Final answer:
Antidiarrheal therapy is the treatment used for diarrhea, focusing on oral rehydration. Antibiotics are not typically used unless a specific bacterial infection is the cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of therapy used to treat diarrhea is antidiarrheal therapy. Oral rehydration therapy is typically the first line of treatment to replace lost fluids and essential salts. While antibiotics can be used for certain bacterial infections causing diarrhea, they are not effective against viruses that commonly cause gastroenteritis. Rather than using antibiotics, the focus is on rehydration and, in some cases, anti-parasitic drugs like nitazoxanide or supportive therapies. Additionally, it is essential to use antibiotics carefully to prevent further complications such as C. difficile infections.
Examples of antidiarrheal medications include loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). It is important to note that these medications should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and for a short duration of time.