Diarrhea | Primary Care | Mercy Health

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by loose, watery stools. Most people get diarrhea once or more each year.

If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to dehydration and can be life-threatening.

Viral diarrhea can be prevented by diligent hand washing or hand sanitizing.

Common related conditions

Constipation
Abdominal Pain

Causes of diarrhea

Diarrhea is typically caused by a virus in the intestines or stomach.

There are many conditions that can cause diarrhea including:

• Lactose intolerance
• Celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Other factors that can contribute to a diarrhea episode include:

• Alcohol use disorder
• Food allergies
• Diabetes or prediabetes
• Medications such as antibiotics, cancer drugs or antacids with magnesium
• Certain foods or substances found in fructose and artificial sweeteners
• Laxative abuse

Risk factors for diarrhea

There are a variety of factors that can increase your chances of getting diarrhea, including:

• Age — diarrhea is more common in younger children under the age of three and elderly patients.
• Comorbidity — if you have a serious condition such as diabetes or kidney diseases you might be more likely to have diarrhea.
• Environment — people who live in or travel to areas with poor sanitation are more likely to develop diarrhea.

Symptoms of diarrhea

Signs or symptoms of diarrhea can come on quickly and may include:

• Loose, watering bowel movements
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement
• Fever
• Bloody stool

Diagnosis of diarrhea

Diarrhea can be diagnosed in a physical exam with your primary care physician. Your doctor will take a full medical history and may order tests to determine what is causing your diarrhea.

Tests may include:

• Blood test — a complete blood count can be performed to determine the underlying condition causing your diarrhea.
• Stool test — determines what is causing the diarrhea, potentially a bacteria or parasite.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy — allows your doctor to see inside the colon to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Treatment for diarrhea

Most people do not need medical treatment for diarrhea. Acute episodes of diarrhea typically resolve without treatment within a couple of days.

If you have persistent diarrhea, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:

• Over-the-counter medication such as psyllium or bismuth subsalicylate
• Probiotics — taken as a pill or powder, increase healthy bacteria in the digestive system
• Antibiotics — for diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites
• Hydration — replacing lost fluids is crucial in treating diarrhea

Diarrhea is typically a symptom of an underlying condition, which can be relieved by treating the underlying condition. If symptoms are severe, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist who can diagnose and treat the full range of digestive disorders.

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How to Treat Diarrhea | What Causes Diarrhea?

If diarrhea lasts for weeks or longer, it could indicate a more serious illness like inflammatory bowel disease or infection.  Diarrhea with blood present may also be a sign of serious illness. People with long-lasting or bloody diarrhea should be seen by a medical professional. Schedule an appointment if you have these symptoms. 

Those who are very young, old, or sick may need medical attention with diarrhea.  Because it can cause dehydration, these populations may not be able to replace all the water and salts necessary for the body to function.

Diarrhea Symptoms

Symptoms of diarrhea include:

• Watery, thin, or loose stools
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal cramping or bloating
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloody or black stools
• Urgency to have a bowel movement
• Weight Loss or dehydration

See a doctor if you:

• Have diarrhea that lasts more than two days
• Have bloody or black stools
• Have severe rectal or abdominal pain
• Have a fever above 102F
• Become dehydrated

Signs of dehydration can include:

• Urine that is darker in color
• Urinating less
• Increased heart rate
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Confusion

What Causes Diarrhea?

The most common cause is a virus in the bowel (viral gastroenteritis).  This is sometimes called “intestinal flu” and can last for 1-2 days.

Viruses

Viral hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, and Norwalk virus can all cause diarrhea.  In children, rotavirus is a common cause of acute diarrhea.

Parasites

Ingesting food or water that is contaminated can transfer parasites to your body.  Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia are two parasites that can cause diarrhea. Drinking untreated water, such as from a stream in the woods, is often associated with contracting parasites.

Bacteria

Contaminated food and water can carry bacteria into the body.  Common bacterial illnesses that can cause diarrhea include salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Shigella, and Campylobacter.

