What to Do When You Have Traveler’s Diarrhea: Prevention and Treatment Options

Introduction

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal issue that affects travelers visiting developing countries. It’s caused by consuming contaminated food or water, and can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and frequent loose stools. It’s important to take preventative measures to avoid getting traveler’s diarrhea, as well as knowing how to treat it if you do get it.

Staying Hydrated

One of the most important things you can do to prevent and treat traveler’s diarrhea is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids will help replace any lost electrolytes and minerals, and help your body better cope with the symptoms. Water is best, but other drinks like diluted juice, sports drinks, and oral rehydration solutions can help replenish lost electrolytes.

When you have traveler’s diarrhea, it’s also important to drink more than usual. Aim for at least 8 glasses of fluid per day, and if you’re feeling particularly dehydrated, drink more. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as these can make dehydration worse.

Eating Bland Foods

Another way to manage traveler’s diarrhea is to eat bland foods. Bland foods are easy to digest and won’t irritate your digestive system. Examples of bland foods include boiled potatoes, rice, plain toast, crackers, bananas, applesauce, and oatmeal. Avoid spicy and fatty foods, as these can worsen symptoms.

It’s also important to avoid dairy products while you have traveler’s diarrhea, as they can irritate your digestive system. Stick to low-fiber fruits and vegetables, like cooked carrots, squash, and green beans, and opt for lean proteins like boiled chicken and fish.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Over-the-counter medications can also help manage traveler’s diarrhea. Antidiarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) can help reduce the frequency of your bowel movements. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is another option, as it helps reduce symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the dosage instructions.

It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication, as some may interact with other medications you’re taking. Also, don’t take medication for more than 48 hours without talking to your doctor, as this could make your condition worse.

Avoiding Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables can carry bacteria and parasites that can cause traveler’s diarrhea, so it’s best to avoid them. If you want to eat produce, make sure it’s cooked thoroughly and served hot. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are usually safe, as long as they’re not expired.

You should also avoid unpasteurized juices and dairy products, as these can contain bacteria that can cause traveler’s diarrhea. Stick to bottled or canned juices, and opt for pasteurized dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk.

Using Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to your digestive system. Taking probiotics while you have traveler’s diarrhea can help reduce the duration and severity of your symptoms. Look for probiotic supplements that contain Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is the most commonly used strain of probiotic.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any probiotic supplement. It’s also important to take the probiotics regularly, as this will help them build up in your system and provide maximum benefit.

Seeking Medical Attention

If your symptoms are severe or don’t improve after 48 hours, it’s important to seek medical attention. Signs of severity include fever, bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, and dehydration. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help fight infection, as well as other medications to manage symptoms.

It’s also important to tell your doctor if you’ve recently traveled, as this can help them determine the cause of your illness. Be sure to provide as much information as possible, including where you traveled and what you ate.

Conclusion

Traveler’s diarrhea can be a troublesome condition, but with the right preventative measures and treatments, you can reduce your risk of getting it. Be sure to stay hydrated, eat bland foods, avoid raw fruits and vegetables, use over-the-counter medication and probiotics, and seek medical attention if necessary. With proper care, you can stay safe and healthy while traveling.