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Dogear

You Will Need

  • Fluids
  • Clean hands
  • Doctor
  1. Step 1

    Increase fluids

    Treat your child's diarrhea at home by increasing fluids that help replace electrolytes, like sports drinks. For babies, offer them additional breast milk or formula.

  2. Tip

    Avoid plain water, fruit juice, and sodas.

  3. Step 2

    Keep regular diet

    Continue your child on their regular diet.

  4. Step 3

    Wash hands

    Frequently wash your hands and your child's hands. Keep suspected diarrhea contaminated areas clean.

  5. Step 4

    Consult a doctor

    Consult a doctor if your child's symptoms do not improve within 24 hours. Call a doctor if your baby has not had a wet diaper in over three hours, has a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, is unusually sleepy, has a dry mouth, or has bloody or black stools.

  6. Step 5

    Drink clear fluids

    Treat diarrhea in adults by drinking plenty of clear fluids such as water, broths, and gelatins. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and apple and pear juices.

  7. Step 6

    Add solid foods

    Gradually add solid and low fiber foods such as soda crackers, toast, and chicken.

  8. Tip

    Avoid dairy products, high fiber, and fatty foods.

  9. Step 7

    Call a doctor

    Consult a doctor if you are an adult and the diarrhea lasts longer than three days, you are dehydrated, and you have severe rectal or abdominal pain, bloody or black stools, or a temperature above 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Eating the right things -- or getting the right advice from the doctor -- will have you back to your regular self in no time.

  10. Fact

    Acute diarrhea is commonly caused by consuming food or water contaminated with a viral infection, bacteria, or parasite.

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