Travelers' Diarrhea | Travelers' Health (2024)

FAQs

Travelers' Diarrhea | Travelers' Health? ›

How do you get rid of travelers' diarrhea fast? 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. It's not recommended for children or pregnant people.

How do you get rid of travelers' diarrhea fast? 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. It's not recommended for children or pregnant people.

Loperamide (Imodium) remains the antimotility agent of choice for traveler's diarrhea. In addition to its antiperistaltic effect, it has also been shown to increase the intestinal absorption of fluid and electrolytes (70).

Some doctors recommend the oral cholera vaccine to reduce the risk of bali belly - it has been found to reduce the incidence of traveler's diarrhoea by half as it suppresses the E. coli bacteria. You may also need a vaccination for Typhoid and Hepatitis A.

Taking 2 tablets of Pepto-Bismol 4 times a day before you travel and while you are traveling can help prevent diarrhea. Do not take Pepto-Bismol for more than 3 weeks. Most people do not need to take antibiotics every day to prevent diarrhea while traveling.

Drink canned fruit juices, weak tea, clear soup, decaffeinated soda or sports drinks to replace lost fluids and minerals. Later, as your diarrhea improves, try a diet of easy-to-eat complex carbohydrates, such as salted crackers, bland cereals, bananas, applesauce, dry toast or bread, rice, potatoes, and plain noodles.

When a person has diarrhea, choosing bland foods such as bananas, plain white rice, and boiled potatoes is advisable. They can also try to have soups, broths, and sports drinks. It is advisable to avoid fried and greasy foods such as fries, pizzas, and cheeseburgers.

co*ke or soda water is not recommended to be consumed when we have Bali Belly. Drinking co*ke or soda water could worsen the irritation in our bowels, and co*ke could also make us feel more bloated. Mineral water with added sugar can be then consumed to replace soda water when we suffer from Bali Belly.

Should I take Imodium or let it run its course? ›

Since diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate) Loperamide (Imodium)

There's no hard proof that probiotics work for this problem. Some research shows they help travelers avoid this kind of diarrhea, but other studies show there isn't any benefit. The strongest evidence points to help from Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Saccharomyces boulardii.

Travellers' diarrhoea usually gets better in 3 to 5 days. Most cases are mild and do not need specific treatment. For further information on self-treatment and when to seek medical help, see treatment section below.

Untreated, bacterial diarrhea usually lasts 3–7 days. Viral diarrhea generally lasts 2–3 days. Protozoal diarrhea can persist for weeks to months without treatment. An acute bout of TD can lead to persistent enteric symptoms, even in the absence of continued infection.

Rice Water

This diarrhea remedy is often recommended for babies but may also help adults. In addition to providing nutrients, the slightly starchy solution is binding. To make rice water: Combine 1 to 2 cups of water with 1/2 cup of white or brown rice (do not use the instant type).

Loperamide (imodium) may help slow down the movement of fluid through your intestines. This may help restore normal bowel function and prevent dehydration. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may also help treat diarrhea by: reducing intestinal inflammation.