Traveler’s Diarrhea

Diarrhea caused by parasites and bacteria when traveling abroad is often called traveler’s diarrhea.  You are at increased risk of developing traveler’s diarrhea when you visit someplace where the sanitary conditions or climate are different from what your body is used to.  Symptoms typically go away after one to two days and treatment isn’t necessary.

Medications

Some medications can cause diarrhea, including antibiotics.  Antibiotics destroy bacteria – both good and bad – which can disrupt the balance of natural bacteria in the bowels. Cancer treatment drugs and antacids with magnesium may also cause diarrhea.

Lactose

Those who are lactose intolerant may experience diarrhea after consuming milk or dairy products.  Lactose is the sugar found in milk and dairy products that some people have trouble digesting.

Fructose

Fruits and honey contain a natural sugar called fructose that can cause diarrhea in some people.  Fructose is also used as a sweetener in beverages.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners found in sugar-free products and chewing gum may cause some people to have diarrhea.  The ingredient names are sorbitol and mannitol.

Surgery

Abdominal surgery or surgery to remove the gallbladder may cause diarrhea.

Digestive Illnesses

Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome can cause diarrhea.

Diagnosis

To diagnose diarrhea, doctors will review your medical history and perform a physical exam first.  This will include questions about recent diet changes, travel, and any medications you may be taking.  Other tests for diarrhea may include:

Stool Test

A stool test can help determine if diarrhea is caused by a parasite or bacterium.

Blood Test

Blood tests can help determine the cause of diarrhea. Bloodwork can help identify concerns with infections and anemia, kidney function, electrolytes, and albumen (nutrition).

Endoscopy

If the cause of diarrhea cannot be determined, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.  These procedures allow the doctor to view the lining of the colon using a thin, flexible tube with a small camera at the end.

How to Treat Diarrhea

Most cases of mild diarrhea do not require treatment.  Home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help.  If your symptoms persist longer than two days, your doctor may recommend alternative treatments or medications.

Treating Diarrhea Without Medication

Diarrhea usually clears up without medication. A supportive diet can treat your symptoms and help you get the nutrients and hydration you need. Here’s what to eat:

1. Drink more fluids

Diarrhea can cause dehydration very quickly, so it’s critical that you try to take in fluids as much as possible. Sip fluids throughout the day and/or increase the total intake of water to two to three liters if possible. Clear broths, fruit juice (without pulp), rehydration drinks, sports drinks, and tea with honey are helpful. These liquids replace the water and salt your body needs to function properly. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

1. Gradually add low-fiber foods

As your stools become more solid, slowly increase your intake of low fiber foods. These may include bananas, smooth peanut butter, chicken (no skin), lean ground beef, fish, cottage cheese, yogurt, rice, potatoes, noodles, and applesauce.

1. Avoid dairy, high-fat, high-fiber and spicy foods

Fried or greasy foods, raw fruits and vegetables, spicy foods, and whole-grain breads and cereals are harder to digest.

What is the BRAT Diet?

The BRAT diet is a simple way to remember how to stop diarrhea with foods you may already have at home. It refers to four foods that are both bland and binding. They’re unlikely to irritate your digestive system and may help make stool firm.

Brat stands for:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Apples
• Toast

Those are the foods easiest to remember, but other foods can be eaten on the BRAT diet, including:

• Applesauce
• Cooked cereals
• Soda crackers

Treating Diarrhea With Medication

Antibiotics

Antibiotics can help treat diarrhea if the cause is parasites or bacteria.  Antibiotics will not help if your diarrhea is caused by a virus. A stool test can help determine if antibiotics are appropriate.

Adjust Medications

Sometimes a medication, such as an antibiotic, causes diarrhea. In this case, your doctor may switch to another medication or lower your dose.

Over-the-counter medications

Anti-diarrheal medications available over-the-counter may help reduce symptoms. Loperamide (Imodium A-D) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is widely available.

If the infection is caused by a parasite or bacterium, these medications could worsen the condition.  Your body will try to remove what’s causing diarrhea and these medications may prevent that from happening.

