Treatment of chronic diarrhea

The fact is that the treatment of diarrhea depends upon the cause.

• Diarrhea caused by an infection should be treated with appropriate antibiotics.  
• Diarrhea not caused by an infection is more difficult to diagnose and treat. Long-term medication or surgery may be required.  
• If the cause, such as sorbitol or a certain drug is removed, the diarrhea usually stops and the body can heal.
• Beans and spicy food should be avoided during the treatment
• A banana, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) diet has been recommended for years
• The lost fluid shoud be recompensated and that’s why water or electrolyte drinks that contain a balance of water, sugar, and salt should be used.
• Beverages containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and soft drinks shouldn’t be used.
• Foods containing starch, such as cereals, crackers, rice, and mashed potatoes, are very easily digested.
• Hygiene and isolation are important in limiting the spreading of the disease.

Medications:

• Loperamide
• Diphenoxylate with atropine
• Codeine, tincture of opium, and Paregoric
• Cholestyramine
• Octreotide
• Clonidine patch

How is chronic diarrhea spread?     

Every patient and all the persons that come in the contact with them should know that chronic diarrhea caused by an infection can be spread by drinking water or eating food contaminated with stool. This means that every close contact with a person who has diarrhea may also spread infection. However, chronic diarrhea not caused by an infection cannot be spread to other people.

How can chronic diarrhea be prevented?

There are some tips which can reduce the chance of getting an infection which may cause diarrhea and they are:

• Drink clean or purified water
• Use proper food-handling techniques
• Maintain proper hand-washing habits
• Avoid dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or seasoned foods