How can you prevent traveler’s diarrhea. What are the main causes of this common travel-related illness. Which precautions should you take when traveling to resource-limited countries. What should you do if you experience symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea.

Understanding Traveler’s Diarrhea: Causes and Prevalence

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness, affecting tourists worldwide. It’s particularly prevalent in countries across Asia (excluding Japan), the Middle East, Africa, and South and Central America. While rarely life-threatening, this condition can significantly impact the quality of your travel experience.

What causes traveler’s diarrhea? The primary culprits are bacteria that are harmless to local populations but can wreak havoc on the digestive systems of visitors from resource-rich countries. According to a study in Gastroenterology & Hepatology, over 60% of cases are caused by the following bacteria:

• Escherichia coli
• Shigella
• Campylobacter
• Salmonella
• Aeromonas
• Plesiomonas
• Non-cholera Vibrios

The severity of traveler’s diarrhea can vary widely, ranging from mild discomfort to severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. If you experience bloody diarrhea, it’s crucial to seek emergency medical care promptly.

Tip 1: Be Vigilant About Food Choices

One of the most effective ways to prevent traveler’s diarrhea is to be cautious about what you eat. How can you make safe food choices while traveling?

• Opt for food that is cooked to order and served hot
• Avoid raw foods or dishes that have been sitting out for extended periods
• Purchase fruits and vegetables from grocery stores and peel them yourself
• Be wary of street vendors with questionable sanitation practices

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of consuming contaminated food and developing traveler’s diarrhea.

Tip 2: Practice Water Safety

Water safety is paramount when traveling to resource-limited countries. Tap water in many developing nations can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses. How can you ensure you’re consuming safe water?

• Always drink bottled water
• Avoid ice in beverages, as it’s often made from tap water
• Keep your mouth closed while showering to prevent accidental ingestion of contaminated water

These precautions can help you avoid exposure to waterborne pathogens that may cause traveler’s diarrhea.

Tip 3: Reconsider Packing Antibiotics

In the past, travelers were often advised to pack antibiotics as a precautionary measure against traveler’s diarrhea. However, this practice has come under scrutiny in recent years. Why has the medical community shifted its stance on this issue?

• Decades of antibiotic use by travelers has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as certain strains of E. coli
• Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of beneficial gut bacteria that help protect against infections

Instead of packing antibiotics, consider bringing over-the-counter medications like Pepto-Bismol or generic bismuth products. These can help reduce inflammation and neutralize stomach acidity without the risks associated with antibiotics.

If you do experience severe symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea, seek medical attention at a local hospital or clinic. Healthcare professionals can prescribe appropriate medications, which may include a combination of antibiotics such as azithromycin, levofloxacin, or rifaximin, often combined with loperamide for rapid symptom relief.

Tip 4: Stay Hydrated

If you do contract traveler’s diarrhea, maintaining proper hydration is crucial. How can you ensure you stay adequately hydrated?

• Keep bottled water with you at all times
• Drink frequently to replace fluids lost through diarrhea
• Consider using oral rehydration solutions, which can be found at local drugstores or purchased online before your trip

Proper hydration can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with severe fluid loss.

Understanding the Impact of Traveler’s Diarrhea on Your Trip

While traveler’s diarrhea may not be life-threatening in most cases, it can significantly disrupt your travel plans and overall enjoyment of your trip. How does traveler’s diarrhea affect your travel experience?

• It can confine you to your accommodation, causing you to miss out on planned activities
• The discomfort and frequent bathroom trips can make sightseeing and transportation challenging
• Severe cases may require medical attention, potentially incurring unexpected expenses
• Recovery time can eat into your vacation days, shortening your effective travel time

Given these potential impacts, taking preventive measures is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

The Role of Destination in Traveler’s Diarrhea Risk

The risk of contracting traveler’s diarrhea varies significantly depending on your destination. Which regions pose the highest risk?

• Asia (excluding Japan)
• Middle East
• Africa
• South and Central America

Why do these regions present a higher risk? Several factors contribute:

• Differences in sanitation standards
• Variations in food preparation and storage practices
• Presence of bacteria that are uncommon in resource-rich countries
• Potential lack of access to clean water sources

Understanding the risk profile of your destination can help you take appropriate precautions and prepare adequately for your trip.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Traveler’s Diarrhea

While most cases of traveler’s diarrhea resolve on their own with proper care, some situations warrant immediate medical attention. When should you seek professional medical help?

