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Uncomfortable to endure, diarrhea can be just as uncomfortable to talk about. It’s also fairly common. 10 million Canadians suffer the symptoms every year. Usually it is not serious, but the "episodes" can sidetrack your regular routine for several days. Occasional diarrhea's frequent watery stools and abdominal cramping strikes quickly. Diarrhea is most often the body’s way of getting rid of a troublesome intestinal virus (‘stomach flu’), a bacterial infection or food poisoning. The symptoms, though unwelcome, are endured by some people who then curtail their daily activity, stay home, drink plenty of fluids and wait it out. For people with busy lives, however, allowing diarrhea to resolve naturally may not be practical, possible or comfortable. Lessen the disruption In an attempt to reduce the aggravation of this common abdominal complaint, you may choose to restrict what you eat. Although certain spicy foods and beverages like coffee may be a regular part of your diet, both can make diarrhea worse. Food allergies, most often to milk or wheat, and overindulgence are also culprits to consider if you’re trying to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort. Getting relief means getting less “time off”. If ‘waiting it out’ isn’t for you, try one of the effective medications for almost immediate relief of those uncomfortable diarrhea symptoms. A medication like IMODIUM* loperamide hydrochloride, for example, will help the bowel "tighten up" and "slow the flow". Many IMODIUM* anti-diarrheal users receive relief after just one dose – often within just one hour. IMODIUM* ADVANCED does even more by giving relief of diarrhea plus the gas and bloating that often accompanies it. Visit Imodium.ca for more information. And for those who have found themselves in situations where diarrhea struck and water was not readily available to take medication, there is a product that can be taken anytime or anywhere because no water is required for swallowing. IMODIUM* QUICK-DISSOLVE tablets work just like they sound and melt quickly on your tongue for a rapid start to relief. Chronic diarrhea Diarrhea can sometimes last longer than three weeks, meaning that it is chronic. Potentially a symptom of a medical condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic diarrhea needs medical attention. Lactose intolerance and certain medications - antibiotics for example - can cause chronic diarrhea as well. Use of an anti-diarrheal medication to slow down bowel motility will help you relieve the cramps and control the frequency of stooling. Whatever the cause, you should always contact your doctor if diarrhea persists beyond two days. And remember, when your life is disrupted by diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and stick with a bland diet until your body is back to normal. * Trademark
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