Diarrhea

Diarrhea is frequent, loose or watery stools that do not contain blood, pus, or are not greasy in character. Usually the cause of diarrhea is viral in nature.

Symptoms

1. Frequent loose or watery stools
2. Mild, crampy abdominal pain before bowel movement
3. Abdominal tenderness
4. Overactive bowel sounds
5. May have low grade fever (99-100 F)

Self-Treatment

1. Imodium AD - liquid or capsules as directed, or
2. Pepto Bismol - 2 tablespoons after each loose stool. Do not exceed 8 doses in one day or take if allergic to aspirin, or
3. Kaopectate DS - 2 tablespoons now and after each loose stool. Not to exceed 6 doses in one day.
4. Do not eat dairy products or citrus fruits or citrus juices in order to rest active bowels.
5. Clear liquid diet, plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration:
   a. First 12 hours: frequent sips of clear liquids (broth, jello, fruit juices, 7-Up)
   b. Next 12 hours: (if diarrhea has stopped), add bananas, applesauce, soda crackers
   c. Thereafter, add food as tolerated; avoid caffeine in the form of colas, coffee, tea, chocolate, etc. Avoid fried, greasy foods.

Health Service Visit Recommended If:

1. No improvement within 48 hours after self-treatment.
2. Temperature above 100.5 F.
3. Blood or pus in stool.
4. Abdominal pain and tenderness persist in same area of abdomen.
5. Diarrhea persists or recurs frequently.

Diarrhea can also be caused by stress, poor diet, a change in water or antibiotic therapy.