Acute diarrhea: settling your system safely

Few things derail a week faster than a bad stomach. Most short-lived diarrhea — from a virus, a questionable meal, or travel — runs its course within a few days. Managing it well is mostly about protecting yourself from dehydration and knowing the warning signs that change the plan.

Priority one: fluids done right

Water alone doesn't replace the salts you're losing. Oral rehydration solutions restore both fluid and electrolytes and are the single most useful product for adults and children alike. Small, frequent sips beat big gulps. Bland food as tolerated is fine — there's no need to starve yourself "to rest the gut."

What a pharmacist adds

Diarrhea isn't one of Ontario's pharmacist-prescribable minor ailments, but your pharmacist is still the right first call for it. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication helps in some situations and is the wrong choice in others — notably when fever or blood is present — and we'll help you choose safely, no appointment needed. Just as important, we review your regular medications: some (like certain diabetes or blood pressure pills) may need a temporary pause during significant fluid loss, which many people don't realize.

When to seek medical care instead

Blood in the stool, high fever, severe pain, signs of dehydration, symptoms beyond a few days, recent hospital care or antibiotics, infants, frail seniors, or pregnancy — these all warrant a physician or urgent care, and we'll say so plainly if that's your situation.

Read next: "Red flags: when it's not a minor ailment anymore"

This article is general information, not medical advice. A pharmacist assessment is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you; some situations need a referral to a physician or nurse practitioner, and Ontario pharmacists prescribe only within their permitted scope. Orleans Community Pharmacy · 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orléans, ON · 613-824-3111.