Your doctor will likely recommend diagnosing the cause of your diarrhea if it is severe or lasts longer than two days.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial microbes that are typically found in your gut, where they help maintain your immune system. There are estimated to be trillions of microbes in your gut. The entire population of microbes in your gut is called the gut microbiome. A healthy microbiome is essential to your digestive health. Diarrhea can destroy the balance of your microbiome, and it can also be a result of an unbalanced microbiome.

Antibiotics can also affect the gut microbiome. If you have diarrhea that needs to be treated with antibiotics, it may affect more microbes than just the ones causing diarrhea. Taking probiotics may help.

Probiotics can help repopulate your gut microbes. They can be taken as a supplement and are also found in fermented foods, like:

• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Miso
• Pickles
• Sauerkraut
• Some cheeses
• Yogurt

Diarrhea Prevention

Preventing diarrhea caused by a virus:

• Wash hands frequently with soap – especially before and after meals, food preparation, using the bathroom, changing diapers, sneezing or blowing your nose. Lathering the soap for 20 seconds is the most effective.
• Hand Sanitizer – If hand washing isn’t an option, using a hand sanitizer with alcohol can help.  The hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol.
• Vaccination – Vaccines are available for some root causes.  Infants can be vaccinated against rotavirus, the most common cause of viral diarrhea in young children.

Preventing traveler’s diarrhea

When you travel to underdeveloped countries, or where sanitation standards are lower, take the following precautions to avoid traveler diarrhea:

• Eat hot, completely cooked foods. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself.  Avoid undercooked or raw dairy foods and meats.
• Avoid tap water and ice cubes – Instead, drink bottled water.  Beer, wine, and soda from the original container should be safe.  Hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, are generally safe.
• Hygiene – use bottled water to brush your teeth and keep your mouth closed when showering.
• Antibiotics – Talk to your doctor about taking antibiotics leading up to and during your trip.  This may reduce the risk of developing diarrhea while traveling.

What if You Get Diarrhea After Eating?

Diarrhea is often caused by bacteria or a virus, but sometimes the cause is something you ate or drank. Certain foods may trigger diarrhea in some people. Common culprits include:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Coffee
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Dairy products
• Fast food
• Fructose
• Garlic
• Onions
• Spicy foods
• Sugar substitutes, including artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols

If you seem to be having random bouts of diarrhea, it can help to keep a food diary listing everything you eat. You may notice a pattern of diarrhea after eating certain foods and know to avoid them in the future.

What is Chronic Diarrhea?

Most people occasionally have acute diarrhea (short-term) without complications. However, when diarrhea becomes a long-term problem, it may indicate an underlying health problem. It can also cause severe dehydration, which can be life-threatening.

Chronic diarrhea is when diarrhea occurs three or more times in 24 hours and continues for four or more weeks. It may also come with abdominal cramping, bloating, and nausea.

It can be caused by:

• Alcohol abuse
• Crohn’s disease
• Diabetes
• Diet
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Gluten sensitivity
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Medications

A blood test or stool sample may help your doctor identify the cause and determine a treatment. Sometimes, the cause is never found. Treatment for chronic diarrhea may include lifestyle and diet changes, medications, probiotics, or psyllium.

Diarrhea FAQ

Is diarrhoea the same as diarrhea?
Yes, diarrhoea is the British spelling of diarrhea.

What causes watery diarrhea?
Watery diarrhea is often caused by bacteria, a parasite, or a virus.

What causes green diarrhea?
Eating green, purple, or iron-rich foods can cause green stool. It can also indicate a viral infection or result from food moving through your digestive system too quickly.

What causes yellow diarrhea?
Bright yellow diarrhea can indicate an infection caused by giardiasis, an intestinal parasite. A giardiasis infection also causes symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, gas, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, and a swollen abdomen. Yellow can also indicate a problem with the gallbladder or liver.

What causes black diarrhea?
Black diarrhea can be caused by ingesting black licorice, dark-colored foods, iron supplements, or Pepto-Bismol®. It can also indicate that you have bleeding in your digestive tract. If you have black stool for no apparent reason, call your doctor immediately.

If the infection is caused by a parasite or bacterium, these medications could worsen the condition. Your body will try to remove what’s causing diarrhea and these medications may prevent that from happening.

