Ask Dr. Etingin: Stopping Diarrhea; Acid Reflux

Q. Can you give me any information about what stops diarrhea, especially when you don’t know what is causing it? Are there any sure-fire cures?

A. As you suggest, what stops diarrhea often depends on what’s causing the problem. A variety of medications, including antibiotics, certain cancer drugs, and antacids with magnesium, are common culprits. If you’re able to stop taking these medications or switch to different kinds, your digestive troubles may disappear. Of course, if a bacterial infection is causing diarrhea, antibiotics may be necessary to eliminate the infection.

For many people, what stops diarrhea is time; the problem tends to resolve itself within a few days. A mild case of food poisoning may cause symptoms for a day or so. The problem may last a little longer with a bout of stomach virus.

The main concern with ongoing diarrhea is the possibility of dehydration, since the body is ridding itself of large amounts of fluid. Dehydration is especially dangerous in children and frail, elderly people. To prevent dehydration, fluids that contain sugar and salt, such as Pedialyte and Gatorade, are recommended.

One time-tested strategy that may help get your system back to normal is the BRAT diet. It’s one moms have been using with their kids for generations, but it can work at any age. BRAT stands for bananas, rice (white), applesauce, and toast. These low-fiber foods will help make your stools firmer. Oatmeal, baked chicken (no skin), and baked or boiled potatoes are also helpful.

Two over-the-counter medications that can stop diarrhea are loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol).

One key to preventing diarrhea is to avoid potential causes. Dairy products are troublesome for those who are lactose intolerant. For some people, artificial sweeteners or certain food additives can cause diarrhea. The next time you experience this problem, think back to what you have had to eat or drink in the past 24 hours and look for any possible triggers. If you frequently experience diarrhea, report it to your doctor so he or she can evaluate possible underlying conditions, such as a gastrointestinal disorder.

Q. For the first time in my life, I’ve experienced acid reflux at age 56. When I told my doctor about the reflux and my usual diet, he said I may need to cut down on citrus fruits because they are acidic. What other foods can trigger reflux episodes?

A. For some people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux, citrus fruits and tomatoes can exacerbate their symptoms. Onions, garlic, fried foods, chocolate, mint, and alcohol can also trigger reflux episodes, which can manifest as a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, the feeling of having a lump in the throat, hoarseness, or a dry cough.

–Orli R. Etingin, M.D., Editor-in-Chief

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