Summary
Nobody likes diarrhea. In this video, Dr. Richard Honaker explains where it comes from, how to treat it and when it’s a sign of something more serious.
Diarrhea on its own is different from a stomach bug, which brings nausea and vomiting along with diarrhea. Diarrhea alone can have several causes: a virus, bacteria or a parasite (Dr. Honaker says you usually know because the stool and gas smell very foul), irritable bowel syndrome, or foods your body doesn’t react well to.
Diarrhea is usually short-lived and goes away fairly easily. To treat it, Dr. Honaker suggests avoiding dairy products, which tend to promote diarrhea, and going on a clear liquid diet for about 6 to 8 hours.
Key takeaways
- Diarrhea can be caused by a virus, bacteria, a parasite, irritable bowel syndrome or foods that don’t agree with you.
- It’s usually short-lived.
- Home care: avoid dairy and stick to clear liquids for about 6 to 8 hours.
- Get help if you see blood or pus in the stool, have a lot of pain, have a fever over 100, or have recently traveled, especially to developing countries.
Questions Dr. Honaker answers
What causes diarrhea?
A virus, bacteria or a parasite, irritable bowel syndrome, or certain foods your body doesn’t react well to.
How can I treat diarrhea at home?
Avoid dairy products and drink only clear liquids for about 6 to 8 hours.
When is diarrhea a sign of something serious?
Dr. Honaker’s warning signs are blood or pus in the stool, a lot of pain, a significant fever (anything over 100), or diarrhea after recent travel. With traveler’s diarrhea, you don’t know whether a virus, bacteria or parasite is the cause, and your physician should be able to help.
