Treatment FAQ

what is treatment for travel diarrhea

by Mr. Oren Gerlach V Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Antibiotics should be used to treat severe travelers' diarrhea. Azithromycin is preferred to treat severe travelers' diarrhea. Fluoroquinolones may be used to treat severe, nondysenteric travelers' diarrhea. Rifaximin may be used to treat severe, nondysenteric travelers' diarrhea.

Medication

Don't eat foods such as: Raw fruits, vegetables, or salad greens. Unpasteurized milk, cheese, ice cream, or yogurt. Raw meat. Shellfish. Any fish caught in tropical reefs rather than the open ocean. Condiments that are left on the table, such as ketchup, mustard, sauces, or dips.

Self-care

Jun 10, 2019 · Treatment of travelers’ diarrhea with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim and loperamide. J Am Med Assoc 1990; 263:257-61. [Google Scholar]

Nutrition

Jul 01, 1999 · Moderate to severe traveler's diarrhea, including dysentery, can be empirically treated with a three-day course of a fluoroquinolone such as …

What to take for travelers diarrhea?

Nov 06, 2017 · toast broth crackers white rice apples (washed with filtered water) bananas

How do you treat travelers diarrhea?

What is the main treatment for travelers' diarrhea? Hydration is the primary treatment. Often people with a bout of travelers' diarrhea feel so weak. A good deal of it is due to dehydration. It's...

What is the best medication for travelers diarrhea?

Dec 22, 2020 · The treatment of travelers' diarrhea is usually plenty of oral liquids as well as over-the-counter medications that control diarrhea and cramps. Antibiotic prophylaxis ( prevention) for travelers' diarrhea is available but is not recommended generally. The prognosis of travelers' diarrhea is good.

What is the cure for travellers diarrhoea?

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How do you get rid of travelers diarrhea fast?

Learn some ways to treat traveler's diarrhea
  1. Drink lots of fluids. If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. ...
  2. Take over-the-counter drugs. Several drugs, such as loperamide, can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea. ...
  3. Only take antibiotics if needed.

Is there a cure for travelers diarrhea?

Traveler's diarrhea may get better without any treatment. But while you're waiting, it's important to try to stay hydrated with safe liquids, such as bottled water or water with electrolytes such as an oral rehydration solution (see below).Aug 7, 2021

How do you treat travelers diarrhea at home?

Studies have shown that over-the-counter bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) can reduce the duration of traveler's diarrhea, as well as the frequency of your stools.Apr 24, 2022

Does travelers diarrhea resolve on its own?

Traveler's diarrhea occurs within 10 days of travel to an area with poor public hygiene. It's the most common illness in travelers. It's caused by drinking water or eating foods that have bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It usually goes away without treatment in a few days.

Should I take antibiotics for traveler's diarrhea?

Antibiotics should be used to treat severe travelers' diarrhea. Azithromycin is preferred to treat severe travelers' diarrhea. Fluoroquinolones may be used to treat severe, nondysenteric travelers' diarrhea. Rifaximin may be used to treat severe, nondysenteric travelers' diarrhea.

Do I need antibiotics for diarrhea?

Antibiotics or anti-parasitic medications might help treat diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won't help.Aug 18, 2021

Should you take Imodium for traveler's diarrhea?

Traveler's diarrhea often is treated with antibiotics. You also can take loperamide (brand name: Imodium), but don't take it without an antibiotic if you have bloody diarrhea. Children, pregnant women, older adults, and other people who get dehydrated easily should drink rehydration solutions.Jun 1, 2005

What does Imodium do?

Loperamide is used to control and relieve the symptoms of acute diarrhea. It is also used to treat chronic diarrhea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Loperamide helps stop diarrhea by slowing down the movements of the intestines.Feb 1, 2022

Do probiotics help with travelers diarrhea?

