Dehydration is a serious consequence of diarrhea that should be addressed immediately. Replacement of fluids and electrolytes is required for patients who suffer from dehydration. Sports drinks, which include sodium and potassium, can help restore fluid balance and cardiovascular functioning in the body. Other fluids used to replenish the body after dehydration include fruit drinks, tea, broth and carbonated beverages that have gone flat (contain no fizz). Intravenous rehydration may be necessary for infants or the elderly who are profoundly dehydrated.

In general, treatment for diarrhea will depend on its cause. Diarrhea caused by a viral infection will not respond to antibiotics and will most likely resolve on its own within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the severity of the diarrhea. If diarrhea is the result of invasive bacteria, such as salmonella, antibiotics are sometimes used – especially for patients with compromised immune systems or cardiovascular problems. For chronic diarrhea that is the result of intestinal disorders, specific medical treatment of those disorders may be required.

Many cases of diarrhea can be resolved through changes to diet. Removing alcohol or caffeine products from the diet, for example, may relieve some forms of chronic diarrhea. Dairy products and foods high in fat are other foods that, if removed or limited in a patient’s diet, can help relieve diarrhea. On the other hand, bananas, pears and boiled or mashed potatoes are good sources of potassium, which may be depleted in a person with diarrhea. Adding these food products to a patient’s diet can help restore the balance of nutrients.

In addition, certain prescription and over-the-counter medications (antidiarrheals) can help stop diarrhea. These include:

• Adsorbents. These medications bind fluids to them, helping stool to be less watery. Adsorbents used to stop diarrhea include bismuth subsalicylate, kaolin and pectin. Patients should check with their physician before using adsorbents, since they may interfere with other medications being taken. In addition, use of certain adsorbents may change stool color to black.
  
  
• Anti-motility medications. Slows down the contractions of intestinal muscles so that stool travels more slowly through the digestive tract, allowing more fluid to be absorbed by the intestines. Patients should check with their physician before using anti-motility medications to treat diarrhea. If diarrhea is caused by infection, these medications may trap bacteria in the intestines, prolonging the problem.