What to do if you have stomachache and diarrhea

Stomach pain is very common. It is a symptom that may occur in people of all ages. Many people don’t know what to do when they have stomach pain or diarrhea. In this case, it is best to treat the symptoms. Only targeted treatment will be effective. Be sure to drink more water.

1. Drink more water

Due to the large amount of bowel movements, diarrhea patients suffer from severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, so they must replenish a lot of water. Rehydration salts containing sodium chloride, potassium chloride, glucose and sodium citrate are ideal choices because they can replenish glucose and minerals lost in the body, and regulate potassium, sodium electrolytes, water and acid-base balance; carrot juice, apple juice, watermelon juice, etc. can not only replenish water, but also replenish essential vitamins, and are also good supplements. They are all good ways to prevent dehydration and collapse from diarrhea.

2. Don’t rush to take medicine

Unless diarrhea is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, or severe diarrhea causes complications, common diarrhea does not require medication and its symptoms generally do not last more than 48 hours. Therefore, do not use medication to stop diarrhea for at least two days, because diarrhea is the body's way of eliminating toxins. When patients have acute diarrhea, the use of antidiarrheals is discouraged unless there is another urgent need to control the condition. Otherwise, letting it drain out may be beneficial and speed up recovery.

3. Check the medications you are taking

Diarrhea can sometimes be related to medications you take, such as antacids to relieve heartburn. Antacids are the drugs most commonly associated with diarrhea. To avoid diarrhea associated with heartburn, antacids containing only aluminum hydroxide are recommended. In addition to antacids, antibiotics, quinidine, colchicine (anti-gout drugs) and other drugs may also cause diarrhea.