They are effective in treating some diarrheal disorders and probiotic research is ongoing. In particular, a study of Saccharomyces boulardii (Florastor®), a probiotic yeast, showed that it has a protective effect against travellers' diarrhea.Mar 17, 2020

How much Cipro should I take for travelers diarrhea?

Ciprofloxacin (cipro) is the medication of choice, at a dose of 500 mg twice daily for three days. If you are traveling to an area where TD is a possibility, your travel medicine provider may prescribe cipro or a similar antibiotic for you to take on your trip.

How long can Travellers diarrhea last?

Traveler's diarrhea usually lasts from 3 to 7 days and is rarely life threatening.Aug 18, 2021

How Long Does travelers diarrhea usually last?

Traveler's diarrhea may begin abruptly during your trip or shortly after you return home. Most people improve within 1 to 2 days without treatment and recover completely within a week. However, you can have multiple episodes of traveler's diarrhea during one trip.Aug 7, 2021

How to treat diarrhea in a traveler?

Learn some ways to treat traveler’s diarrhea 1 Drink lots of fluids#N#If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. In serious cases of travelers’ diarrhea, oral rehydration solution—available online or in pharmacies in developing countries—can be used for fluid replacements. 2 Take over-the-counter drugs#N#Several drugs, such as loperamide, can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea. These drugs decrease the frequency and urgency of needing to use the bathroom, and may make it easier for you to ride on a bus or airplane while waiting for an antibiotic to take effect. 3 Only take antibiotics if needed#N#Your doctor may give you antibiotics to treat traveler’s diarrhea, but consider using them only for severe cases. If you take antibiotics, take them exactly as your doctor instructs. If severe diarrhea develops soon after you return from your trip, see a doctor and ask for stool tests so you can find out which antibiotic will work for you.

How to avoid traveler's diarrhea?

You can take steps to avoid traveler’s diarrhea 1 Choose food and drinks carefully#N#Eat only foods that are cooked and served hot. Avoid food that has been sitting on a buffet. Eat raw fruits and vegetables only if you have washed them in clean water or peeled them. Only drink beverages from factory-sealed containers, and avoid ice because it may have been made from unclean water. 2 Wash your hands#N#Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. In general, it’s a good idea to keep your hands away from your mouth.

What to do if you have diarrhea?

If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. In serious cases of travelers’ diarrhea, oral rehydration solution—available online or in pharmacies in developing countries—can be used for fluid replacements. Take over-the-counter drugs.

Can you buy loperamide over the counter?

Several drugs, such as loperamide, can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea. These drugs decrease the frequency and urgency of needing to use the bathroom, and may make it easier for you to ride on a bus or airplane while waiting for an antibiotic to take effect. Only take antibiotics if needed.

Can you take antibiotics for diarrhea?

Only take antibiotics if needed. Your doctor may give you antibiotics to treat traveler’s diarrhea, but consider using them only for severe cases. If you take antibiotics, take them exactly as your doctor instructs.

How to keep your hands from sneezing?

If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. In general, it’s a good idea to keep your hands away from your mouth.

What is traveler's diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common illness that affects people who visit certain hot, humid countries. Bacteria, viruses and parasites in contaminated water or food cause the illness. In addition to diarrhea, you may also have severe abdominal pain, cramps and vomiting. Some people refer to it as Montezuma’s revenge, ...

Can you get diarrhea from traveling?

Traveler’s diarrhea is a relatively common plight of people who travel to countries that have untreated water supplies. Many of the organisms that cause this illness live in contaminated water or food. If you’re traveling to a high-risk area, talk to your healthcare provider about how to lower your risk of getting sick and what to do if you get sick. With some precautions, you can safely leave the bathroom and enjoy your travels.

Can you get diarrhea from hot water?

You should also stay hydrated. Some people need antibiotics. You can take steps to prevent getting sick.

What causes diarrhea in travelers?

Other causes of traveler’s diarrhea include: Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella and Shigella bacteria. Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis (infections caused by parasites). Norovirus and rotavirus.

