Diarrhea Treatment

For adults with acute diarrhea, replacing fluids is essential!!!

The First Day - Clear Fluids

For the first 24 hours or more, until symptoms have subsided for at least 12 hours you should only have clear fluids such as:

• flat gingerale (make sure it is caffeine free and not diet.)
• non-fat broths, consommé, clear soups
• jello, popsicles, water, ice
• diluted fruit juices (i.e apple juice)

Try to drink at least 2 litres of clear fluids a day (3 litres if fever is present). As well as fluids, it is important to replace the electrolytes lost through diarrhea. Some good replacement drinks are Gatorade and Gastrolyte or try making your own electrolyte replacement drink as follows:

• 1 litre (4 cups) of water
• 5m1 (1 tsp.) salt
• 15m1.(3 tsp.) sugar
• juice of one orange or lemon
• 2 ml. (1/2 tsp.) baking soda (optional)

The Next 24 Hours - Bland Foods

If symptoms have subsided gradually add more solid foods into your diet, making sure you still maintain a high fluid intake. Try bland foods such as:

• toast or crackers (dry or with a minimum of butter).
• soft boiled or poached egg
• cream of wheat, rice
• bananas, applesauce, mashed or baked potatoes (no skins)
• tapioca pudding, plain yogurt

Avoid fresh fruits, vegetables, fried or spicy foods, bran, drinks with alcohol or caffeine, and all dairy products for about a week.

If nausea or vomiting are present, keep fluid intake high by taking small sips of liquids at a time. Chilled liquids may be more pleasant to take, but should not be too cold.

If diarrhea, vomiting or fever persist longer than 24 hours you should consult a doctor.