Diarrhea can be an uncomfortable and inconvenient condition. It may leave you feeling nauseous and fatigued. Some people find relief in soaking in a warm bath when they have diarrhea. But is a hot bath an effective home remedy for diarrhea? Here is a look at the research.
What causes diarrhea?
Diarrhea occurs when your bowel movements become loose, watery, and more frequent. Your stool volume increases to 200 g or more per day. Diarrhea is usually caused by:
- A viral infection
- Bacterial infection
- Parasitic infection
- Food poisoning
- Medication side effects
- Diseases affecting the intestines
- Food intolerance
Viruses are the most common cause of diarrhea. Rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus often lead to diarrhea. Bacteria such as salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, and E. coli can also trigger diarrhea. Parasites like giardia and cryptosporidium infect the intestines and disrupt digestion.
Is diarrhea serious?
In most cases, diarrhea resolves on its own within a few days. But diarrhea leads to dehydration if you are losing more fluids and electrolytes than you take in. Dehydration can become life-threatening if left untreated.
Signs of dehydration include:
- Thirst
- Dry mouth
- Weakness
- Lightheadedness
- Dark yellow urine
- Fewer tears
Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days requires medical attention. You may need IV fluids and medication. Seek emergency care for bloody diarrhea, severe cramping, fever over 101°F, or diarrhea that won’t go away.
How can a hot bath help diarrhea?
A warm bath may alleviate diarrhea discomfort in the following ways:
- Relaxes abdominal muscles – The heat from the bath can relax cramped abdominal muscles caused by diarrhea.
- Increases blood flow – The warmth dilates blood vessels and increases circulation. Better blood flow provides oxygen and nutrients to aid healing.
- Reduces inflammation – Warm water helps reduce intestinal inflammation that triggers diarrhea.
- Relieves nausea – A bath can have a calming effect and minimize nausea from diarrhea.
- Provides comfort – A warm bath simply makes you feel better when dealing with diarrhea symptoms.
Research also indicates heat therapy increases vasopressin hormone. Vasopressin reduces fluid loss and promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys during diarrhea.
What’s the ideal water temperature?
The ideal bath water temperature for diarrhea is around 100°F (37°C). This is considered a neutral temperature. Water that is too cold or hot may worsen diarrhea cramps and nausea.
Make sure to monitor and maintain a safe bath temperature. Measure the temperature using a bath thermometer. Adjust with cool or hot water as needed.
Take care not to raise your core body temperature too high with an overly hot bath. This can cause dizziness and discomfort.
How long should you soak?
Aim for a 10-20 minute bath to get benefits. Soaking for up to 30 minutes is fine as long as you feel alright.
Avoid prolonged hot baths over 30 minutes when you have diarrhea. This further raises body temperature and can intensify dehydration. Listen to your body and get out if dizzy or overheated.
When should you avoid a hot bath for diarrhea?
In some cases, a hot bath may do more harm than good:
- If you are significantly dehydrated
- Have a high fever over 101°F
- Feeling lightheaded or fatigued
- Have heart problems that may be aggravated
- Are pregnant
- Have open wounds or sores
A hot bath can worsen dehydration, circulation issues, or complications from diarrhea when these risk factors are present.
What else can you do at home?
In addition to a bath, the following home care tips may help diarrhea:
- Drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks
- Eat BRAT diet foods: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast
- Avoid dairy, fatty, sugary and high-fiber foods
- Take over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication
- Use a heating pad on the stomach
- Get lots of rest
Be sure to see a doctor if diarrhea is severe or accompanied by concerning symptoms like bloody stool, intense pain, dehydration or fever.
The bottom line
Soaking in a warm bath can help soothe and relieve diarrhea discomfort. A 10-20 minute bath around 100°F may relax cramped abdominal muscles, reduce inflammation, and aid healing. But a hot bath may not be advisable if you are dehydrated, have a fever, or certain medical conditions.
A warm bath should not replace medical treatment for severe diarrhea or dehydration. See a doctor right away if diarrhea persists beyond 48 hours, you have concerning symptoms, or are at risk for complications.
| Pros of a Warm Bath for Diarrhea | Cons of a Warm Bath for Diarrhea |
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When to See a Doctor for Diarrhea
- Diarrhea lasts more than 2 days
- You have signs of dehydration
- You have a fever over 101°F
- There is blood in your stool
- You have intense abdominal pain
- Diarrhea returns after stopping medication
- You recently traveled somewhere with poor sanitation
Severe or persistent diarrhea requires medical treatment. See a doctor to identify and address the cause, treat dehydration, and prevent complications.
A hot bath can temporarily alleviate diarrhea discomfort. But it should complement, not replace, appropriate medical care when diarrhea is severe or accompanied by worrying symptoms.
Key Points
- A warm bath around 100°F for 10-20 minutes may provide relief by relaxing stomach muscles, reducing inflammation, and increasing vasopressin.
- Make sure to maintain safe bath temperatures and avoid overheating.
- Avoid hot baths if significantly dehydrated or having complications like a fever.
- See a doctor for diarrhea lasting over 48 hours or accompanied by concerning symptoms.
- A hot bath can complement medical treatment but should not replace it when diarrhea is severe.