Whether it’s an everyday event like running errands or a special occasion like a holiday gathering, obligations that take you out of the house are one of the worst times for an unexpected bout of diarrhea. Experiencing diarrhea while in public, surrounded by people, can be a very uncomfortable situation.
Interestingly, studies show a significant correlation between stress and diarrhea, so you might find that stressful public events make you more likely to experience diarrhea than when you’re relaxing at home. While annoying, inconvenient and embarrassing, there are ways to quickly and discreetly manage diarrhea in public.
1. Prevention is Key
If you are experiencing an upset stomach or other common warning signs of diarrhea, be careful about what you eat. Stick with easy-to-digest and bland foods like bananas, unsweetened applesauce, soups and stews. This is not the time to indulge in spicy or greasy foods, and best to avoid large portions. Other common irritants include alcohol, coffee and, of course, it’s best to avoid foods that have caused you digestive upset in the past.
In addition to adjusting your diet, it’s important to practice proper hygiene. Diarrhea is often caused by your body’s reaction to an unwanted or unfamiliar microorganism in the gut. Because these microorganisms are often transferred from our hands to our mouths, frequent hand-washing is key to preventing diarrhea.
2. Be Prepared
As the old adage goes, “it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.” When diarrhea strikes while you’re in public, you need an effective, dependable solution and you need to have it readily available. Consider keeping a pack of DiaResQ in your handbag or car for when the unexpected bout of diarrhea does occur.
Formulated to quickly reach the intestine where diarrhea starts, DiaResQ provides beneficial nutrients that work with your body to help rapidly restore normal intestinal function and relieve diarrhea. DiaResQ provides fast and effective diarrhea relief and, bonus, it’s safe for children as young as 1 year so it’s a great solution for when your little ones experience diarrhea.
3. Stay Calm
Numerous studies have shown the connection between stress and diarrhea so it’s best to stay calm and not panic when you feel that unpleasant lurch in your stomach. Everyone has experienced diarrhea at some time, so try not to let stress or embarrassment creep in as these emotions may exacerbate your symptoms.
4. Locate the Nearest Restroom
Don’t waste time endlessly searching for a restroom. Instead, ask a passerby or nearby business owner, and don’t be afraid to enter restaurants or other public establishments and ask to use their restroom. There is no reason to feel ashamed; be confident in asking to use their restroom and expressing that it’s an urgent situation.
5. Ask for Help
If you’re unable to find a restroom quickly and aren’t sure where to turn, don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. While it might feel uncomfortable, being honest and asking someone for help in an awkward situation is often your best bet. Simply explain that you suddenly feel unwell and need to find the nearest restroom.
Once you are able to get home, make sure to stay well-hydrated with pure water, broths and unsweetened coconut water. Allow your body to rest and be sure to call the doctor if your diarrhea persists for several days, and/or if it appears black, tarry or bloody. Other symptoms that warrant a doctor’s visit include a high fever, nausea and vomiting and extreme pain that accompany your diarrhea.