• If you experience bloody diarrhea
• If symptoms persist for more than a few days
• If you develop a high fever
• If you show signs of severe dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urine output)
• If you experience intense abdominal pain

In these cases, it’s crucial to visit a local hospital or medical facility promptly. Healthcare professionals can provide appropriate treatment, which may include prescription medications or intravenous fluids for severe dehydration.

Treatment Options for Traveler’s Diarrhea

What treatment options are available for traveler’s diarrhea? The approach typically depends on the severity of symptoms:

1. Mild cases:
   • Over-the-counter medications like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
   • Adequate hydration with safe water or oral rehydration solutions
   • Rest and dietary modifications
2. Moderate to severe cases:
   • Prescription antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, levofloxacin, rifaximin)
   • Anti-motility agents like loperamide to reduce diarrhea
   • Intravenous fluids for severe dehydration

Remember, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment, especially when it comes to antibiotics.

Long-Term Health Implications of Traveler’s Diarrhea

While most cases of traveler’s diarrhea resolve within a few days, some individuals may experience longer-term health effects. What are the potential long-term implications of traveler’s diarrhea?

• Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS): Some travelers may develop ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms that persist even after the initial infection has cleared.
• Reactive arthritis: In rare cases, certain types of bacterial infections associated with traveler’s diarrhea can trigger joint inflammation.
• Guillain-Barré syndrome: Although extremely rare, this autoimmune disorder affecting the nervous system has been associated with certain bacterial infections that can cause traveler’s diarrhea.

These potential long-term effects underscore the importance of prevention and prompt treatment of traveler’s diarrhea.

Preparing Your Immune System for Travel

While following hygiene and food safety practices is crucial, boosting your immune system before and during travel can provide an additional layer of protection against traveler’s diarrhea. How can you prepare your immune system for travel?

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Get adequate sleep in the weeks leading up to your trip
• Stay physically active to promote overall health
• Consider taking probiotic supplements, which may help maintain a healthy gut microbiome
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or meditation

A strong immune system can help your body better resist potential pathogens encountered during your travels.

The Economic Impact of Traveler’s Diarrhea

Beyond its effects on individual travelers, traveler’s diarrhea can have significant economic implications. How does this common travel illness impact the global economy?

• Lost productivity: Travelers may miss work days due to illness during or after their trip
• Healthcare costs: Treatment for severe cases can result in substantial medical expenses
• Travel industry impact: Frequent occurrences of traveler’s diarrhea can negatively affect tourism in certain destinations
• Insurance claims: Increased travel insurance claims related to traveler’s diarrhea can lead to higher premiums

These economic factors highlight the importance of both individual prevention efforts and broader public health initiatives to combat traveler’s diarrhea.

The Role of Vaccinations in Preventing Traveler’s Diarrhea

While there isn’t a single vaccine that protects against all causes of traveler’s diarrhea, certain vaccinations can help reduce your risk of specific infections. Which vaccines should you consider before traveling?

• Typhoid vaccine: Protects against Salmonella Typhi, a cause of severe diarrheal illness
• Hepatitis A vaccine: While hepatitis A primarily affects the liver, it can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms
• Cholera vaccine: Recommended for travelers to high-risk areas, although cholera is a less common cause of traveler’s diarrhea

Consult with a travel medicine specialist or your healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are appropriate based on your destination and personal health history.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Traveler’s Diarrhea Prevention

As global travel continues to increase, research into preventing and treating traveler’s diarrhea remains an active field of study. What are some promising areas of research in this field?

• Development of new vaccines targeting common causative agents of traveler’s diarrhea
• Investigation of novel probiotic strains that may enhance gut immunity
• Research into the microbiome’s role in susceptibility to traveler’s diarrhea
• Exploration of non-antibiotic treatments to combat antibiotic-resistant strains
• Studies on the long-term health effects of repeated episodes of traveler’s diarrhea

These research directions hold promise for improving prevention and treatment strategies in the future, potentially making travel safer and more enjoyable for millions of people worldwide.

The Importance of Travel Insurance

Given the potential health and financial impacts of traveler’s diarrhea, having comprehensive travel insurance is crucial. What should you look for in a travel insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for traveler’s diarrhea?

• Coverage for emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
• Provision for medical evacuation if necessary
• Reimbursement for trip interruption or cancellation due to illness
• Coverage for follow-up care upon return home
• 24/7 assistance hotline for medical emergencies

Remember to read the policy details carefully and disclose any pre-existing conditions to ensure you’re adequately covered during your travels.

