Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Traveler's Diarrhea Treatment
1. Rehydrate
Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Children are especially prone to dehydration.
For the first 24 hours, drink bottled or canned soft drinks.
Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, which can worsen diarrhea.
For dehydration, drink an oral rehydration solution, available at drug stores.
2. Resume Foods Carefully
Avoid solid foods and dairy products for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, you may start the BRAT diet -- bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast -- or salted soda crackers, boiled potatoes, eggs, and cereals.
Slowly advance to regular foods.
3. Treat Symptoms
Over-the-counter medications may reduce cramping and control traveler's diarrhea.
4. When to See a Health Care Provider
If diarrhea is bloody, see a health care provider immediately. Do not take over-the-counter drugs.
If diarrhea continues after several days despite home treatment, see your health care provider. He or she may prescribe an antibiotic. If diarrhea still persists, the health care provider may check for resistant bacteria or parasites.
Take a child to a doctor if symptoms include bloody diarrhea, dehydration, persistent vomiting, or fever higher than 102.
See a health care provider if nausea or vomiting is severe enough to prevent rehydration.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCES:
Columbia University Health Services Go Ask Alice: "Traveler's diarrhea: Preventing and treating runs on the road."
Tuft's Health Services: "Traveler's Diarrhea."
University of Washington Seattle: "Traveler's Diarrhea."
Yates, J. American Family Physician, June 1, 2005.