Your doctor will likely recommend diagnosing the cause of your diarrhea if it is severe or lasts longer than two days. ”
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how to treat and is it dangerous?

Antibiotic associated diarrhea is diarrhea that begins after a course of antibiotic treatment. WHO has defined such criteria: watery loose stools 3 or more times a day for 2 or more days in a row, and diarrhea is associated with antibiotics. The time criterion is 8 weeks, that is, if diarrhea occurs within 2 months after the use of antibiotics, it is considered associated with them. The average frequency of this syndrome in adults is from 5 to 35%, in children up to 40%. The syndrome increases the duration of hospitalization, the frequency of complications, nosocomial infections, worsens the course of the underlying disease in elderly patients.

Should antibiotic-associated diarrhea be stopped?

First of all, you need to understand that antibiotic-associated diarrhea has 4 simultaneous mechanisms:

1. Osmotic or hyperosmolar – the number of anaerobic bacteria decreases, which reduces the breakdown of carbohydrates. Undigested carbohydrates attract water into the intestinal lumen.
2. Hypermotor – due to the pharmacological properties of antibiotics. Medicines stimulate the so-called motilin receptors, due to which food is evacuated from the stomach faster and the intestines “fly by”.
3. Secretory – drugs increase the accumulation of bile acids, and this increases the release of water and chlorine into the cavity of the large intestine. In addition, reverse absorption of sodium and water is disrupted, which dramatically increases the amount of intestinal contents.
4. Violation of the composition of microflora – quantitative and qualitative. The protective function of the mucosa is reduced, and conditionally pathogenic bacteria begin to grow rapidly. Clostridia, candida, staphylococcus, salmonella and others are actively developing.

These mechanisms are always present, but it is impossible to independently determine which of them predominates. In any case, there is a loss of fluid, salts and electrolytes, and intoxication with the waste products of bacteria develops.

It is most likely not possible to stop diarrhea on your own and quickly. But on the first day it is desirable to restore the water-electrolyte balance and reduce intoxication.

First Aid

Without fear before visiting a doctor, two groups of drugs can be used:

• oral rehydrants;
• enterosorbents.

Rehydrants

This is a powder or dry mixture of salts and electrolytes to be dissolved in water and drunk in divided doses. 2 drugs are registered in the pharmacopoeia: Regidron® and Trihydrosol®, all the rest – Gastrolit, Maratonic, Orsol, Humana Electrolyte and the like – are classified as dietary supplements.

The use of these drugs stops dehydration, prevents heart rhythm disturbances and a host of other troubles.

If a pharmacy is not available, then the simplest rehydrating solution can be prepared independently according to WHO recommendations: for 1 liter of water, 1 partial teaspoon (3 g) of salt and 1 partial tablespoon (18 g) of sugar.

Enterosorbents

Main article: Enterosorbents: a list of drugs and their use

Preparations that bind, retain and remove toxic substances and gases from the intestinal lumen. The variety of sorbents is great, the most famous and used longer than others is activated carbon. You can use others if they are at hand: Lactofiltrum, Polysorb, Polyphepan, Filtrum-Stee, Enterosgel, Enterumin and the like.

Any intestinal sorbent not only removes toxic metabolic products, but also creates unfavorable conditions for the vital activity of pathogenic bacteria, which in itself significantly improves the condition.

However, for recovery, it is necessary to restore the population of normal intestinal microflora.

Methods for restoring intestinal microflora

This should be done on the recommendation of the attending physician, at the same time passing a stool test for dysbiosis. You need to start the course only after the end of antibiotics, otherwise it is useless. When the response of the analysis comes, preparations for restoring microflora can be adjusted.

Pharmacies sell 3 groups of medicines for this purpose: pro-, pre- and synbiotics. The purpose and effect of drugs is different.

Probiotics

Main article: Probiotics

Specially isolated strains of live intestinal bacteria that live in the intestines of a healthy person. Their functions: the breakdown and digestion of food, the production of vitamins, the synthesis of lactic acid, which stops the growth of pathogens. Probiotics perfectly neutralize toxic substances and protect the body from infection.

