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what to do when loose motion happens
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Digestive Health
Question #20153
49 days ago
110

what to do when loose motion happens - #20153

Om

I am in a bit of a pickle here and really need advice on what to do when loose motion happens. Just the other day, I had this unexpected bout of loose motion while at work. I thought it was just that takeout I had for lunch, but it got worse. I'm talking about basically running to the restroom every few minutes! Not fun. It started out just a bit of cramping, but then it turned into nonstop trips to the loo. I drank some water, but then I was worried about dehydration since I heard that can happen. I don’t want to miss more work over this, but it’s hard to focus when I keep feeling that urge. I even tried some over-the-counter meds, but they didn’t seem to help much. I’ve been also munching on some toast and crackers, hoping it helps. I heard some folks recommend staying away from dairy, which makes sense, but honestly, I'm not sure what else to do when loose motion happens like that! Should I be worried? Should I see a doctor or just ride it out? It’s really annoying and kind of embarrassing to talk about, but any advice on, you know, what to do when loose motion happens, would be a lifesaver. I just don’t want this to turn into something worse, ya know?

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Doctors' responses

Loose motion, or diarrhea, can indeed be quite bothersome and disruptive, but don’t worry, it’s a common issue and there are several practical steps you can take to manage it. The first thing is to stay hydrated, as frequent loose stools can lead to dehydration. Water, oral rehydration solutions, or a sports drinks with electrolytes are good options. It’s wise to avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can exacerbate dehydration. When it comes to food, stick to bland, simple stuff – such as rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast – which are less likely to irritate your digestive system. It’s also sensible to skip dairy products and fatty, spicy foods until you feel better. Since you’ve already tried some over-the-counter meds without much relief, maybe it’s good to pause and monitor if the diarrhea persists. Sometimes, medications like loperamide can help, but they should be used cautiously, especially if you have a fever or notice blood in your stool, as these could be signs of a more serious infection and require a doctor’s attention. It’s worth mentioning that stress and anxiety might occasionally contribute to gastrointestinal upset, so consider relaxation techniques if that could be a factor. If symptoms persist more than a couple of days, or if you experience severe dehydration signs like dizziness, rapid heart rate, or fainting, seek medical help promptly. In some cases, loose motion can be an indication of underlying conditions – like infections or chronic diseases – which should be evaluated if symptoms don’t improve. While it’s likely a temporary disturbance, taking these steps can help you manage the immediate discomfort and reduce the risk of complications, enabling you to return to your daily life without missing work unnecessarily.

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