Acute Diarrhea Relief: What to Do Right Now

Acute diarrhea can hit quickly and leave you weak. Most bouts are short-lived and respond to a few simple steps: rehydrate, rest, and watch for danger signs. Below are clear, practical tips you can use at home right away.

First priority: fluids. Drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS) or a homemade mix: 1 liter of clean water with 6 level teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sip slowly but often—small amounts every few minutes if needed. Avoid plain soda, fruit juices, and sports drinks that are high in sugar; they can make diarrhea worse.

Food and rest: what helps and what to skip

Start with bland foods once nausea eases. The BRAT approach (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is easy on the stomach but don’t rely on it alone—return to a normal, balanced diet within 24–48 hours as appetite allows. Avoid high-fat, greasy, or very spicy foods, and reduce dairy until symptoms improve, especially if you’re temporarily lactose intolerant after the illness.

Rest matters. Your body fights infection better when you slow down. If you need to be up and about, pace yourself and keep sipping fluids throughout the day.

Medicines and supplements — quick guide

Over-the-counter options can help. Loperamide (Imodium) reduces stool frequency and urgency for adults without fever or bloody stools. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help with cramping and mild diarrhea. Don’t give loperamide to young children and avoid anti-motility drugs if you have a high fever or bloody diarrhea—those can hide a serious infection.

Probiotics may shorten the duration of diarrhea by a day or two. Look for products with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii and follow the label dose. For young children, zinc supplementation is recommended in many settings to reduce severity and duration—check with a pediatrician first.

When to get help: seek medical care right away if you have signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, dark urine or hardly peeing, dizziness), a fever over 101.3°F (38.5°C), bloody stools, severe belly pain, or diarrhea that lasts more than 48–72 hours. Infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems need earlier evaluation.

Preventing another episode is simple: wash hands thoroughly with soap, drink safe water, avoid raw or undercooked foods when traveling, and handle leftovers safely. If you travel to places with uncertain water quality, stick to bottled drinks and peeled fruits.

Acute diarrhea is usually manageable at home with fluids, rest, and sensible food choices. Use OTC options carefully and get medical help if symptoms are severe or don’t improve. Small, quick actions now often keep things from getting worse.