If the problem is more incontinence than loose stools then that's a whole different level of difficulty. Adding psyllium fiber can sometimes help firm things up, probiotics may also be helpful.
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Need more info about what is causing the loose stools.
IBS? A diagnosed disease? Incontinence? Food sensitivity? How often?
If it's loose stools in general with no real known cause, you can consider giving the person Imodium (OTC medication), and if they are on other medications you will need to check first with their doctor. It's a tiny pill so easy to swallow.
My 93-yr old Mom has IBS and that's what her internist says to do.
That's a tricky situation. My mother developed loose bowels that went on for over a week. I switched her to Lactaid milk from regular milk. I gave her 1/2 of an Imodium to slow things down but was careful not to swing the other way into constipation which got her - and me - in the hospital in 2020 from a fecal impaction. Ugh.
Anyway, the Imodium stopped the loose bowels, and then I started her on Milk of Magnesia at bedtime only on the days when she does not have a bowel movement- no MiraLax ever.
I also started giving her "Florastor" for her gut - it's over the counter.
Every now and again she will have a loose bowel movement but it always corrects.
It's quite the balancing act to keep the bowels of an elderly person on point.
Imodium when needed but try to identify and eliminate foods that might be contributing to diarrhea. White rice may help stabilize bowels. BRAT not necessarily helpful as many people have sensitivities to wheat and fructose and dairy that will aggravate diarrhea.
Mom had chronic D for as long as I can remember. Super probiotic, from Walgreens fixed her, maybe too well. Because the problem had been nearly life-long for her she had, I think, forgotten the push part for a normal movement. Had to take her to the ER to get flushed out, on occasion.
Cholestyramine has been working for me for several years. I was off it for a period of time and then it was needed again. The doctor prescribed this after ruling out serious bowel problems.
The gastro doctor prescribed Cholestyramine to my mom as well. She's been taking it for a few years now. She used to have bad accidents often now she doesn't.
Please call the primary care doctor. She/He may ask for a stool sample to make sure there isn't an infection. Otherwise, try immodium (antidiarrhea medication) to help slow down movement through the bowels. Make sure to give plenty of fluids, especially something similar to Gatorade or Pedialyte.
I agree. My first thought was C. difficile diarrhea, which can be caught in the community. This is contagious, so need to find out quickly if this is the problem. It is treatable. And a PCP can often have an idea of what might have kicked off the loose stools......but he/she has much more information about your family member than we do, here. Check out treatable causes and see what works...if nothing does, then diet changes, herbal additions, etc. may work.
Probiotics! Ask the provider to start. May also need something for nervousness if this is an issue and ask for a calming med or antidepressant. See the provider pronto.
Go to the GI and ask for some Bently. It calms stomach cramping down, makes you drowsy and slows down your digestion. I take it for IBS and it's worked miracles.
The hour glass icon beside your avatar at the top of the page allows you to search the site, maybe you'll find some good suggestions there.
IBS?
A diagnosed disease?
Incontinence?
Food sensitivity?
How often?
If it's loose stools in general with no real known cause, you can consider giving the person Imodium (OTC medication), and if they are on other medications you will need to check first with their doctor. It's a tiny pill so easy to swallow.
My 93-yr old Mom has IBS and that's what her internist says to do.
Anyway, the Imodium stopped the loose bowels, and then I started her on Milk of Magnesia at bedtime only on the days when she does not have a bowel movement- no MiraLax ever.
I also started giving her "Florastor" for her gut - it's over the counter.
Every now and again she will have a loose bowel movement but it always corrects.
It's quite the balancing act to keep the bowels of an elderly person on point.
Could be what once was tolerated, and did not cause diarrhea, does now.
And a PCP can often have an idea of what might have kicked off the loose stools......but he/she has much more information about your family member than we do, here. Check out treatable causes and see what works...if nothing does, then diet changes, herbal additions, etc. may work.