In general, don't try to stop diarrhea as soon as it develops. Diarrhea is the body's way of getting rid of whatever food, virus, or bug is causing it. Usually diarrhea will settle down after a few days. Diarrhea that comes on suddenly and ends in a day or two is usually caused by an infection or food poisoning. If it persists it is important to see your doctor.

Don't ' eat until the diarrhea settles down. As diarrhea may result in excessive loss of salts and water from the body it is important to drink plenty of fluids or special rehydration drinks. Start eating slowly with foods which are low in fat. This includes dry bread or crackers, stewed apples, rice, clear soups or a poached egg. Avoid foods which are fatty or spicy. Eating foods like bananas, potatoes, chicken and fish will help you replace potassium, levels of which are commonly depleted in people with severe diarrhea. Soluble fibers from natural sources like oats, bananas, apples and pears have also been shown to be effective against diarrhea. Charcoal tablets may also be helpful.

Try and avoid coffee, raw vegetables and spicy food as they can make diarrhea worse, and may also be triggers for nausea, which is often combined with diarrhea. In many cases avoiding foods which are high in fat, or lactose may help alleviate the symptoms of diarrhea.

Some types of diarrhea can very easily be passed on. It is important that children do not go to school or childcare when they have diarrhea. Wash your hands with warm water and soap thoroughly after going to the toilet and before food preparation. Wash around the toilet bowl and hand basin with hot soapy water or a mixture of household bleach and water.

Diarrhea can cause the skin around the anus to become sore. Pat it clean gently with toilet paper or use disposable baby wipes. Over the counter remedies for piles may prove soothing. A barrier cream wiped on the skin around the anus can be very soothing. Zinc and castor oil, which can be bought from supermarkets or pharmacies is ideal. If the skin around the anus is looking and feeling raw, sit in a full bath which has had one cup of salt added to it. Diarrhea can affect the way that some medicines (like the contraceptive pill) are absorbed. If you are taking any regular medication, talk to your doctor or practice nurse about the effects that diarrhea may have had on their effectiveness.

Adults with diarrhea

In adults with diarrhea, it may help to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.

In adults, non-prescription medications such as Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, Imodium, and Diasorb can help diarrhea. (Note: Pepto-Bismol can discolor the stools and can cause the tongue to turn black. This is a normal response to the medication and not something to be concerned about). Enteral (formula tube) feedings often cause diarrhea. If you are experiencing diarrhea related to enteral tube feedings, consult your health care provider or dietician. The rate of the feedings may need to be changed or bulk agents may need to be added to the formula.

Adding bulk to the diet may thicken the stool and decrease the frequency of stools. Certain foods thicken the stools, including rice, bananas, yogurt, and cheese. An increase in fiber from whole-wheat grains and bran add bulk to the diet. Additionally, psyllium containing products such as Metamucil or similar products can be used to add bulk to the stools.

Children with diarrhea

Children who are placed on antibiotics may experience diarrhea. Recent studies suggest that children on antibiotics are less likely to get diarrhea if they eat yogurt with active live cultures.

In children with diarrhea, it used to be recommended (but is no longer) to have the child drink plenty of clear fluids and avoid milk. Now, doctors recommend that children with mild diarrhea should stay on their normal diet -- children and infants with diarrhea should continue getting their normal amount of milk. It may help to switch these children to soy milk, if they will take it, but that is not necessary.

Pedialyte and similar rehydration fluids do NOT treat diarrhea. They are used for vomiting and cases of serious dehydration.

If a child has nausea or vomiting, the liquids should be given in small amounts but very frequently, often every 15 minutes. (Give liquids as directed by a health care provider). Home mixed electrolyte solutions should be avoided -- mixing mistakes can cause significant problems.

Diarrhea medications, even non-prescription ones, should NOT be used in infants and children unless a doctor has approved it. For example, Pepto-Bismol has aspirin-like compounds that are not safe in children.

When should a doctor be consulted?

Although usually not harmful, diarrhea can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. You should see the doctor if any of the following is true:

• You have diarrhea for more than 3 days.
• You have severe pain in the abdomen or rectum.
• You have a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• You see blood in your stool or have black, tarry stools.
• You have signs of dehydration.

If your child has diarrhea, do not hesitate to call the doctor for advice. Diarrhea can be dangerous in children if too much fluid is lost and not replaced quickly.