digestive disorders
Diarrhea in Adults
Treatment of Diarrhea
Treatment is directed at the cause of diarrhea, when possible. For example, dietary and drug causes are avoided, tumors are removed, and drugs are given to eradicate a parasitic infection. However, in many cases, the body heals itself. A viral cause usually resolves by itself in 24 to 48 hours. Extra fluids containing a balance of water, sugars, and salts are needed for people who are dehydrated. As long as the person is not vomiting excessively, these fluids can be given by mouth ( see Treatment ). Seriously ill people and those with significant electrolyte abnormalities require intravenous fluids and sometimes hospitalization. Drugs that relax intestinal muscles and slow intestinal transit (antidiarrheal drugs) can help slow diarrhea.Loperamideis available over the counter. Opioid drugs, such ascodeine, diphenoxylate, and paregoric (tincture of opium), are available by prescription and also can help. However, certain bacterial causes of gastroenteritis, particularlySalmonella,Shigella, andClostridioides difficile, can be worsened by antidiarrheal drugs. Doctors typically recommend antidiarrheal drugs only for people with watery diarrhea and no warning signs because such people are unlikely to have such bacterial infections.Eluxadolineandrifaximinare other drugs that may be given to some people who have diarrhea caused by IBS. Over-the-counter drugs include adsorbents (for example, kaolin-pectin), which adhere to chemicals, toxins, and infectious organisms. Some adsorbents also help firm up the stool. Bismuth helps many people with diarrhea. It has a normal side effect of turning the stool black. Laxatives , such as 