Self-Care Pocket Guide • Stomach Upsets and Other Gastroestinal Problems
Diarrhea

Overview

Diarrhea has several common causes including eating contaminated foods, water or other beverages; viral infections (the "stomach flu"); lactose (dairy product) intolerance; food allergies; and intestinal parasites. Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, can cause diarrhea. It can also be caused by seemingly unrelated things like menstrual cramps, overuse of alcohol, stress, or panic attacks.

Diarrhea can affect the absorption and, therefore, the effectiveness of oral medications. If you have significant diarrhea and take birth control pills, use a backup birth control method, like condoms, until you start your next period. However, keep taking your pills on schedule. Contact your healthcare provider about possible effects of diarrhea on other medications you're taking.

This advice deals only with diarrhea lasting 2 weeks or less and that is not occurring in conjunction with, or as a result of, another medical problem.

Signs and Symptoms

• Frequent loose or watery bowel movements
• Cramping or abdominal pain
• Fever and/or chills

Self-Care Measures

• Drink 4 to 8 ounces of clear liquid every hour. Drink mostly water, but also drink non-caffeinated drinks like sports drinks, broth/bouillon, flat sodas or ginger ale, weak teas, or diluted juices.
• If you wish, you may take an OTC anti-diarrheal medication.
• Unless a healthcare provider tells you to do so, don't take an antidiarrheal medication if you have a fever, severe abdominal pain, or blood or mucous in your stool.
   
  Choose: soft, starchy foods; lean meats; cooked vegetables; non milk-based soups; fruits high in potassium such as bananas and avocados; and yogurt (especially with lactobacillus acidophilus).
   
  Avoid: alcohol; caffeinated foods or beverages; OTC drugs with ibuprofen or aspirin; spicy, acidic or fried food; milk products (except for yogurt); raw vegetables and fruits (other than those listed above); bran; nuts; and gas-producing foods.

Red Flags

CALL THE UHS 24-HOUR NURSE ADVICE LINE 475-NURS (475-6877) IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:

• Fever of 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher.
• Signs of significant dehydration such as dizziness (especially when you stand up), dry mouth, decreased urination and/or dark yellow urine, and weakness.
• Diarrhea following recent travel outside of the U.S., especially to a developing country.
• Blood and/or mucous in your stool.
• Diarrhea that lasts longer than 72 hours without decreasing in frequency.
• Severe abdominal pain that doesn't improve after a bowel movement.

CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO A LOCAL EMERGENCY ROOM IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:

• Abdominal swelling or distention with a fever.
• Passing large or repeated amounts of bloody, black or tarry-looking stool.
• Severe dizziness, fainting, severe breathing problems, severe weakness or stupor.