Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
How Long For Diarrhea Treatments To Start Working?
Feb 10, 2001
Hello Dr., I've had chronic diarrhea for a while now and have tried several things to make it better. I tried calcium, but stopped after about 3 days because it left me feeling bloated, crampy, and constipated (same with all the over the counter anti-diarrhea products) -- Now, I've been taking Acidophilus for about 3 days and the diarrhea has not improved greatly, but the diarrhea does seem to be a little *different* than before the Acidophilus. My question: Generally, how long should one try products like these before deciding whether they are working or not?
Advertisement
Response from Dr. Fisher
Probably a week or so. Products like imodium and lomotil tend to work rapidly because they interfere (slow down) bowel motion. The ones you cite work differently; indeed more naturally, but more slowly.
Make sure you have been adequately evaluated as to the cause of this diarrhea: stool tests, colonoscopy, etc.
AF
Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
E-Mail
Glossary
Response from Dr. Fisher
