Home Remedies for Running Stomach (Diarrhoea) The Best Medications for Running Stomach (Diarrhoea) If you’re dealing with diarrhoea, also known as running stomach, it can be uncomfortable and distressing.
Luckily, there are a variety of home remedies and medications available to treat the symptoms of diarrhoea.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best home remedies and medications for treating running stomach (diarrhoea).
We’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment option and help you decide which one is right for you.
Table of Contents
What is a running stomach?
It is a common digestive condition in which loose, watery stools occur more than three times a day. It is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, or when certain viruses or parasites invade the body and disrupt digestion.
The running stomach can range from mild to severe and can last for several days. It is usually self-limiting and will usually resolve on its own within a few days.
However, it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition, so it’s important to seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Causes of Running Stomach
A variety of factors can cause it. Some of the most common causes include:
- Viral infections
Viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus can cause acute diarrhoea. These viruses are usually spread through contaminated food or water, close contact with an infected person, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Bacterial infections
Bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) can also cause diarrhoea.
Bacteria are commonly spread through contaminated food or water, from contact with animals, or from contact with another person.
- Parasitic infections
Parasites like Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium can cause diarrhoea when ingested. These parasites can be spread through contaminated food or water, contact with animals, or contact with an infected person.
- Allergies
Food allergies or sensitivities can cause diarrhoea. Common allergens that can cause symptoms include dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs.
- Medications
Some medications such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and chemotherapy drugs can also cause diarrhoea as a side effect.
- Stress
Stress can sometimes lead to diarrhoea due to the increased production of hormones such as cortisol, which can cause gastrointestinal distress.
- Other medical conditions
Certain medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease can cause chronic diarrhoea.
Symptoms of Running Stomach
Running stomach, also known as diarrhoea, is an uncomfortable and inconvenient gastrointestinal problem. It is characterized by frequent watery bowel movements and may be accompanied by abdominal cramps, bloating, and nausea.
Common symptoms of running stomach include:
• Abdominal pain or cramping: Running stomach can cause sharp, stabbing abdominal pains that may come in waves.
• Bloating: Running stomach can cause a feeling of fullness in the abdomen due to increased gas.
• Nausea and vomiting: Many people experience nausea or vomiting when they have a running stomach.
• Diarrhoea: This is the most common symptom of a running stomach and is characterized by frequent, loose, watery stools.
• Fever: Some people may experience a fever or chills along with a running stomach.
• Dehydration: This can occur if you’re not able to keep fluids down due to vomiting or diarrhoea. Dehydration can cause dry mouth, thirst, dizziness, dark urine, and tiredness.
If your symptoms are severe or don’t improve with home remedies, contact your doctor right away.
It’s important to get medical attention if you experience any signs of dehydration: decreased urination, dry mouth, no tears when crying, low energy levels, dizziness, and confusion.
When to See a Doctor
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of running stomach (diarrhoea) so you know when it is time to seek medical attention. The most common symptom of running stomach is watery stools, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramping. If you have any of these symptoms for more than a day or two, it is important to seek medical attention from your doctor or a healthcare professional.
Some people also experience other signs and symptoms that indicate it is time to see a doctor, such as blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, weight loss, and low-grade fever. If you have any of these signs and symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately. It is also important to seek medical attention if the diarrhoea does not improve within 24 hours or if you experience any other worrying signs and symptoms.
If you are pregnant or if you have an immune system disorder, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible, as running stomach can cause more serious complications in these cases.
Home Remedies for running stomach
Running stomach (diarrhoea) can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but luckily there are many home remedies that can help ease the discomfort. Here are some natural, home remedies for running stomachs that can help you find relief.
Drink lots of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important in order to prevent dehydration and keep your body hydrated. This can be done by drinking water, electrolyte drinks, or even clear broths and soups. Make sure to avoid caffeinated beverages, alcoholic beverages, and sugary drinks.
Eat bland foods: When suffering from a running stomach, it is important to stick with bland foods such as crackers, toast, bananas, and rice. Avoid fatty, greasy, and spicy foods, as these may irritate your stomach and make the symptoms worse.
Ginger Tea: Ginger has been known to help with gastrointestinal issues and nausea. To make ginger tea, steep one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and drink as needed.
Probiotics: Probiotics have been shown to help reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion. Look for probiotic supplements in health food stores or add probiotic-rich foods such as yoghurt, kefir, and kombucha to your diet.
Get Plenty of Rest: Resting will give your body the opportunity to recover and heal itself from the symptoms of running stomach. Make sure to get plenty of sleep and take breaks throughout the day if needed.
These home remedies should help alleviate your running stomach symptoms, but if your symptoms persist or worsen it is important to seek medical attention.
Medications for Running Stomach
If your running stomach is severe, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antidiarrheal medications. Antibiotics can help fight bacterial infections. Antidiarrheal medications can help reduce the severity of symptoms and stop diarrhea.
Common antibiotics prescribed for running stomach include
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
- Ampicillin.
Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, such as
- Loperamide (Imodium)
- Diphenoxylate (Lomotil).
These can help reduce the frequency of stools and help with cramping and abdominal pain.
Your doctor may also recommend probiotics. These are live microorganisms that can help restore the natural balance of good bacteria in the gut. They may help improve symptoms of a running stomachs, especially when taken with antibiotics.
Finally, if you have severe dehydration due to your running stomach, you may need IV fluids. This will replace fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea.
Prevention
The best way to prevent running stomachs is to maintain good hygiene, pay attention to what you eat and drink, and practice safe food-handling practices. It is also important to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially before and after preparing food, eating, or going to the restroom.
Make sure to cook foods to their recommended temperature and avoid consuming any food or drink that has been contaminated by raw foods. If you are travelling outside of your home country, it is important to be aware of the local health risks and be prepared for any potential illnesses. Lastly, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
