stopping loose motion - #19048
I am dealing with this really frustrating issue of stopping loose motion for the past few days. It started after I tried some street food that I thought looked good. I felt fine munching on it, but then, late at night, I got hit with awful cramps and dashed to the bathroom every few minutes. The loose motion has been relentless! I can’t even keep water down, let alone food! I went to the doc and he said it’s probably just a viral thing, but I feel like it’s been forever. Now I’m worried about dehydration. I drank some oral rehydration solution, but what about actually stopping loose motion? I’ve tried ginger tea and some over-the-counter meds, but nothing seems to help honestly. Are there any good home remedies or tips from you guys for stopping loose motion?? Like, what works best? Should I be avoiding certain foods? I'm also unsure whether it's okay to eat bananas or rice right now while I’m battling this? I just wanna feel normal again and get back to my life without constantly worrying about where the nearest bathroom is! Any insights are hugely appreciated!
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Doctors' responses
Stopping loose motion, particularly when you’re also experiencing difficulty keeping water down, can indeed be worrisome, especially when dehydration is a concern. If you’ve already seen a doctor and they’ve suggested it might be viral, it’s key to focus on supportive care to help your body recover. You’ve been doing well by drinking oral rehydration solutions, as these will help replace lost salts and fluids, critical in avoiding dehydration. It’s natural to consider home remedies and dietary choices during such times. Eating bananas, rice, and toast, commonly referred to as the BRAT diet, can be helpful. These foods are bland and binding, making them gentler on your digestive system and potentially helping to firm stools.
Avoiding dairy, fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol during this period is advisable, as they might irritate your stomach further. Likewise, steer clear of raw fruits and vegetables, as they can be hard to digest during an episode of diarrhea. You mentioned trying over-the-counter medications—such as loperamide—though if they haven’t provided relief or you’re uncertain about their use, it might be wise to confirm with a healthcare professional whether continuing makes sense in your situation.
It’s prudent to monitor for symptoms that might suggest more serious conditions. Should you experience high fever, bloody stools, or severe abdominal pain, these are red flags necessitating prompt medical attention. Likewise, if dehydration worsens—look for signs like decreased urination, dark urine, or dizziness—it’s essential to seek emergency care to avoid complications. Keep resting, and continue with small sips of ORS while gradually reintroducing suitable foods as your gut stabilizes. Stay in touch with your healthcare provider for continued guidance, especially if there’s no improvement in the coming days.
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