Treating tummy troubles

Diarrhea has many causes. Viral infections and contaminated food are two common triggers, but certain medications, various gastrointestinal disorders, and even stress can roil your insides. Follow these guidelines to determine what to do to remedy the situation.

Yes. Over-the-counter diarrhea medicine may help if you choose right. When the US Food and Drug Administration studied the safety and effectiveness of over-the-counter diarrhea drugs, they determined that just two — loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) — are safe and effective. Imodium slows down the movement of food through the digestive tract, which makes bowel movements less frequent. The pink stuff appears to relieve loose and frequent stools by decreasing fluid in the bowel, easing inflammation and binding to and killing bacteria.

In one study, diarrhea cleared up about a day sooner in patients who took Imodium than in others who took placebo pills. Pepto-Bismol seems to be a weaker treatment than Imodium but offers some relief for mild diarrhea. One study found that it reduced the typical length of time a person had loose stools, but only by seven hours.

No. Diarrhea medicine is not the most important therapy and may even be counterproductive.Because diarrhea usually lasts only a few days at most, you may not need any medicine. In some cases, doctors say, it's best to let diarrhea run its course to allow the body to eliminate the food, virus or other problem that's making you sick in the first place. Furthermore, these drugs can cause side effects.

Imodium, for example, makes some users constipated. Don't attempt to self-treat diarrhea with any over-the-counter medications if you have a fever and/or blood or mucus in your stools. These are signs of infection, which requires a doctor's care. Parents should also check with their doctor before giving Imodium to a child who is younger than six or weighs less than 47 pounds.What should you take for diarrhea? Lots of liquids. Diarrhea causes dehydration, so the first and most important step is restoring healthy levels of fluids and important minerals known as electrolytes. Soup and broth can help, too. If diarrhea is severe or lasts more than a few days, see your doctor.

Does Pepto-Bismol protect against traveller's diarrhea?

Yes. Pepto-Bismol and other bismuth subsalicylate products reduce, but don't eliminate, the risk of traveller's diarrhea. About half of all people who travel to Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and other parts of the world develop traveller's diarrhea, usually by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria. Many frequent international tourists swear by Pepto-Bismol and other medications containing bismuth subsalicylate, insisting that daily doses of the pink drink or tablets protect them against diarrhea.

Research suggests that the chalky-tasting cocktail and pills may help, though they are no guarantee against gastrointestinal turmoil. Talk to your doctor before using Pepto-Bismol if you are allergic to aspirin or take a daily aspirin, or if you currently take blood-thinning medication or drugs to treat gout, arthritis or diabetes.