Adults with Diarrhea

Adults should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

• Replenishing water loss (due to diarrhea) is important. Avoid milk as it can make diarrhea worse. However, sports beverages (such as Gatorade) can be beneficial because they replenish electrolytes in addition to providing hydration.
• If the patient is able to eat, avoid greasy or fatty foods. Follow the "BRAT" diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast). The BRAT diet is a combination of foods used for decades to treat diarrhea. If diarrhea is accompanied by nausea, have the person suck on ice chips until the nausea stops. After the diarrhea subsides, avoid alcoholic beverages and spicy foods for two additional days.
• Individuals should continue usual activities if he or she is mildly ill with diarrhea; however, avoid strenuous exercise until they feel better because exercise increases the risk of dehydration.

Gastroenteritis Treatment

The mainstay of home treatment of gastroenteritis is hydration. Dehydration will make the symptoms of nausea and vomiting worse and compound symptoms.
Clear fluids should be consumed for the first 24 hours, then gradually progress the diet as tolerated. Clear fluids are anything you can see through. Popsicles and jell-o work well, since they are ingested slowly. Drinking too much fluid too quickly will distend the stomach and worsen the nausea.

Dehydration in adults

Although adults and adolescents have a larger electrolyte reserve than children, electrolyte imbalance and dehydration may still occur as fluid is lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Severe symptoms and dehydration usually develop as complications of medication use or chronic diseases such as diabetes or kidney failure, however, symptoms may occur in healthy people.

• Clear fluids are appropriate for the first 24 hours to maintain adequate hydration.
• After 24 hours of fluid diet without vomiting, begin a soft-bland solid diet such as the BRAT diet.

The most common antidiarrheal agents for people older than three years are over-the-counter medications such as diphenoxylate atropine (Lomotil, Lofene, Lonox) or loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium).