Have you possibly been exposed to well or stream water or
spoiled food? What makes your pain worse? Stress? Certain foods?
Have you had abdominal surgery? Have you taken antibiotics
recently? What medications do you take? Do you drink coffee or
alcohol, and if so, how much? Do you smoke? How much each day?
Are you on a special diet? Laboratory tests may be done on your
stools to determine the cause of your diarrhea. Over-the-counter
supplements that contain healthy bacteria, called probiotics,
may help prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotics. Yogurt
with active or live cultures is a good source of these healthy
bacteria. The following healthy steps can help you prevent
illnesses that cause diarrhea: Wash your hands often, especially
after going to the bathroom and before eating. Use alcohol-based
hand gel frequently. Teach children to not put objects in their
mouth. When traveling to underdeveloped areas, follow the steps
below to avoid diarrhea: Drink only bottled water and do not use
ice, unless it is