Traveling to new and exotic destinations is an exciting adventure, but it can sometimes come with an unwanted souvenir: traveler’s diarrhea.

This common ailment can put a damper on your trip, but with the right knowledge and treatment, you can recover quickly and get back to enjoying your travels.

Here’s a guide on how to treat traveler’s diarrhea effectively.

What Is Traveler’s Diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea (TD) is a digestive disorder that commonly affects travelers who visit regions with lower sanitary standards, particularly in developing countries. It’s typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water and is often the result of bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), although viruses and parasites can also be culprits.

Symptoms of Traveler’s Diarrhea

The symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea can range from mild to severe and typically include:

  • Frequent, loose, or watery stools
  • Abdominal cramps or pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever (in some cases)
  • Bloating and gas
  • Urgency to use the bathroom

Symptoms usually start within a few days of exposure and can last from 1 to 5 days, though some cases may persist longer.

How to Treat Traveler’s Diarrhea

  1. Stay Hydrated

    • Why: The most immediate concern with traveler’s diarrhea is dehydration due to fluid loss. It’s crucial to replace lost fluids and electrolytes to avoid complications.
    • How: Drink plenty of clean, safe water. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS), available at most pharmacies, are ideal for replenishing lost electrolytes. If ORS isn’t available, a homemade solution of water, sugar, and salt can be used (1 liter of water, 6 teaspoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt).

  2. Take Over-the-Counter Medications

    • Why: Certain over-the-counter medications can help alleviate symptoms and make you more comfortable.
    • How:
      • Loperamide (Imodium): This anti-diarrheal medication can reduce the frequency of bowel movements and is useful if you need to continue traveling. However, it should not be used if you have a high fever or blood in your stools, as it can worsen the underlying condition.
      • Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): This can reduce symptoms like nausea, cramping, and diarrhea. It’s effective for mild cases but should be used with caution if you’re taking other medications or have certain medical conditions.

  3. Antibiotics (When Necessary)

    • Why: In some cases, particularly if the diarrhea is severe or accompanied by fever, antibiotics may be needed to target the underlying bacterial infection.
    • How: Consult a healthcare provider to determine if antibiotics are appropriate. Commonly prescribed antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea include ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and rifaximin. Always complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed.

  4. Follow a BRAT Diet

    • Why: A bland diet can help ease the digestive system and reduce symptoms.
    • How: The BRAT diet—Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast—is gentle on the stomach and can help solidify stools. Avoid spicy, fatty, or dairy-heavy foods, which can aggravate symptoms.

  5. Rest

    • Why: Your body needs energy to fight off the infection and recover.
    • How: Ensure you get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities until you feel better.

Preventing Traveler’s Diarrhea

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to reduce your risk of getting traveler’s diarrhea:

  1. Watch What You Eat and Drink

    • Drink only bottled or boiled water. Avoid ice cubes unless you’re sure they’re made from purified water.
    • Eat foods that are cooked and served hot.
    • Avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and eggs.
    • Peel fruits and vegetables yourself, and avoid those that can’t be peeled (like lettuce).
    • Be cautious with dairy products, as they may not be pasteurized.

  2. Practice Good Hygiene

    • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
    • Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.

  3. Consider Preventive Medications

    • In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe preventive antibiotics or recommend taking bismuth subsalicylate to reduce the risk of developing traveler’s diarrhea, particularly for those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of traveler’s diarrhea resolve on their own within a few days, you should seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, extreme thirst, little or no urination)
  • Blood or mucus in the stool
  • High fever (over 101.3°F or 38.5°C)
  • Diarrhea that persists for more than a few days
  • Symptoms that worsen despite treatment

Traveler’s diarrhea can be an unwelcome interruption to your trip, but with the right treatment and preventive measures, you can minimise its impact and recover quickly.

By staying hydrated, using appropriate medications, and being mindful of what you eat and drink, you’ll be better prepared to handle this common travel ailment and continue enjoying your journey.

Safe travels and stay healthy!