Management of Diarrhea
The goals of treatment are
- Treat the underlying causes and
- Relieve the symptoms of diarrhea
Rehydration and correction of any electrolyte imbalance is the core in the management of diarrhea. If diarrhea is secondary to another condition, treatment of the primary disorder is important.1
Non pharmacologic approach
- Avoid high-fiber foods, fats, milk, caffeine and alcohol.
- A bland diet such as bananas, toast, salted crackers, clear soups and boiled vegetables may be helpful.
- Children who are not dehydrated should continue to be fed age-appropriate diets.
- Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is the preferred treatment for replacement of fluid and electrolyte losses in those with mild-to-moderate dehydration.
- Intravenous fluid therapy is required for severe dehydration.
Pharmacologic Approach
- The antimotility agents such as loperamide are generally not indicated. However, it may be helpful in patients with mild-to-moderate secretory diarrhea.
- Specific antibiotic treatment is not usually required, except for invasive or dysenteric diarrhea and in immunosuppressed patients.
- Lactobacillus preparations may be effective in restoring normal bowel flora when diarrhea is due to the administration of antibiotics.
Next page: Causes of Diarrhea
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: May 10, 2012