Pharmacies sell both official (registered in the state pharmacopoeia) drugs and dietary supplements. It is better to give preference to drugs, since they undergo a full cycle of clinical trials, first on animals, and then on volunteers. Their action is fully studied and the result is guaranteed.

All medicines in this group come in a coating that is resistant to the action of gastric hydrochloric acid so that the bacteria reach the intestines alive.

All probiotics can be divided into 4 generations:

• First generation – Linex, Rioflora, Bifiform, Polybacterin, Biovestin-Lacto, Symbiolact Compositum, Bifido-Normalizer, Flora-Dophilus. The group contains lacto- and bifidobacteria, as well as enterococci. A distinctive feature is the sorbed state of bacteria, when their life cycle resumes after entering the intestinal lumen. Reliable and time-tested tools that perfectly cope with the task of colonizing the intestines.
• The second generation – Sporobacterin, Baktisubtil, Enterol – fungi (protozoa) have been added to the previous composition. When these drugs were created, the useful role of fungi was known, but the question remained unclear until the end.
• Third generation – Acilact, Linex-Forte, Acipol, Linex-Immuno – increased the number of mushrooms. The drugs appeared after the role of two substances was studied: the proteins CARD9 and dectin-1. These proteins recognize and separate “bad” mushrooms from “good” ones. To date, more than 200 species of fungi that are normal inhabitants of the intestine have been studied. Many studies indicate that irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is caused by fungi that do not contain these two proteins. Antifungal drugs are the fastest way to recovery from IBS.
• The fourth generation – Probifor, Bifidumbacterin, Florin – the composition is enriched with activated carbon, which adds detoxifying properties.

For successful treatment, you need to take medication for at least 2 weeks. If the stool remains unstable, then it is better to take the drugs for a full month.

The microflora cannot be restored at once, some of the “settlers” die, others need time to reproduce and adapt to specific conditions of existence.

Prebiotics

Main article: Prebiotics

These are substances that reach the large intestine unchanged. They roam in the large intestine, providing nutrients to lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These are milk and soy proteins, various saccharides, amino acids, enzymes, fatty and organic acids.

It is not necessary to use drugs to “feed” the beneficial bacteria. Prebiotics are found in foods, primarily dairy products, the best of which are one-day kefir or natural yogurt. Daily use of only these products will ensure stable digestion at any age.

There are a lot of prebiotics in bread and cereals, corn flakes, onions, chicory, peas and beans, garlic and asparagus, bananas.

The pharmacy chain sells the following medicines:

• On lactulose or a synthetic analogue of milk sugar – Normaz, Lizalak, Duphalac, lactulose syrup, Proslabin, they are sold as laxatives.
• Drops Hilak-forte – in the composition of lactic acid, buffer salts and metabolic products of normal microflora. The drug creates optimal conditions for bacteria to form colonies, while restoring the mucosa.
• Dietary supplements that practically do not differ in properties from drugs – Lactusan, Lactuzan DUO, Prelax, Maxilak, Eubicor and the like.

Synbiotics

Main article: Synbiotics

Preparations contain both pro- and prebiotics, which ensures the most rapid settlement of the intestines with normal microflora.

• Bifiliz – a lyophilizate for the preparation of a suspension, consisting of bifidobacteria and lysozyme or an antibacterial substance;
• BAA Normobact (Poland) – powder in a sachet, consisting of lactobacilli, maltodextrin, oligosaccharyls and silicon dioxide;
• Vitabs BIO dietary supplement with bifidobacteria;
• BAA Baktistatin – gelatin capsules: culture liquid of bacteria, soy flour hydrolyzate and zeolite.

Nutrition

Basic principles

• Divided – the intake of food should be frequent, and the volume should be small. Optimally – about 200 ml (glass) every 3 hours.
• Sufficient calories – for a healthy person, it ranges from 2000 calories per day. During the recovery period, it is desirable to avoid physical and emotional overload.
• Ballast substances or fiber – are not digested and have no energy value, but ensure the movement of the food bolus. Fiber begins to be consumed after diarrhea stops. The best “ballast” is dried prunes and dried apricots, as well as coarse vegetables (beets, broccoli).
• Viscous dishes – mashed potatoes and cereals, dishes with tannin – tea, cocoa, blueberries, bird cherry.
• Refusal of alcohol, soda, fast food, snacks, canned food and marinades, confectionery.

