How long should you let diarrhea run its course?

If your diarrhea does not stop in 3 to 5 days, or if you become dehydrated, call your doctor.
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How long is too long for diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.
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When should I let diarrhea run its course?

Likewise, diarrhea from viral gastritis is your body's way of removing the virus from the body. In general, these illnesses should be allowed to run their course for a day or more. Diarrhea that lasts more than 48 hours or is accompanied by signs of dehydration should be treated.
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Should I take Imodium or just let it run its course?

Although acute diarrhea generally resolves on its own, treating with IMODIUM® products relieves symptoms more quickly than letting diarrhea run its natural course. Speak to your physician if you have any questions or concerns.
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How long should you self treat diarrhea?

Treating diarrhoea

Diarrhoea will usually clear up without treatment after a few days, particularly if it's caused by an infection. In children, diarrhoea will usually pass within 5 to 7 days and will rarely last longer than 2 weeks.
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Should you let diarrhea run its course?



How can I speed up diarrhea recovery?

One tried-and-true diet for diarrhea is the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Low in fiber, bland, and starchy, these foods can help replace lost nutrients and firm up your stools.
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Is it better to stop diarrhea or let it go?

Summary. If you suffer from acute diarrhea, it's best to treat it straight away. By treating diarrhea, your body can start to recover so you can feel better and get on with your day as quickly as possible.
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What is the best thing to stop diarrhea?

Drink plenty of liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.
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What causes diarrhea like water?

Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. It can be serious if it causes dehydration. Keep an eye out for blood in the stool, and be sure to drink water and fluids with electrolytes. Ezekiel Richardson, MD.
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What are the 4 types of diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be classified into four types:
  • Osmotic diarrhea. Water absorption in the intestines depends on the proper absorption of solutes, which is hindered if there are too many solutes in the intestinal lumen, which leads to diarrhea. ...
  • Secretory diarrhea. ...
  • Inflammatory or infectious diarrhea. ...
  • Motility-related diarrhea.
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Why do I have diarrhea but not sick?

Why Do I Have Diarrhea When I'm Not Sick?: Causes of diarrhea that are not due to acute illness include eating certain foods, food allergies and intolerances, some medications, caffeine intake, laxative use, alcohol use, digestive problems and diseases (celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], Crohn's disease, ...
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Should I eat if I have diarrhea?

Water is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, soup, and sports drinks.
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Is 3 days too long to have diarrhea?

Most cases of diarrhea are nothing more than a brief inconvenience. But sometimes, they warn of a serious condition. Talk with your doctor if your child has diarrhea for more than 24 hours. If you have it for more than 3 days, make an appointment.
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What does liquid poop mean?

Diarrhea Causes

Usually, diarrhea happens because of a virus that gets into your gut. Some people call it "intestinal flu" or "stomach flu." Other causes include: Allergies to certain foods. Diseases of the intestines (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
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What should I drink when I have diarrhea?

The most important treatment for diarrhea is to drink fluids that contain water, salt, and sugar, such as oral rehydration solution (ORS). Sports drinks (eg, Gatorade) may be acceptable if you are not dehydrated and are otherwise healthy.
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What does yellow liquid diarrhea mean?

Yellow diarrhea can mean several things. It could be caused by a problem with one of your digestive organs, including your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. It could also be caused by a germ, like a bacteria or virus, or a parasite.
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Is Pepto-Bismol good for diarrhea?

Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can treat diarrhea and relieve other symptoms, like heartburn, indigestion, and nausea.
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Is peanut butter good for diarrhea?

Eat BRAT diet foods

Liquids: cranberry, apple and grape juice, tea (without caffeine), water. Snacks: canned peaches, pears, sweet potatoes, crackers, cream of wheat, eggs, gelatin, oatmeal, creamy peanut butter.
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Can Coke stop diarrhea?

When someone has an upset stomach or bowel issues, they may turn to Coke for a diarrhea cure. But experts indicate that caffeinated sodas, which include Coke, and diarrhea don't go well together. The caffeine in Coke may make your diarrhea worse.
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How do you quench diarrhea?

Two types of meds relieve diarrhea in different ways:
  1. Loperamide (Imodium) slows the movement of food through your intestines, which lets your body absorb more liquid.
  2. Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) balances out how fluid moves through your digestive tract.
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Should you hold in diarrhea?

More Dangerous Side Effects from Poop Withholding

Impaction also means you run the risk of perforating the gastrointestinal tract, known as gastrointestinal perforation. Because of the risk of fecal bacteria getting into the GI tract, this can be very dangerous and also requires immediate medical intervention.
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What are the best foods for diarrhea recovery?

The BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—and other bland, low-fat foods may be ideal when you have diarrhea. As you start to feel better, you will want to add other foods back in slowly. The goal is to ensure you get enough nutrients, without further aggravating your digestive tract.
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