If you have three or more loose, semi-formed, or watery bowel movements in a day, you have diarrhoea. Acute diarrhoea lasts a few days, is curable, but if you have loose stools that last for three weeks or longer, you have chronic diarrhoea. With diarrhoea, there is potential for dehydration or loss of fluids and electrolytes. Nutrient malabsorption can also result from persistent diarrhoea. Untreated diarrhoea is a prevalent cause of infant fatalities worldwide and may be one of the leading causes of death in developing nations.
Diarrhea causes
Some of the reasons for diarrhoea are as follows: (1) Nausea (2) Parasites & bacteria (3) A virus (4) Drugs or potent antibiotics (5) Sugar substitutes like fructose (6) Intolerance to lactose (7) Digestive conditions such as celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Loose stools are a common condition that doesn’t require treatment. Whether you cure it or not, it usually only lasts a few days. However, medication may make you feel better. If you also experience stomach aches or cramps, meds can be beneficial. Be cautious when taking antidiarrheal drugs if you have a history of frequent or chronic constipation. Contact your doctor for tablets for loose motion and stomach pain.
In most cases, you can treat your acute diarrhoea with the following over-the-counter diarrhea tablets:
Loperamide: The anti-diarrheal loose motion tablet relieves diarrhoea by targeting the opiate receptors in the intestine. This medication acts by delaying intestinal contractions and the passage of intestinal contents. This way, medicine to stop diarrhea in adults as the gut has more time for water absorption since the med slows down the movement. It is also important to note that since loperamide is not a regulated substance, an overdose and serious adverse effects are possible. It is imperative to consult a physician for dose information. Consuming more than the recommended dosage can have negative effects on health.
Bismuth subsalicylate: The diarrhea medicine is available over the counter for treating diarrhoea. As the medication enters the stomach, it separates into bismuth and salicylic acid as two distinct substances. The bismuth remains in the stomach, where it aids in fluid absorption, inflammation reduction, and stomach healing. Due to its bactericidal and antibacterial properties, the drug can inhibit the microorganisms that cause diarrhea.
Prescription treatment is typically more tailored to the underlying cause of diarrhoea. The following loose motion tablet for adults may fall under this category: (1) alosetron, (2) eluxadoline, and (3) rifaximin. Doctors treat individuals with severe diarrhoea -predominant irritable bowel syndrome with alosetron (IBS-D). It inhibits the pain, stomach discomfort, and diarrhoea-causing receptors. Constipation and ischemic colitis, which lowers blood flow to the large intestine, can be side effects of alosetron.
Eluxadoline: Eluxadoline is another medication for IBS-D that is now accessible. This medicine modulates gastrointestinal motility, secretion, and discomfort by acting on opioid receptors. It has fewer side effects than alosetron, but further research is required to assess its comparative efficacy with other drugs.
Rifaximin: The med for diarrhoea is also therapy for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea, and traveller’s diarrhoea, and can cure many conditions. Also, it is an antibiotic, thus you should avoid the drug if you have viral diarrhoea. Rifaximin is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.
For all the above enlisted medicines, it is essential to see a physician before use if you are taking medications for (1) anticoagulation, (2) diabetes, (3) gout, or (4) arthritis.
Other remedies for diarrhea
In chronic situations, diarrhea increases the risk of dehydration and malnutrition. The initial step for diarrhea treatment consists of attempting to restore the fluids and electrolytes that are leaving the body. Individuals can consume lime juice, coconut water or electrolytes containing salts and carbohydrates to facilitate water absorption. If the body cannot absorb water, your doctor may recommend intravenous fluid replenishment to treat you.
If you have diarrhea, consume foods to reduce the frequency of diarrhoea, like low-fibre foods. Eat foods like rice, bananas, apples, steamed moong and toast. A bland diet, which contains more foods but minimises fibre, spices, and heavy meals is beneficial for those with diarrhoea.