Diarrhoea means passing loose or watery stools three or more times a day. In Ghaziabad it peaks in summer and the monsoon, usually from contaminated water or food or a viral infection. Most cases settle in a few days. The main danger is dehydration, especially in young children and older people.

Give ORS early

Use WHO-ORS packets from any chemist, mixed exactly as written on the packet. If you don't have a packet, mix 6 level teaspoons of sugar and half a level teaspoon of salt in 1 litre of boiled and cooled water. Give small sips often, and more after every loose stool. For children under 5, doctors usually also prescribe zinc for 10 to 14 days.

What to eat

  • Keep eating. Khichdi, curd rice, banana, boiled potato and dal water are easy on the stomach
  • Keep breastfeeding babies as usual
  • Avoid fried and spicy food, packaged juices and cold drinks

See a doctor quickly if

  • there is blood in the stool
  • the person passes very little urine, has a dry mouth or sunken eyes
  • a child is very drowsy, refuses to drink, or is under 6 months old
  • there is high fever or constant vomiting
  • an adult's loose motions last more than 2 days

Don't give children medicines to stop loose motions unless a doctor prescribes them.

Prevention

  • Drink boiled or filtered water
  • Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet
  • Avoid cut fruit and street food in the monsoon

Where homeopathy fits

For mild loose motions, Dr Amit Kumar can prescribe homeopathic medicine alongside ORS and the diet above. For children and adults who get loose motions again and again, see loose motions that keep coming back.

Dr Amit Kumar (BHMS, Delhi Homoeopathic Board Reg. No. 2350) has practised in Sector 4, Vaishali, Ghaziabad since 1994. The clinic is at B-3, Basement, Mini Reliance Plaza, near Sarvodaya Hospital, open Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 1 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. A consultation costs ₹500.

See clinic timings and book a consultation