How to Treat Traveler’s Diarrhea: Prevention And Treatment
Traveler’s diarrhea (TD) is an unpleasant digestive tract disorder. It’s commonly contracted by people when traveling to areas with different sanitation standards or climatic conditions. It’s characterized by symptoms such as sudden onset of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and sometimes fever.
The primary cause of TD is consuming contaminated food or water. Bacteria are the most frequent culprits, although viruses and parasites can also be responsible.
Your risk of contracting TD increases when visiting regions with a high prevalence of the condition. These regions include certain parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Central and South America.
Factors contributing to this risk include the type of accommodations, duration of stay, and your dietary choices.
Preventing TD involves adhering to guidelines like consuming only safe beverages and well-cooked foods, and avoiding items like raw fruits and vegetables that can’t be peeled.
Here’s how to treat and prevent TD, so you can save more money for your adventure!
Symptoms
- Abrupt onset of diarrhea: You may notice a sudden change in your bowel movements, with increased frequency and loose stools.
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can compound the discomfort associated with diarrhea.
- Fever: A mild to moderate fever can sometimes accompany TD.
- Weakness: The strain on your body can leave you feeling tired or weak.
- Bloating
- Stomach cramps: Painful spasms or aching in your abdominal area are common.
In some cases, you may experience further complications such as dehydration, which is a reduction in your body’s water and electrolytes. Signs of dehydration can include dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, or confusion.
Seek medical attention when you experience severe symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, high fever, severe dehydration, extreme dizziness, or confusion.
Who Is At Risk for Traveler’s Diarrhea?
If you’re a young adult on international travel, especially to developing countries, your risk of encountering TD is typically higher than it is for older travelers. Regardless of previous encounters, vulnerability to TD remains during each trip, with multiple occurrences possible.
The risk factors contributing to TD are closely linked to the standards of sanitation, hygiene, and water safety in the country you are visiting:
- Sanitation and Hygiene: Areas with limited access to plumbing or latrines can lead to widespread environmental contamination. Regions with frequent power outages may suffer from improper food storage, heightening disease risk.
- Water Quality: Using contaminated water for drinking, making ice, or washing food increases the potential for TD. You’re advised to opt for bottled water or water that’s been boiled for at least three minutes, ensuring it’s safe for consumption.
- Food and Beverage Consumption: Eating street food, dining in local homes, or staying at places with included meals can escalate your risk. Prioritize eating well-cooked food and avoid dairy products, raw fruit and vegetables, unless you can peel them yourself.
You also pose an increased risk to TD if you:
- Use certain ulcer medications.
- Have undergone gastrointestinal surgery.
Lastly, prevention efforts such as effective food handling training have been successful in reducing the incidence of TD, even in countries with high sanitation standards.
Treatment Options of TD
When you’re dealing with TD, quick treatment can help you recover more quickly and avoid complications.
Hydration and Electrolytes
Replace lost fluids and minerals promptly. Drink plenty of clean or bottled water, oral rehydration solutions, or drinks with added electrolytes. Avoid beverages that might irritate your digestive system, like those containing caffeine or alcohol.
Medications:
- Loperamide (Imodium): Can reduce the frequency of your symptoms, but it should not be used if you have a fever or blood in your stools.
- Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): Helps address symptoms but may not be suitable for everyone.
- Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): These can be highly effective for mild to moderate dehydration and are widely available at pharmacies.
Please note that these are symptomatic treatments and do not address the underlying infection.
Antibiotics may also be prescribed if your symptoms are severe, especially if accompanied by fever or stool with blood. Some common antibiotics include:
- Azithromycin: Preferred for its reduced likelihood of resistance and fewer side effects.
- Ciprofloxacin: Once a standard treatment, its use is now more limited due to increased resistance.
- Rifaximin: It’s non-absorbable and can be used for non-invasive strains of E. coli.
Note: Antibiotics have side effects and should be taken under medical guidance. Do not self-medicate without consulting a healthcare professional.
If over-the-counter medications do not alleviate your symptoms within a couple of days, or if you have severe symptoms like a high fever, bloody stools, or persistent vomiting, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor may recommend specific treatments based on your condition.
How To Avoid TD
When planning your travel, particularly to regions with higher risks of TD, such as parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South America, it’s crucial to take preventive steps.
- Be vigilant with food and water choices. Consuming contaminated food or water is the most common cause of TD. Follow the adage:
- “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.”
| Safe to Consume | Avoid |
| Bottled or boiled water | Tap water |
| Hot, cooked meals | Buffet food |
| Freshly peeled fruits | Raw vegetables and salads |
| Canned or packaged foods | Street food without proper hygiene |
- Maintain hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Consider prophylactic medication after consulting with a healthcare provider. Medicines such as Pepto-Bismol can decrease the incidence of TD when taken appropriately.
- Probiotics can strengthen your gut health, which may offer some protection against pathogens causing diarrhea.
- Lastly, for individuals with a history of TD or those traveling to high-risk areas, a physician might prescribe a course of antibiotics as a preventive measure. Antibiotics should only be taken under professional guidance. Check with a local travel clinic to make sure you’re getting the right advice.
Conclusion
TD is typically a self-limiting condition only affecting individuals traveling to developing countries.
While treatment is widely available, taking precautions to avoid TD is more important.
