The COVID-19 Coronavirus has compelled the people to restrict themselves at their homes. Doctors and the governments are asking their people not to visit hospitals for common problems. This seems logical to avoid the spread of the disease. However, certain common problems that are not treated timely may become complicated. Telemedicine is another option and people are increasingly consulting their physicians online. Some people, however, do not completely rely on the advice given via telemedicine. This is just a guide to minimize hospital visits. Today, I am discussing "Diarrhea Treatment at Home". If you have any common illness that you think should be discussed, leave a comment below. I will try to cover other common diseases in the upcoming posts.
Treatment of Diarrhea at home:
Diarrhea is a common problem. It may or may not be associated with other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. (see treatment algorithm at the end) All patients should take adequate fluid in the form of ORS (commercial or home-made). A soft diet such as yogurt, banana, soup, green tea, and rice may be taken in small quantities at frequent intervals. Antiemetics such as Gravinate tablets for adults or syrups for children, or Motilium tablets and syrups may be used twice or thrice daily for nausea and vomiting. For heartburn, an H2 blocker such as Famotidine (Nocid) or gastric mucosal protectants such as sucralfate (Ulsanic syrup) may be used. Those with severe heartburn may take PPIs such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and esomeprazole. Patients without fever or other symptoms of infection as mentioned below may take bismuth subsalicylates (Bismol) tablets or syrups twice or thrice daily for 3 - 5 days.
Take antibiotics if you have any of the following symptoms:
If the diarrhea is associated with fever, blood in stools, abdominal pain, or nocturnal episodes, then take antibiotics for 3 - 5 days. Commonly used antibiotics that may be used to treat gastroenteritis include:
- Cefixime 400 mg once a day
- Ciprofloxacin 250 or 500 mg twice daily
- levofloxacin 500 mg once daily or 250 mg twice daily
- A single dose of ceftriaxone followed by the above-mentioned antibiotics may be used if the patient can not tolerate oral medicines.
Visit your healthcare provider if you have any of the following Warning Signs and symptoms:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blood in stools
- High-grade fever (102 F or more)
- Fever or other symptoms that do not improve after 48 hours of the treatment
- Syncope, drowsiness, or altered mental status
- Low blood pressure (less than 90/60 mmHg)
- Decreased urine output
- Blood in urine, rash or pallor
- Lower limb weakness
- Persistent vomiting
Don't take antidiarrheal medicines such as Imodium (Loperamide),
if you have any of the above symptoms.
It is also important to mention that all patients with chronic gastrointestinal conditions, heart diseases, diabetes, kidney disease should consult their healthcare provider especially if they do not improve within 24 - 48 hours of the treatment. 
Warning Signs
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