Diarrhea - page 12

Pharmacist's advice and education

For problems with diarrhea, the absolute priority is preventing dehydration. Water alone is not enough, because the body loses important salts and minerals; therefore, always use oral rehydration solutions (electrolytes). Probiotics based on Saccharomyces boulardii have proven to be extremely effective because they act directly in the intestines and are resistant to stomach acid. Along with therapy, a light diet is recommended - rusk, boiled rice, bananas, and boiled carrots. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of more serious conditions of the digestive organs. Learn more about gut health and proper nutrition in our expert guides:

• Pharmacist's Guide: Nutrition - what is a healthy and proper diet
• Pharmacist's Guide: Crohn's disease - symptoms, diet, and is it curable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I take a medicine to stop diarrhea right at the beginning?
It is not recommended to immediately stop diarrhea with medications (like loperamide) if the cause is an infection or poisoning, because the body is trying to expel toxins through diarrhea. It is better to use enterosorbents (which bind toxins) and probiotics.

2. How long is it normal for diarrhea to last?
Acute diarrhea usually passes in 2 to 3 days. If it lasts longer than that, is accompanied by a high fever, severe pain, or blood in the stool, it is necessary to urgently contact a doctor.