Traveler’s Diarrhea

Travelers Diarrhea

Having to spend a time on the toilet is not fun.   It’s even worse when in a foreign country or in a plane trying to fly back home.  Not only is it uncomfortable it can be dangerous.  Dehydration can happen quickly especially in kids.  Read below for information on preventing and treating traveler’s diarrhea.

Where can you get it?

Travelers diarrhea is more common in areas that have different water treatment standards than that of the US.  Treatment standards have also been changing over the last few years. For information on how high risk your travel destination is click here to be directed to the CDC’s travel website.

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Prevention

Prevention is key when trying to avoid spending your travels in the banos.  Research water quality prior to travel and if the water is questionable consider only drinking bottled water.  Do not buy iced drinks and only eat fruit with thick peels and peel them yourself.

photo by Martin Barak

Consider Probiotics

I like to start probiotics prior to travel (1 week before leaving) and continue through your trip or at least the first part (for a medium to high risk area).  There are numerous studies on prevention of travelers diarrhea with probiotics – some show success, some not much.  The trouble can be that there are so many different types of probiotics and pills have varying amounts of bacteria. Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum may be the most likely to help. I usually like to go for high bacteria counts and diversity.   These are low risk medications so I feel it’s worth giving it a try.  Pepto Bismol has also been shown to decrease risk.  The dose is 2 pills 4 times a day – it’s a lot.  I took 1 pill 2 times a day the first couple days we were in a new area – probably not enough to do anything but 8 pills a day is just seems excessive.  I do recommend probiotics for the kids but not Pepto Bismol.  

Treatment of Mild to Moderate Diarrhea

I recommend keeping Imodium AD for mild cases of diarrhea.  Most cases of travelers diarrhea will resolve without antibiotics.  Increase your fluids (but still stick with bottle water).  Add electrolyte drinks like Power-aid or sodas.  Bananas can help add potassium. If you are running a fever, have blood in your stool, or feel weak you should seek medical attention.

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Treating Moderate to more Severe Cases

You may consider taking antibiotics with you if you are going to a high risk area.  Do not take them as a preventative.  They may do more harm than good.  Also do not take them for mild symptoms.  If you are having more than 6 bowel movements per day or significant interference with your plans, then take the antibiotics.  Generally they will shorten the illness by about a day.  Be sure to follow up if diarrhea continues past about 5 days.  You may need a culture to look for other causes such as the parasite Giardia.

Severe Diarrhea and Symptoms

If you are running a fever or have blood in your stool then you should see a medical provider.  Also be seen if you are feeling dizzy or having severe weakness.  Dehydration can happen quickly (especially with kids) and needs to be addressed before becoming severe.

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Need More References?

Please read these articles from the CDC and Mayo Clinic Like this Article?  Then please pin me … Looking for more family travel tips and tricks?  Then Click Here We’re a family of 5 taking a gap year from normal life to travel.  For blog posts, locations, and more information on how we did it and how you can to click here.   Take a look – Travel Shopping Lists: Luggage,Kids Travel Accessories, Mother’s Day Gifts, Electronics, Car Seats and Boosters, Kids Clothing, Travel Supplies, For the Beach, Gifts for Travelers, Home School Books, Home School Supplies