Diarrhea

Treatment Options

In most cases of diarrhea, replacing lost fluid to prevent dehydration is the only treatment necessary.

Medicines that stop diarrhea may be helpful, but they are unlikely to resolve the problem if your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection or parasite. In these cases, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics. If a viral infection is the cause of your diarrhea, you may or may not be treated with medication depending on the severity of the infection and type of virus.

Fluid and electrolytes that help our bodies function are lost when we have diarrhea. These need to be replaced quickly, especially with children. Water does not contain electrolytes. Broth and soups that contain sodium, and fruit juices, soft fruits, or vegetables that contain potassium, help restore electrolyte levels. Over-the-counter rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Ceralyte, and Infalyte are also good electrolyte sources.