DIARRHEA

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Definition: Diarrhea is frequent, loose stools that do not contain blood, pus or are not greasy in character. Usually diarrhea can be caused by a virus, stress, poor diet, change in water or antibiotic therapy.

SYMPTOMS

• Frequent loose or watery stools.
• Mild cramping and/or abdominal pain before bowel movement.
• Abdominal tenderness.
• Overactive bowel sounds.
• May have low-grade fever (99-100 F).

SELF-TREATMENT

1. Do not eat dairy products, spicy or greasy (fatty, fried) foods for 72 hours.
2. Drink plenty of fluids (broth, sport drinks, water, juice) to prevent dehydration.
3. Take Immodium (over the counter) if diarrhea is not bloody or contain puss.

HEALTH SERVICE VISIT RECOMMENDED IF

1. No improvement within 24 hours after self-treatment
2. Temperature above 100.4 F
3. Blood or pus in stool
4. Abdominal pain and tenderness persist in same area of abdomen
5. Diarrhea persists or recurs frequently
6. Recent foreign travel