Products

When is it not necessary to take measures to restore the microflora?

If there is no diarrhea after antibiotics, then there is no need to worry. This means that the entire amount of the antibacterial agent has been spent on the destruction of pathogenic bacteria, and the composition of the microflora has not changed. However, it is necessary to adhere to the time frame indicated by WHO – diarrhea after antibiotics should not be within two months .

Possible consequences of diarrhea after antibiotics

Dehydration

Dehydration is eliminated quite simply, but you need to drink not just water, but rehydrating solutions that keep it in the bloodstream.

Pseudomembranous colitis

Pseudomembranous colitis is a dangerous disease when Clostridium spores or Clostridium difficile settle in the large intestine. These bacteria develop only when normal inhabitants are forced out of the colon, and this happened a long time ago. Rough plaques, areas of necrosis (death), ulcers and perforations are formed on the mucosa.

In severe cases, gastrointestinal disorders are accompanied by cardiovascular and electrolyte disorders. It is possible to save a life only in half of the cases with the help of a surgical operation, which consists in removing the affected area.

Pseudomembranous colitis develops in elderly and debilitated patients, which significantly worsens the prognosis.

How to Treat Traveler’s Diarrhea – What About Traveler’s Diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea is probably the most common discomfort that can happen to you on your dream trip. Virtually every traveler heading to the tropics has experienced diarrhea. Names such as “revenge of the pharaoh” or “Moctesum” speak for themselves. Let’s see how to effectively and, most importantly, quickly deal with traveler’s diarrhea.

Why Travel Diarrhea Really Affects You

The most common causes of traveller’s diarrhea are: other foods, poor water and poor hygiene, environmental stress and of course hostile bacteria, viruses and parasites. – **Food**: The most common cause of traveler’s diarrhea is a significant change in diet, which the body must first get used to. Food in exotic countries contains spices and ingredients that are different from what you usually use at home. It is often very hot. In addition, this “unknown” diet can cause an allergic reaction associated with diarrhea. It is often associated with seafood, milk or lightly fried meat. At the same time, you come into contact with other strains of bacteria that live in the gut (mostly containing dairy products). Ice cream on the street is also very dangerous food – **Water**: you can buy bottled water, but the locals don’t boil it, of course. Vegetables and fruits are often washed in water that does not meet sanitary standards. The body can also be controlled by high-quality water, but much more mineralized than we are used to with us. Harmful and frequent use of heavily chilled drinks in the heat. A well-known problem is ice in drinks due to bad water – **Hygiene**. Another reason may be poor hygiene both on the trip and on the spot. – ** Environmental change **: Someone is also affected by time delay fatigue, stress from one’s own journey, or extreme heat and humidity. Diarrhea can also occur if you are treating another illness with antibiotics. There are so many possibilities that it’s no surprise that diarrhea strikes just about everyone on the road.

Author: Petr Liška © gigaplaces.com

Where are you most likely to be affected by traveler’s diarrhea?

For us, the closest frequented country with a high risk of traveler’s diarrhea is North Africa – Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco. Other typical regions are India, Southeast Asia, or poor countries in South America such as Peru or Bolivia. In general, this applies to almost every country in the tropics.

Author: Petr Liška © gigaplaces.com

Traveler’s Diarrhea Prevention

• ** Pre-Trip Probiotics **: As a preventive measure, many travelers use probiotics before and during travel to strengthen their gut microflora. It’s good to have them in your travel first aid kit, even in case you’re on antibiotics along the way – **People’s Tip**: Take something “spicy” with you – plum brandy, fernet, etc. for a year. worm burning. Experts tend to refute this advice, but someone will not allow it. Some people prefer Coca-Cola, dark chocolate, or garlic – ** Only buy bottled soda on the road **: hard to fake at home. Cases of selling “bottled” non-carbonated water, when there was tap water in the bottle, are indeed countless. – ** Try to stick to hygiene habits **: we covered this in a separate article “HERE”: https: //www.gigaplaces.com/magazin-hygiena-na-cestach/

How does travel diarrhea work

Typical traveler’s diarrhea usually starts after the third day of travel and, fortunately, resolves relatively quickly (usually within a few days) with appropriate treatment. So you don’t have to immediately panic that you’re seriously ill when traveler’s diarrhea hits you. It usually starts quickly, out of nowhere you become “big” more than 3 times a day and suffer from abdominal pain, often associated with weakness and nausea.

