Diarrhea is a condition marked by abnormally frequent bowel movements that are more fluid than usual. It is sometimes accompanied by cramps.
You may get diarrhea because of chemotherapy , radiation therapy to the lower abdomen, malabsorption because of surgery to the bowel or sometimes a bowel inflammation or infection. Some antibiotics, especially "broad spectrum" antibiotics, can cause diarrhea, and it might develop because of an intolerance to milk.
Treating Diarrhea Effective treatment depends on finding the cause. A good general approach is to limit your diet solely to fluids to allow the bowel to rest. Drink plenty of mild liquids, such as fruit drinks (Kool-Aid and Gatorade), ginger ale, peach or apricot nectar, water and weak tea. Hot and cold liquids and foods tend to increase intestinal muscle contractions and make the diarrhea worse, so they should be warm or at room temperature. Allow carbonated beverages to lose their fizz—stir with a spoon—before you drink them.
When you are feeling better, gradually add foods low in roughage and bulk—steamed rice, cream of rice, bananas, applesauce, mashed potatoes, dry toast and crackers—eaten warm or at room temperature.
As your diarrhea decreases, you may move on to a low-residue diet. Frequent small meals will be easier on your digestive tract. Low-residue nutritional supplements such as Precision Low Residue, Vivonex, Flexocal or Citoein can also help.
