Diarrhea
With diarrhea, you have bowel movements often or you have loose liquid
stools. Diarrhea most often will last 2-3 days. If it lasts longer, it may be a
sign of other problems. See your doctor if your diarrhea does not get better
in 3 days or if it worsens. For babies and children, see a doctor if diarrhea
lasts more than 1 day.
Causes
• Infections, such as a virus
• Nervousness and stress
• Some medicines such as antibiotics or chemotherapy
• A side effect of some treatments
• Bowel diseases
• Bowel surgery or radiation to the abdomen
Some foods that can cause or make diarrhea worse:
• High fiber foods
• Spicy, fatty or fried food
• Food that is too hot or cold
• Milk and dairy products
• Alcohol
• Drinks or foods with caffeine such as coffee, tea, colas or chocolate
• Nutritional supplements such as Ensure or Boost. If you use a supplement
and notice more diarrhea, talk to your nurse, dietitian or doctor.
Your Care
You need to be sure to keep drinking liquids when you have diarrhea. Eat as
long as the foods do not cause more diarrhea or cramping. Try these tips:
• Avoid milk and dairy products until your diarrhea has stopped.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.
• Eat small meals every 2-3 hours during the day.
─ Eat low fiber foods such as white bread, plain bagels, crackers, white
rice, cooked vegetables, cream of wheat cereal or applesauce.
─ If foods cause cramping, eat a clear liquid diet for a day or two. Drink
water, broth, Pedialyte, sports drinks, lemon lime sodas or
decaffeinated tea. Plain jello and popsicles can also be eaten.