How to manage Traveler’s Diarrhea

Classic traveler’s diarrhea usually occurs during or after a trip to a Third World Country. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, lack of appetite, and tiredness. These symptoms usually go away after 3 to 5 days.

Prevention

• Eat meat that is cooked well-done.
• Avoid tap water and ice because they may be contaminated
• Avoid fruits/veggies that have been washed in contaminated water
• Brush teeth with bottled water
• Wash your hands with soap. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you do not have soap.

For a good video on preventing traveler’s diarrhea, watch this:

Treatment

• Liquids: You must drink plenty of liquids so that you do not get dehydrated. Avoid sugary drinks like sodas as these can worsen the diarrhea.
• Over-the-Counter Anti-diarrhea drugs: Loperamide (Imodium) or Bismuth sub-salicylicate (Pepto-Bismol) can help with mild diarrhea, but they will not treat the cause. If you have severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea, fever, or severe stomach cramps, please talk to your doctor.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are not usually needed unless you have symptoms like fever and bloody diarrhea. You can ask your doctor to prescribe you an antibiotic before you travel.

When to Contact your Doctor

Contact your doctor if you have severe symptoms like fever, bloody diarrhea, pus in your diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, or your diarrhea gets worse after a few days.