What To Do
When You Have Loose Stools (Diarrhea)
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To order free copies of this fact sheet, please call
1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER).
What is diarrhea?
Do you have bowel movements more often than normal? Are they soft, loose, or watery? Then you may have diarrhea.
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Take these steps to feel better:
Drink more liquids each day. |
Drinking will help you feel better. Although it won't stop the diarrhea, it will help prevent dehydration (loss of too much water from the body).
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Eat small meals that are easy on your stomach. |
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Limit or avoid foods and drinks that can make your diarrhea worse. |
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These foods and drinks may be easy on your stomach until you feel better: | |||
Soups (clear liquids) | Drinks (clear liquids) | Meals and snacks | Fruits and other foods |
Clear broth, such as chicken, vegetable, or beef![]() ![]() | Clear soda, such as ginger ale Cranberry or grape juice Oral rehydration solution drinks, such as Pedialyte® Tea Water ![]() | Chicken—broiled or baked, without the skin Crackers Cream of wheat or rice cereal Noodles Oatmeal Potatoes—boiled, without the skin Pretzels White rice White toast | Applesauce Bananas Canned fruit, such as peaches and pears Gelatin (such as Jell-O®) Most canned or cooked fruits and vegetables without seeds or skins are easy on your stomach. ![]() |
Take care of your bottom (rectal area):
- Use a baby wipe that is alcohol free and unscented.
- It may help to sit in a shallow, warm bath (sitz bath).
- Let your doctor or nurse know if your rectal area is sore or bleeds.
Questions to ask your doctor or nurse:
- What problems should I call you about?
- How much liquid should I drink each day?
- What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid?
- What are oral rehydration solution drinks? Where can I find them?
- What is a sitz bath? Should I take these?
- What products can I use if my bottom is sore or bleeds? What should I not use?