Diarrhea is frequent loose and watery bowel movements. Diarrhea can make you feel weak and cause you to become dehydrated. Dehydration can make you tired and thirsty, cause you to have a dry mouth, and decrease how often you urinate.

Diarrhea typically lasts 2–3 days. However, it can last longer if it is a sign of something more serious. It is important to treat your diarrhea as told by your health care provider.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

Follow these recommendations as told by your health care provider:

• Take an oral rehydration solution (ORS). This is an over-the-counter medicine that helps return your body to its normal balance of nutrients and water. It is found at pharmacies and retail stores.
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, ice chips, diluted fruit juice, and low-calorie sports drinks. You can drink milk also, if desired.
• Avoid drinking fluids that contain a lot of sugar or caffeine, such as energy drinks, sports drinks, and soda.
• Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods in small amounts as you are able. These foods include bananas, applesauce, rice, lean meats, toast, and crackers.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid spicy or fatty foods.

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

General instructions

• Wash your hands often using soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer. Others in the household should wash their hands as well. Hands should be washed:
  • After using the toilet or changing a diaper.
  • Before preparing, cooking, or serving food.
  • While caring for a sick person or while visiting someone in a hospital.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
• Rest at home while you recover.
• Watch your condition for any changes.
• Take a warm bath to relieve any burning or pain from frequent diarrhea episodes.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have a fever.
• Your diarrhea gets worse.
• You have new symptoms.
• You cannot keep fluids down.
• You feel light-headed or dizzy.
• You have a headache.
• You have muscle cramps.

Get help right away if:

• You have chest pain.
• You feel extremely weak or you faint.
• You have bloody or black stools or stools that look like tar.
• You have severe pain, cramping, or bloating in your abdomen.
• You have trouble breathing or you are breathing very quickly.
• Your heart is beating very quickly.
• Your skin feels cold and clammy.
• You feel confused.
• You have signs of dehydration, such as:
  • Dark urine, very little urine, or no urine.
  • Cracked lips.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Sunken eyes.
  • Sleepiness.
  • Weakness.

Summary

• Diarrhea is frequent loose and sometimes watery bowel movements. Diarrhea can make you feel weak and cause you to become dehydrated.
• Drink enough fluids to keep your urine pale yellow.
• Make sure that you wash your hands after using the toilet. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Contact a health care provider if your diarrhea gets worse or you have new symptoms.
• Get help right away if you have signs of dehydration.