How long does it take for diarrhea to show up?

Symptoms typically can appear within six to 24 hours after a bacterial or viral infection depending on the infection load. It may take one to three weeks for signs of an intestinal parasite infection to show up.

Can E. coli cause diarrhea?

E coli bacteria most commonly cause traveler’s diarrhea. You may be exposed to illness-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites through contaminated water or food. Many developing countries lack the resources to treat water and kill these contaminants.

How to prevent traveler's diarrhea?

You can take steps to prevent traveler's diarrhea. Only use water that has been boiled or chemically disinfected for: Drinking. Making tea or coffee. Brushing your teeth. Washing your face. Washing your hands (or use alcohol-based gel) Washing fruits and vegetables. Washing food utensils, equipment, or surfaces.

How long does diarrhea last?

Key Points. Traveler's diarrhea occurs within 10 days of travel to an area with poor public hygiene. It’s the most common illness in travelers. It’s caused by drinking water or eating foods that have bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It usually goes away without treatment in a few days.

How long does stool culture last?

It is then sent to a lab to check for bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If your symptoms last longer than 10 to 14 days, you may have other tests.

Can diarrhea cause dehydration?

The loss of body fluid from diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. This can be serious. Contact your healthcare provider if you are not urinating as much as usual. A small number of people can develop post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome. This can cause symptoms such as: Long-term diarrhea.

What is stool culture?

He or she will ask about your recent travel. You may also have a stool culture or other tests. A stool culture is done by taking a small sample of stool. It is then sent to a lab to check for bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Can traveler's diarrhea cause dehydration?

Be especially cautious with children because traveler's diarrhea can cause severe dehydration in a short time. Call a doctor if your child is sick and exhibits any of the following signs or symptoms:

How long does it take for diarrhea to clear up?

Most cases improve within one to two days without treatment and clear up completely within a week. However, you can have multiple episodes of traveler's diarrhea during one trip. The most common signs and symptoms of traveler's diarrhea are: Abrupt onset of passage of three or more loose stools a day. An urgent need to defecate.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

Nausea. Vomiting. Fever. Sometimes, people experience moderate to severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, a high fever, bloody stools, or severe pain in the abdomen or rectum. If you or your child experiences any of these signs or symptoms or if the diarrhea lasts longer than a few days, it's time to see a doctor.

How long does diarrhea last?

If you or your child experiences any of these signs or symptoms or if the diarrhea lasts longer than a few days, it's time to see a doctor.

What is the digestive tract?

Gastrointestinal tract. Your digestive tract stretches from your mouth to your anus. It includes the organs necessary to digest food and process waste. Traveler's diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and abdominal cramps.

What causes a person to have loose stools?

Your digestive tract stretches from your mouth to your anus. It includes the organs necessary to digest food and process waste. Traveler's diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and abdominal cramps. It's caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

How to avoid getting sick when traveling?

But, it's still possible to get sick even if you follow these rules. Other tips that may help decrease your risk of getting sick include: Don't consume food from street vendors.

What is the best medication for traveler's diarrhea?

Drug Therapies Used to Treat Moderate to Severe Traveler's Diarrhea in Adults. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), 500 mg twice daily for one to three days, or one 750-mg dose (if diarrhea resolves) Norfloxacin (Noroxin), 400 mg twice daily for one to three days. Ofloxacin (Floxin), 300 mg twice daily for one to three days.

What are the causes of traveler's diarrhea?

The three major protozoal causes of traveler's diarrhea are Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium parvum. Diarrheal disease caused by these organisms is notable for its longer duration and failure to respond to routine antibiotic therapy.

What are the pathogens that cause diarrhea?

References. Common pathogens in traveler's diarrhea include enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, Yersinia and many other species. Viruses and protozoa are the cause in many cases. Fortunately, traveler's diarrhea can usually be avoided by carefully selecting foods and beverages.

