Most diarrhoea clears on its own — the real danger is dehydration. What to do first, and what to avoid.
First job: replace fluids
The biggest risk in diarrhoea is losing water and salts — especially for children and the elderly. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) after every loose stool is the single most important treatment. Keep drinking even if you don’t feel like eating.
What to eat
Light, familiar foods as soon as you can manage them: rice, yam, bread, bananas, soup. Avoid very oily, spicy, or dairy-heavy meals for a day or two. Fasting doesn’t speed recovery — gentle eating does.
Do you need antibiotics?
Usually no. Most acute diarrhoea is viral or food-related and settles within 2–3 days without antibiotics. Unnecessary antibiotics disrupt gut bacteria and fuel resistance. Blood in the stool, high fever, or symptoms beyond 3 days are reasons to see a health worker — not reasons to self-prescribe.
Prevention that works
Wash hands with soap after the toilet and before food. Drink water from safe sources, wash fruits, and reheat leftovers thoroughly. Most ‘running stomach’ is preventable with these basics.