Quick, Practical Tips for Acute Diarrhea

Sudden diarrhea can be scary, but most cases can be handled at home if you act fast. The real risk is losing too much fluid and electrolytes. Follow these clear steps to rehydrate, slow symptoms, and know when to get medical help.

Rehydrate the right way

Water alone isn’t enough for moderate diarrhea. Use an oral rehydration solution (ORS) — buy packets at the pharmacy or make one: 1 liter of clean water, 6 level teaspoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sip small amounts often. For adults, aim for about 200–300 ml after each loose stool. For babies and small kids, give 5–15 ml every few minutes; use a spoon or syringe if they won’t drink.

Watch for signs of dehydration: dry mouth, low urine output, lightheadedness, or very dark urine. If you see those, get medical care right away.

What to eat and avoid

Start with bland, easy-to-digest foods once vomiting eases: plain rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast (the classic BRAT approach). Add small portions of lean protein and cooked vegetables as you improve. Skip dairy, greasy foods, spicy meals, alcohol, and caffeine for at least 48 hours — they can make stool looser.

Probiotics can help shorten symptoms. Look for products with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii — start them early and follow the package directions.

If you need quick symptom relief, loperamide (Imodium) can reduce stool frequency in adults. Start with 4 mg, then 2 mg after each loose stool. Don’t use loperamide if you have a high fever or bloody stools — those signs can mean a bacterial infection where loperamide can make things worse. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) helps some people with traveler’s diarrhea and upset stomach; follow package instructions and avoid it if you’re on aspirin or have certain medical conditions.

Antibiotics are only for specific cases — high fever, bloody diarrhea, or a doctor’s diagnosis of a bacterial cause. Don’t take antibiotics just because you have diarrhea; they won’t help viral causes and can create resistance.

Keep a simple log: how often you have loose stools, fluid intake, and any fever or blood. That info helps a clinician decide on treatment if you need one.

Prevent spread: wash hands with soap after bathroom use and before eating, avoid preparing food for others while sick, and be cautious with street food and raw seafood when traveling.

See a doctor now if you have a fever over 38.5°C (101.5°F), bloody stools, severe belly pain, signs of dehydration, persistent vomiting, or diarrhea lasting more than 48–72 hours. Infants, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems should get medical advice sooner.

Follow these steps and you’ll often stop the episode quickly. If things worsen or don’t improve, get checked — that’s the fastest route back to normal.