What causes diarrhea in developing countries?

Unlike in the United States, where most diarrheal disease is viral in origin, in developing countries, bacterial infection is the cause of diarrhea in at least 80 percent of cases. Viral, protozoal or undetermined etiologies account for the remainder of cases.

Is antibiotic resistance widespread?

Antibiotic resistance is now widespread. Nonabsorbable antibiotics, immunoprophylaxis with vaccines and biotherapeutic microbes that inhibit pathogen infection may eventually supplant antibiotic treatment. In the meantime, azithromycin and new fluoroquinolones show promise as possible replacements for the older agents.

How long can you take bismuth?

It has been shown to provide a 65 percent protection rate. 8 Bismuth subsalicylate can be taken for up to three weeks.

Does doxycycline cause photosensitivity?

Nuisance side effects such as vaginal yeast infections and, with doxycycline, photosensitivity, are common. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends preventive measures only and not drug prophylaxis for most travelers.

What is the best medicine for traveler's diarrhea?

Bismuth subsalicylate ( Pepto-Bismol) can be effective for treating mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. Use it according to the instructions on the box. Antimotility agents like Imodium can also be used, but they should be saved for emergencies, like airplane travel.

What is a traveler's diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder. It consists of abdominal cramps and diarrhea that’s most often caused by consuming food or water that the body isn’t familiar with. If you’re visiting an area where either the sanitary practices or the climate are different than what you’re used to at home, you’re more likely to experience ...

Can you get diarrhea while traveling?

It’s most common to get traveler’s diarrhea while visiting: Mexico. Central America. South America. Africa. the Middle East. most of Asia (excluding Japan) It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Traveler’s diarrhea typically goes away on its own within a few days.

Is traveler's diarrhea contagious?

Traveler’s diarrhea typically goes away on its own within a few days. It can cause dehydration, which can be dangerous, especially for children. It’s often contagious, however, and passed from person to person regardless of the cause.

Can diarrhea cause vomiting?

Dehydration can easily occur when the diarrhea causes the body to lose fluids at a faster rate than they can take them in. Vomiting and nausea, which sometimes accompany diarrhea, can make this worse. Dehydration can be particularly dangerous for young children. Know the warning signs of dehydration in toddlers.

How long does diarrhea last?

Traveler’s diarrhea typically resolves within two to three days, but even mild cases can last up to seven days. It may resolve faster with treatment. Because symptoms may not start until several days after exposure, it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly what made you sick.

What to do if home remedies don't work?

If home remedies haven’t worked, your doctor will prescribe treatment based on the cause of the illness. If you have a bacterial infection, they’ll prescribe antibiotics like doxycycline (Acticlate) or ciproflaxin ( Cipro ).

How long does it take for diarrhea to subside?

Know that even bacterial travelers' diarrhea usually gets better without antibiotic treatment, although rehydration is always advised and symptoms may take 3 to 5 days or more to subside without treatment. For those with diarrhea due to parasitic infections, there are agents that are specific for each type of infection.

What causes diarrhea on a cruise ship?

Travelers' diarrhea may also be caused by viruses, such as norovirus, which is in the news a lot because of how quickly it can spread through a cruise ship. Parasitic travelers' diarrhea is yet another kind.

Does Pepto Bismol help with diarrhea?

Yes. Pepto-Bismol has been used for a number of years to prevent travelers' diarrhea. Studies show that if adults take the equivalent of two tabs four times a day, it can decrease the incidence of travelers’ diarrhea up to 60%. Now, many people who take that amount of Pepto-Bismol end up with severe constipation.

Can antacids cause diarrhea?

Therefore, those on antacids, or who just have low stomach acid, often get travelers' diarrhea more easily. People who have underlying diseases of the gut, such as Crohn’s disease or AIDS, may be more susceptible to certain types of organisms causing travelers’ diarrhea.

