ale to stay hydrated but it feels like nothing works. I mean, I don’t know how to get rid of diarrhea when all this is happening! Is it connected to what I ate or is it something more serious?? I heard about using BRAT diet - you know, bananas, rice, applesauce, toast? But like, can I eat anything else while trying to figure out how to get rid of diarrhea? I'm also taking some over-the-counter stuff, but I’m wondering if that’s even okay. Is it bad if I don't see a doc? Could this just be a mild thing or should I be worried? I mean, it's kinda hard to focus on anything else when you feel this horrible! If anyone has dealt with this before, how did you get rid of diarrhea? Any tips or suggestions would be super helpful because I don’t want this to drag on forever.

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Doctors’ responses

Given that your diarrhea started shortly after eating street tacos, it’s likely a case of foodborne illness, sometimes caused by bacteria or viruses. Usually, mild cases resolve on their own within a few days. Since you’ve been dealing with this for two days, let’s focus on managing your symptoms and keeping you safe. Staying hydrated is vital, but water and ginger ale might not be enough. Consider an oral rehydration solution (ORS), which can be found at pharmacies, to replenish lost electrolytes — this can help prevent dehydration more effectively than just water or sugared drinks. The BRAT diet can indeed be calming to your stomach: include these foods if you tolerate them well, but don’t restrict yourself entirely if you can manage other bland foods like plain crackers or chicken broth without issue. As for over-the-counter medications like loperamide, only use these if you’re sure there’s no blood in your stools and no high fever — these symptoms suggest a more serious infection needing medical attention. Since this has been ongoing, pay attention to any red flag symptoms: persistent high fever, blood or pus in stools, severe pain, or signs of dehydration like extreme thirst or reduced urination. If you have any, seek medical help promptly. If your symptoms persist for more than a couple more days without improvement, it would be wise to get professional evaluation, because certain bacterial infections or other causes might require specific treatments. Be mindful about hygiene, especially after using the bathroom, to avoid spreading any potential infection to others. If symptoms suddenly worsen or new concerning signs appear, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare provider immediately. Balancing this with rest and taking things easy can promote your body’s recovery.

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