How to treat traveler’s diarrhea yourself

When travelers’ diarrhea hits you, choose the right treatment strategy. This is often a problem for the doctor, but it is best to apply treatment according to the “strength” of the symptoms from the outset. If they are not extreme, first take the path of self-medication, which in most cases will work. – ** Adjusters **: preparations based on the active substance loperamide (imodium), for example, reduce intestinal motility and thus slow down the passage through the digestive tract. This is useful for non-infectious diarrhea, such as before a long bus ride, etc. Needless to say, this does not significantly address the core of the problem – **Intestinal Adsorbents**: Substances that bind large amounts of contaminants. (microorganisms) in the digestive tract, toxins, allergens) and thus contribute to their rapid removal from the body. The classic preparations of this group are charcoal or Smecta. A very interesting and effective product is Polysorb, which we will talk about in more detail. When using products from this group, always keep a time interval of approximately 2 hours from the use of other drugs so that they are not excluded. The disadvantage of most of these drugs is their extremely unattractive taste. Polysorb has a big advantage in this regard, which is tasteless and mixes with drinks without problems. – ** Drugs for infectious diarrhea **: Endiaron or Ercefuril are widely used for infectious diarrhea of ​​bacterial origin, but these drugs may not always work abroad. On this basis, you can easily buy topical drugs in the pharmacy of that country.

Polysorb

Excellent intestinal adsorbent

Polysorb is a silica-based intestinal adsorbent product without side effects. It does not enter the bloodstream, does not pass through the kidneys or liver. It is also suitable for diabetics, gluten-free or children from one year old. It was originally developed for soldiers to prevent diarrhea – it is one of the few products that can successfully control rotavirus diarrhea (one of the most severe diarrhea that ends tragically) – compared to other sorbents, it has the highest adsorption capacity of up to 10 billion microorganisms per gram of product. Another great advantage, especially with diarrhea, is its rapid onset. – Another advantage of Polysorb is that it is suitable not only for travelers’ diarrhea and intestinal infections, but also for various poisonings and food allergies. It simply removes everything hostile from your digestive system – it also works as a prophylactic body detox peel, so if you’re looking to get in shape or boost your immune system, this is the perfect support product. – It can also be used to heal wounds, which travelers will also appreciate, especially in the desert. If you have a tendency to fester, simply make Polysorb a thicker gel (use less water than the usual dosage) and apply to the wound. Polysorb binds toxins from the wound and dries it perfectly. – The secret tip is its effect on alcohol hangovers. Take two teaspoons before an alcohol party, two more in the morning after waking up, and you will feel much better. Recommended to try 🙂 Polysorb is available in all pharmacies (if they don’t have it, they will gladly order it for you) or you can order it “here”: https://eshop. biomedix-collagen. com / biomedix-polisorb-1 – 1

When to see a doctor or pharmacist about diarrhea

Although traveler’s diarrhea is usually only more unpleasant than a serious illness, beware of confusion with diarrhea caused by aggressive bacteria, viruses, parasites or amoebas, because in this worst-case scenario, it can end tragically if do not treat. Therefore, if your condition does not improve after 2-3 days of self-medication, or your symptoms point to something “more” (high fever, vomiting, severe cramps, blood in the stool, or severe exhaustion after several hours of diarrhea), go to local pharmacies, where you can get a combination of effective topical medicines, including antibiotics. If your condition is really serious, you should see a doctor right away. For example, cholera, typhoid, salmonella or Úplavice can also affect you.

Diet for Traveler’s Diarrhea

It is clear to almost everyone that the body affected by diarrhea or, fortunately, after diarrhea, must save and drink at the same time – ** Drinking regimen **: pure water, herbal teas or black tea, mineral water .