Some Basics...

• Diarrhea lasting for less than 2 weeks is often from an infection in the intestines. Most often it is a virus. Diarrhea is the body’s way of getting rid of the infection. Other causes of new onset diarrhea are food poisoning and drugs.
• Staying hydrated is the most important thing for adults with diarrhea.
• An adult who feels well and is not thirsty or dizzy is not dehydrated. A few loose or runny stools do not cause dehydration. Having many watery stools can cause dehydration.
• Antibiotics are usually not needed to treat diarrhea.
• However, people who have Traveler's Diarrhea should get antibiotic treatment. If a person has traveled abroad in the past month and has diarrhea, they may need antibiotics.

What Are Signs of Dehydration?

Signs of dehydration include:

• Feeling dizzy
• Dry mouth
• Feeling like fainting
• Very thirsty
• Pale skin
• No urine in more than 12 hours
• Dark yellow urine

1. What You Should Know:
   • Diarrhea lasting for less than 2 weeks is often from an infection in the intestines. Most often it is a virus. Diarrhea is the body’s way of getting rid of the infection. Other causes of new onset diarrhea are food poisoning and drugs.
   • Staying hydrated is very important if you have with diarrhea.
   • Wash your hands after each bowel movement.
   • You can treat mild diarrhea at home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Fluids:
   • Drink more fluids, at least 8-10 glasses (8 oz.) a day.
   • Fluids include sports drinks, fruit juices mixed with water, and soft drinks.
   • Also eat saltine crackers or soups. This helps your body get more fluids and salt.
   • Avoid drinks with caffeine. These can dehydrate you.
3. Diet:
   • You should try to eat some food when you have diarrhea. The latest research shows it helps you and your intestines get better.
   • Ideal foods are boiled starches/cereals. These include potatoes, rice, noodles, wheat, and oats. You can add a small amount of salt to them.
   • Other good foods are bananas, yogurt, crackers, and soup.
   • As your stools return to normal, go back to your normal diet.
   • Avoid greasy or spicy foods if you have diarrhea.
4. Bismuth Subsalicylate (Kaopectate, PeptoBismol):
   • Helps with diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramping.
   • Adult dose: 2 tablets or 2 tablespoons by mouth each hour. If you keep having diarrhea, you can take up to 8 doses in 24 hours. Do not take more than 8 doses in 24 hours.
   • Do not use for more than 2 days.
5. Imodium AD:
   • Adult dose: 2 caplets or 4 teaspoons (40 ml) with your first loose BM. With each loose BM that follows, take 1 more caplet or 2 more teaspoons (10ml). Do not take more than 4 caplets or 8 teaspoons each day.
   • Do not use if you have a fever greater than 100°F (37.8°C). Do not use if there is blood or mucus in your stools.
   • Do not use for more than 2 days.
   • Read all package instructions.
6. What to Expect: Viral diarrhea lasts 4-7 days. It is always worse on days 1 and 2.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • You are dehydrated (dizzy, dry mouth, very thirsty)
   • Diarrhea lasts more than 7 days
   • You get worse