Medicine to stop the runs!

[~Raven~]

So we have a gastro outbreak in our house

What is your opinion of those over the counter medicines to stop the diahorrea?

I am in two minds about it. While it would be nice to have a rest from the constant trips to the loo, I can't help thinking that by stopping it, the bug will stay in my system for longer.

WDYT?

[Pandora]

For a child or an adult?
Ive used immodium but Im not sure I'd use something liek that for the boys.

[Olive]

im my opinion- 'better out than in'

[Arimeh]

Yeah I'm always of the thinking that if its a bug thats causing it, the more trips to the toilet the better!!!

Better out than in definitely. You could try putting some nappy rash cream on your uh.. hole... hehe... nice to have it soothed before the next trip!

Hopefully its not going to go on too much longer.

[Jennifer13]

When I worked at the chemist (many moons ago) we were always reluctant to give out Immodium. The runs is your body's way of clearing the bug out. If it lasts longer than 24 hrs or you become much worse, then go see a dr. If you trap the bug in your system by stopping the diarrhoea you run the risk of causing an infection. Having personally had a bad stomach/gut infection once before (although not from using Immodium), I wouldn't recommend it!

Make sure you drink plenty of water and maybe have the pawpaw ointment at hand for sore bottoms. Also, those wet toilet wipes, or wetting the toilet paper before wiping, can help ease that discomfort. Wiping with some pawpaw ointment on the toilet paper itself also works.

Sorry the household is not feeling well.

[Rouge]

I've used gastro stop before and it didn't make me sicker.

[AnyDream]

Activated charcoal capsules are very good, they slow everything down and have the added bonus of binding any toxins to itself - the charcoal stays within the gut (ie it's not absorbed) and so it helps carry the nasties out with it (in fact they use it in hospital in large doses when people have consumed something they shouldn't). Also helps enormously with the (TMI) gas element of pain & cramping.

I have used it with my (school aged) DD by cracking the capsule open and mixing it with honey.

[Jahzara]

At Christmas time i had a very upset tummy and went far too many times over the 3 days.

I went to woolworths and got some capsules called "gastro health" they are a super strength Probiotic. Worked a treat ! (In the medicine/tablet aisle)

A couple of weeks ago DS#1 had a tummy bug so i broke the capsule and mixed it in with his breakfast or drink and he was alot better quite quickly too.

Goodluck hope you all feel better soon.
xoxo

[LimeSlice]

Strawberry Juice.
A Tablespoon for adults, teaspoon for the kids.

Hope you are all better soon
xox

[BellyBelly]

Probiotics.

Grated apple gone brown. The browning contains pectin (sp?) which helps. I think also banana is supposed to be good.

[~Raven~]

Thanks guys! Glad I'm not on my own with my better-out-than-in ideas.

Like the natural suggestions too

Pandora so far it's A and me. C is saying he has a sore tummy but he could be just copying his brother

[AnyDream]

Oh yeah, my fave gastro tip is to get brutal about handwashing. I swab the toilet down, the toilet button, the toilet door handle, the bathroom door handle and the basin taps, and change the hand-drying towel, several times a day. This often helps to contain it to whoever got it first.

[Nelle]

Hope you get better soon Sam! xo

[butterfly_warrior]

I only use those medicines when I'm dealing with the runs from medication side effects. The resulting constipation is just horrendous so I'm not personally a big fan - only for use in extreme emergencies as far as I'm concerned, and never while ill.

BW