Discharge Instructions - Traveler's Diarrhea

As discussed in the Emergency Department prior to discharge, you have been diagnosed with traveler’s diarrhea.  Travelers' diarrhea is runny or watery bowel movements in people who are traveling.  It is usually caused by bacteria but can also be caused by a virus or parasite.

You are more likely to get travelers' diarrhea if you travel in: Asia (except Singapore and Japan), Africa, South America, Central America, and Mexico, countries around the Mediterranean Sea, including Israel, and the Caribbean islands.

The main symptom is runny or watery bowel movements.  These usually start about 4 to 14 days after arriving.  Other symptoms can include:

    -Feeling sick

    -Loss of appetite

    -Cramps in the lower belly

    -Nausea and vomiting

    -Fever

    -Gas and bloating – Feeling like the belly is full, with pain in the middle or top of the belly.

    -Blood in the bowel movements

    -Feeling as though you need have a bowel movement even if you just did

    -Feeling you need to get to the toilet in a hurry

Travelers' diarrhea usually lasts 1 to 5 days, but some people are sick for a week or longer.

The most important treatment is getting enough fluid.  That's because diarrhea can cause the body to lose fluid.  Adults with mild diarrhea can drink lots of fluids with water, salt, and sugar.  Soup broth and water mixed with juice are good choices.  If you are drinking enough, your urine will look light yellow or almost clear.

If you have very frequent diarrhea, you can drink an "oral rehydration solution."  You can buy this in a packet at the pharmacy or as a pre-mixed solution such as Pedialyte.

You may have been prescribed an antibiotic in the Emergency Department, and if so, it is important you complete the full course – do not stop early!

You may also have been prescribed or directed to take an over-the-counter a medicine to slow down frequent bowel movements, such as Loperamide (brand name: Imodium), Diphenoxylate-Atropine (brand name: Lomotil), and Bismuth Subsalicylate (brand names: Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate).  They can help, but they can also cause other health problems.  Bismuth salicylate might not be safe for pregnant women or people who take Aspirin for another condition.  You can take Loperamide or Diphenoxylate if you have mild diarrhea.  If you have very bad diarrhea, you should only take Loperamide or Diphenoxylate if you are also taking antibiotics.  You should stop Loperamide or Diphenoxylate if your symptoms get worse when you take them.

Return to the Emergency Department if you have signs of dehydration despite treatment, a dry mouth with no visible saliva, lethargy, high fever (≥40.0°C / 104.0°F), blood in your diarrhea, abdominal pain that move to one side of the abdomen, or have any other new or concerning symptoms.