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When your stomach gets upset, it’s understandable that you want the quickest relief possible. But unless the problem continues for several days or is severe, drugs are usually not necessary.
If you’re constipated, drinking more water, getting more exercise, and eating high-fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables, will often solve the problem.
Through appropriate for some medical conditions, laxatives can be habit forming and can make constipation worse when overused. Not having a bowel movement every day does not necessarily mean that you’re constipated-for some people it’s normal.
If you have diarrhea, it’s a good idea to rest, eat only small amounts of food at a time, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. OTC products marketed to stop diarrhea may contain loperamide (lmodium A-D), or attapulgite (Diasorb, Kaopectate and others), or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol and others). Bismuth subsalicylate is presently being reviewed by FDA, as part of an ongoing evaluation of OTC drugs, to determine its effectiveness against diarrhea. Teens should avoid products with bismuth subsalicylate if they have flu or chickenpox symptoms because of the risk of Reye syndrome mentioned earlier.
If you’re running a fever above 100 F, or if your upset stomach symptoms are severe or continue for more then a day or two, consult your doctor, who may recommend one of the man OTC products available for these problems.
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