Can you take aspirin if you are allergic to it?

While this helps many people, those allergic to aspirin cannot take it. And if you're taking prescription medications, you should check with your doctor to see if you can take this. Some swear by probiotics like lactobacillus for preventing travelers' diarrhea.

Can kids be dehydrated?

Kids can become dehydrated far quicker than adults. Rehydration solutions are more important for children right from the outset. Doctors are now becoming more open to prescribing antibiotics that children can take in case they get travelers' diarrhea. Azithromycin can be useful in children.

What does it mean when you touch your nose?

It could mean just excess gas, or a variety of symptoms that can occur from a change in the types of food or beverages we are used to – or, most commonly, to contamination of food or beverages. And it's not just food and beverages. Touching your mouth or nose with contaminated hands may be all it takes.

What is the best treatment for diarrhea?

The treatment of travelers' diarrhea is usually plenty of oral liquids as well as over-the-counter medications that control diarrhea and cramps. Antibiotic prophylaxis ( prevention) for travelers' diarrhea is available but is not recommended generally. The prognosis of travelers' diarrhea is good.

What is diarrhea in travel?

Share Your Story. Travelers' diarrhea is defined by most experts as three or more unformed stools in a 24 hour time period, passed by a person who is traveling. Travelers' diarrhea is commonly accompanied by abdominal cramps, nausea, and bloating. Travelers' diarrhea is a general term and does not specify any cause.

What causes diarrhea in travelers?

Travelers' diarrhea usually is caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria or, less commonly, with parasites or viruses. The treatment of travelers' diarrhea is usually plenty of oral liquids as well as over-the-counter medications that control diarrhea and cramps.

What is a traveler's diarrhea?

Travelers' diarrhea is defined by most experts as three or more unformed stools in a 24 hour time period, passed by a person who is travel ing. Travelers' diarrhea is commonly accompanied by abdominal cramps, nausea, and bloating. Travelers' diarrhea is a general term and does not specify any cause.

How many people in the world have diarrhea?

Diarrhea is the most common illness of travelers, affecting 10 million people each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Where do people get diarrhea?

In general, travelers at risk for diarrhea commonly come from industrialized nations and travel to high-risk areas that are primarily within developing or less industrialized nations of the world, including Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Areas of lesser risk include China and some Caribbean nations.

Does famotidine cause diarrhea?

People taking acid blockers for their stomachs (for example, famotidine [ Pepcid ], cimetidine [ Tagamet ], omeprazole [ Prilosec ], esomeprazole [ Nexium ]) also have a higher susceptibility to travelers' diarrhea because they have less stomach acid to protect them from the bacteria that cause the condition.

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Overview

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karthikeya T M
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The condition usually resolves itself within a day or two. Medication and self care practises are sometimes required.
Medication

Anti-motility agents: Used to reduce muscle spasms and loose motions.

Diphenoxylate


Anti-diarrheal agents: Used to decrease the frequency of the passage of stool.

Loperamide


Antibiotics: To get rid of the severe symptoms such as fever or blood, pus or mucus in the stool.

Norfloxacin . Ciprofloxacin

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

Stay rehydrated by taking oral rehydration salts.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • NA

Foods to avoid:

  • Avoid junk foods, especially street foods

Specialist to consult

Gastroenterologist
Specializes in the digestive system and its disorders.

Complications

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Traveler's diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and abdominal cramps. It's caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Fortunately, traveler's diarrhea usually isn't serious in most people — it's just unpleasant. When you visit a place where the climate or sanitar…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention

  • Traveler's diarrhea may begin abruptly during your trip or shortly after you return home. Most people improve within 1 to 2 days without treatment and recover completely within a week. However, you can have multiple episodes of traveler's diarrhea during one trip. The most common signs and symptoms of traveler's diarrhea are: 1. Abrupt onset of passage of three or more loos…
See more on mayoclinic.org

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