Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Can Diarrhea With Persistent Headaches Be Treated?
Question: I don't know to eat, or drink to keep from getting the runs. A little bit of a headache, I just don't feel up to par
Brief Answer:
hold off solids, fluid replacement, probiotics
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Acute (recent onset/start) of diarrhea is usually due to a temporary infection of the stomach and intestines.
It can be viral or bacterial, the viral infection is most common. Symptoms typically last less than a week, though can sometimes extend to 2 weeks.
If it goes on for a long period of time then causes, other than infection may be found.
Treatment for acute/recent onset diarrhea--
(1)since the stomach and intestine are inflamed, they cannot absorb solid food and this needs to be avoided till 4 hours pass with no diarrhea
When you have gone 4 hours with no diarrhea, then you can start taking small amounts of dry solids eg bread, plain rice, biscuits
If the small amounts are tolerated, then more can be used.
(2) Fluids are very important to prevent you from becoming weak and dehydrated. Oral hydration fluids or a very dilute sports drink can be used.
The sports drink would help give back electrolytes but has diluted because of the sugar content.
(3) Probiotics would also help either on their own or in some yogurts
(4) Pepto Bismol may also help stop diarrhea or stomach upset
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
hold off solids, fluid replacement, probiotics
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Acute (recent onset/start) of diarrhea is usually due to a temporary infection of the stomach and intestines.
It can be viral or bacterial, the viral infection is most common. Symptoms typically last less than a week, though can sometimes extend to 2 weeks.
If it goes on for a long period of time then causes, other than infection may be found.
Treatment for acute/recent onset diarrhea--
(1)since the stomach and intestine are inflamed, they cannot absorb solid food and this needs to be avoided till 4 hours pass with no diarrhea
When you have gone 4 hours with no diarrhea, then you can start taking small amounts of dry solids eg bread, plain rice, biscuits
If the small amounts are tolerated, then more can be used.
(2) Fluids are very important to prevent you from becoming weak and dehydrated. Oral hydration fluids or a very dilute sports drink can be used.
The sports drink would help give back electrolytes but has diluted because of the sugar content.
(3) Probiotics would also help either on their own or in some yogurts
(4) Pepto Bismol may also help stop diarrhea or stomach upset
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
