Diarrhea

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Campylobacter jejuni organism

Cryptosporidium, organism

Diarrhea

Digestive system

Stools - watery; Frequent bowel movements; Loose bowel movements

• Drink plenty of fluid to avoid becoming dehydrated. Start with sips of any fluid other than caffeinated beverages. Milk may prolong loose stools, but also provides needed fluids and nourishment. Drinking milk may be fine for mild diarrhea. For moderate and severe diarrhea, electrolyte solutions available in drugstores are usually best.
• Active cultures of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) make diarrhea less severe and shorten its duration. Probiotics can be found in yogurt with active or live cultures and in supplements.
• Foods like rice, dry toast, and bananas can sometimes help with diarrhea.
• Avoid over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications unless specifically instructed to use one by your doctor. Certain infections can be made worse by these drugs. When you have diarrhea, your body is trying to get rid of whatever food, virus, or other bug is causing it. The medicine interferes with this process.
• Rest.

If you have a chronic form of diarrhea, like the one caused by irritable bowel syndrome, try adding bulk to your diet -- to thicken the stool and regulate bowel movements. Such foods include rice, bananas, and fiber from whole-wheat grains and bran. Psyllium-containing products such as Metamucil or similar products can also add bulk to stools.

Call your doctor if:

• You have blood or pus in your stools or your stool is black
• You have abdominal pain that is not relieved by a bowel movement
• You have symptoms of dehydration
• You have a fever above 101°F, or your child has a fever above 100.4°F, along with diarrhea
• You have foul smelling or oily-looking stools
• You have recently traveled to a foreign country
• You have eaten with other people who also have diarrhea
• You have started on a new medication
• Your diarrhea does not get better in 5 days (2 days for an infant or child), or worsens before that
• Your child has been vomiting for more than 12 hours (in a newborn under 3 months you should call as soon as vomiting or diarrhea begins)