Four Tips to Prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. Here’s how to prevent it from happening on your next vacation.

By Brian MastroianniMedically Reviewed by Michael Natter, MD

Reviewed: August 10, 2022

Medically Reviewed

There are steps you can take to prevent traveler’s diarrhea.Alamy

Local food gone wrong: It may not be a tourist’s worst nightmare, but it’s certainly one of the most uncomfortable.

Traveler’s diarrhea, the top travel-related illness, can take place anywhere, but it occurs most in countries in Asia (exception: Japan). It’s also common in countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South and Central America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (1)

Traveler’s diarrhea is rarely life-threatening, but if nothing else, it can make an otherwise pleasant trip go south quick.

“If you’re from a resources-rich country and travel to a resource-limited country, some of the common bacteria that might be found in food that wouldn’t be very harmful to the local population could be harmful to you because you don’t have an immune system that is used to that bacteria,” says Christine Lee, MD, in the gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition division at Cleveland Clinic.

According to a study in Gastroenterology & Hepatology, more than 60 percent of traveler’s diarrhea cases are caused by the following bacteria: (2)

• Escherichia coli
• Shigella
• Campylobacter
• Salmonella
• Aeromonas
• Plesiomonas
• non-cholera Vibrios

“Traveler’s diarrhea could be mild to severe; it’s a wide range and a case-by-case situation,” says Dr. Lee. “If you find yourself experiencing diarrhea that is very bloody, you should be very concerned and head to an ER immediately.”

Lee outlines four tips to help prevent traveler’s diarrhea.

1. Watch What You Eat

Are you buying from vendors whose food looks like it’s exposed for long periods of time? Where sanitization practices might be sketchy?

It’s important when traveling to a new place to avoid these mistakes and eat foods that are cooked to order and served hot, Lee says. Avoid eating anything raw or that has been sitting out for hours on end, and peel all fruits and vegetables yourself after purchasing them from a grocery store.

2. Close Your Mouth in the Shower

In most developing countries, tap water can contain harmful bacteria and viruses and is not safe to drink. Always have bottled water on you when traveling and order any other beverages without ice, which is usually made from tap water.

Lee also tells visitors visiting resource-limited countries to close their mouths when showering, since shower water is another way they might ingest harmful bacteria.

3. Be Careful About Bringing Antibiotics With You

In the past, doctors would often suggest that people from the United States pre-pack antibiotics with them in case traveler’s diarrhea strikes. But Lee says the “pendulum has swung” in the opposite direction. Lee explains that decades of travelers from resource-rich countries to the developing world has bred antibiotic-resistant E.  coli, for instance, which would render antibiotics useless.

“Another point about pre-packing antibiotics involves the fact that a lot of antibiotics can wipe out the good bacteria that can help protect you from infections,” she adds.

The CDC recommends that you always ask your doctor first before taking any antibiotics with you on a trip overseas. (1)

What is a good alternative? Lee says that packing something like Pepto-Bismol, which reduces inflammation and neutralizes acidity in the stomach, can help. And don’t be alarmed if you notice the pink Pepto-Bismol substance turns your stool color black. Lee says this is a normal reaction. She says you can buy any generic brand of bismuth in a drug store.

And if you do get a severe case of traveler’s diarrhea, visit a hospital or medical facility right away so they can prescribe you medication for treatment. A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that a combination of antibiotics, typically a single-dose azithromycin, levofloxacin, and rifaximin with loperamide were the most frequent treatments administered for rapid response. (3) These are all prescriptions that would be given to you by a doctor to help you with your symptoms.

4. Drink Lots of Fluid

If you do get traveler’s diarrhea, keep your bottled water at hand, Lee adds. It’s important to stay hydrated and replace fluids that have been lost by your body.

If you’re severely dehydrated, the CDC advises to find oral rehydration solutions at local drugstores or online to replace necessary fluids.

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Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

1. Traveler’s Diarrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 3, 2022.
2. De la Cabada Bauche J, DuPont HL. New Developments in Traveler’s Diarrhea. Gastroenterology & Hepatology. February 2011.
3. Riddle MS, Connor P, Fraser J, et al. Trial Evaluating Ambulatory Therapy of Travelers’ Diarrhea (TrEAT TD) Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing 3 Single-Dose Antibiotic Regimens With Loperamide. Clinical Infectious Diseases. December 15, 2017.

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How to Get Rid of Diarrhea Fast: 7 Effective Remedies

Diarrhea can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing, striking unpredictably and at the worst times. 

