Warning Signs Of Traveler's Diarrhea

Traveler's diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness out there. It may occur during a trip, and it can also happen after a traveler returns home. While traveler's diarrhea can occur anywhere in the world, travelers are at an increased risk of this illness during trips to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. To reduce the risk of developing traveler's diarrhea, patients are advised to avoid drinking tap water and using ice, and raw fruits and vegetables should be avoided as well. The symptoms associated with traveler's diarrhea normally last between three and seven days. Generally, treatment for this condition includes antibiotics and oral rehydration. Some patients may need to use anti-motility medication, and this should be done with a doctor's supervision.

While the symptoms of traveler's diarrhea are not normally serious, they can be unpleasant. Some of the most frequent symptoms of this condition are outlined below.

Abdominal Cramps

The abdominal cramps that accompany traveler's diarrhea can be particularly painful, and they may increase in severity over time. Patients often report a sharp burning sensation during the cramps, and these are often concentrated in the lower abdomen. In addition to the cramps, patients often feel bloated, and they may notice an increase in the normal sounds from their stomach and intestines. To reduce cramping, it can help for patients to lie down on their side or stomach, and some may find using a heating pad or hot water bottle is soothing. Usually, abdominal cramps come and go. If they are persistent and continuous, a physician should be consulted. In addition, patients who have severe pain in the abdomen or rectum should see a doctor to rule out a more serious ailment.

Nausea And Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are typically associated with more severe cases of traveler's diarrhea. Patients who experience these symptoms should record the number of vomiting episodes they experience, as this information can assist physicians in planning appropriate treatment. Patients who are vomiting should also monitor their urine output to watch for signs of dehydration. Although the symptoms can make it difficult to eat and drink, it is very important for individuals who feel nauseous or who have recently vomited to try to at least drink something to prevent dehydration. Bland foods, including crackers, toast, and rice are gentle on the stomach, and patients might wish to consider drinking something with electrolytes to replace lost fluid. Patients who experience persistent vomiting should visit the doctor as soon as possible. Physicians can provide immediate treatment that will stop vomiting, and they may also prescribe oral medicines designed to prevent nausea.

Fever

An increased temperature is rare with traveler's diarrhea, and many patients with the condition will not develop fevers at all. However, those who do experience a raised temperature need to be particularly vigilant. Patients should monitor their temperature several times each day, and doctors recommend patients receive medical treatment if their temperature is above 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Some patients with elevated temperatures may become drowsy, confused, or unresponsive; therefore, it is important to seek treatment early, especially for children. To treat high temperatures, patients may wish to use over-the-counter fever reducers. If these medicines do not help, doctors can prescribe other medicines to lower the patient's temperature. Applying damp washcloths to the wrists and forehead and taking a bath in slightly warm water can both help in symptom management.

Frequent And Urgent Need To Use The Bathroom

A frequent and urgent need to use the bathroom is by far the most common symptom that develops in patients with traveler's diarrhea. Patients with this symptom typically have at least three to five watery stools per day. To reduce the number of stools and the urgency of bathroom trips, patients may wish to take bismuth subsalicylate, an over-the-counter medicine that helps shorten the length of this illness. This medicine should be used with caution in children, pregnant women, and those who are allergic to acetylsalicylic acid. Anti-motility medicines, including loperamide and diphenoxylate, can temporarily reduce muscle spasms and diarrhea. Loperamide is available without a prescription in the United States. Without consulting a doctor, patients should only take loperamide and similar medicines for two days. The drugs should be discontinued after this time if abdominal pain and diarrhea persist, and medical care should be obtained. Infants and individuals with a high temperature or blood in the stool should not take anti-motility medicines, as these can delay the release of infectious organisms from the body, worsening traveler's diarrhea. For patients with blood, pus, or mucus in their stool, doctors typically choose to prescribe an antibiotic, which can be used in combination with anti-motility agents as directed by a doctor. Antibiotics may also be considered for patients who have a raised temperature and for those who experience more than four episodes of diarrhea per day.

Dehydration

Dehydration typically develops as a result of the repeated episodes of diarrhea and vomiting in traveler's diarrhea. In the early stages, patients with reduced levels of hydration may experience dry mouth, and their urine output will slowly decrease. As the symptom worsens, patients may start to notice reduced perspiration, and infants may not produce tears when they cry. To replace fluids, patients may wish to travel with an oral rehydration solution. These solutions are readily available in pharmacies throughout the world, including those in developing countries. The solutions replace fluids and help to balance electrolytes. A homemade rehydration solution can be made by mixing four tablespoons of sugar with half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of baking soda. These ingredients should be slowly stirred into one liter of safe drinking water. Once the solution is made, patients should drink small amounts of it several times a day. To prevent vomiting, it should not be consumed in large quantities in one sitting. Rehydration solutions are only intended for short-term use, and patients should see a healthcare provider urgently if symptoms continue.