While most causes of watery stools may improve on their own, some home remedies can provide relief fast.

In this article, we’ll discuss over-the-counter (OTC) medications and natural treatments for diarrhea.

We’ll also cover common causes and when to seek medical care.

OTC Treatment

In most cases, diarrhea resolves on its own without treatment. 

Still, the following OTC medications can help alleviate symptoms and relieve diarrhea sooner:

• Bismuth subsalicylate: Sold as Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol, and store brand generics, this medication stabilizes how fluids move through the digestive tract. It can quickly stop diarrhea.

• Loperamide: Available under the brand name Imodium and store brand generics, this medication slows down how quickly things travel through the digestive system, which lets the body absorb more fluids. This can have a quick effect on loose stools.

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Natural Treatments

In addition to or instead of over-the-counter medicines, there are several natural treatments for diarrhea.

Fluids

While diarrhea may seem like it occurs because of an excess of fluids, it actually can have a dehydrating effect on the body.

So when you have diarrhea, drink 8-10 glasses of clear fluids such as water, herbal tea, and some juices daily. 

Avoid carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol, and prune juice since these can irritate the intestines.

BRAT diet

The BRAT diet is used to soothe an irritated GI tract. 

It may also help address causes of diarrhea. 

BRAT stands for:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast

The blandness of the foods helps ease symptoms like nausea, while the starchy, low-fiber nature of the foods helps absorb fluids without further aggravating the intestines. 

Other foods that work on a BRAT-type diet include clear soup broth, plain soup noodles, saltine crackers, and plain potatoes (not chips or French fries, which are greasy).

Probiotics

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that colonize the large intestine. 

At times, the gut microbiome can become unbalanced due to bacterial infection, antibiotics, or other related problems.

Taking probiotic supplements or eating foods that contain probiotics might support intestinal health and decrease the length of diarrhea episodes. 

The probiotic strains that may be helpful for diarrhea are:

• Saccharomyces boulardii
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus reuteri
• Lactobacillus casei
• Bifidobacterium lactis

Although fermented foods like miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, and kefir contain probiotics, they may be harder to digest than a probiotic supplement when you have diarrhea.

Cut back on dairy products

Dairy products have beneficial nutrients, but they can also irritate the gastrointestinal lining. 

This is especially true for people who have lactose intolerance. 

Avoid milk, ice cream, cheese, and other dairy products until diarrhea resolves.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Alcohol and coffee are stimulants and can worsen diarrhea by increasing a laxative effect. 

Instead, drink plenty of water and clear fluids like herbal tea, clear broth, or apple juice when you have diarrhea.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a popular remedy for nausea and may also be soothing for diarrhea because it has a calming effect on the gastrointestinal system.

What Is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea occurs when bowel movements become too loose or watery and happen at a rapid frequency. 

Diarrhea is very common and almost always resolves on its own. 

It is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, intestinal cramping, bloating, and urgency.

Common Causes of Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by many different things, including:

• Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) or other viral infections
• Bacterial infections (food poisoning or food-borne illness)
• Parasite infections from drinking contaminated water
• Antibiotics
• Chemotherapy drugs and other cancer treatments
• Food allergy
• Food intolerance or sensitivity
• Artificial sweeteners
• Sugar alcohols
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (types of inflammatory bowel disease)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Celiac disease

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When to See a Medical Provider

See a qualified healthcare provider if you:

• Have diarrhea for more than 3 days
• Show signs of dehydration
• Can’t keep fluids down
• Can’t urinate
• Feel dizzy or lightheaded
• Develop a fever above 102º F (38.9º C)
• Have severe abdominal cramping or pain
• Have bloody or tarry black stools

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can access online urgent care with K Health?

Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. 

K Health’s AI-powered app is based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What stops diarrhea fast?

Diarrhea can be stopped quickly with OTC medicines such as loperamide (Imodium) and Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).

How long does diarrhea take to go away?

Without treatment, most diarrhea resolves on its own within a few days. Adults should see a medical provider if diarrhea does not resolve completely in two days. Children should see a medical provider if diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours.

Is it better to stop diarrhea or let it go?

For adults, mild diarrhea that lasts for two days or less and does not cause signs of dehydration can run its course. If diarrhea becomes severe, interferes with everyday activities, or leads to signs of dehydration, consult a medical provider. Children should see a healthcare provider if diarrhea does not resolve within 24 hours, while infants who get diarrhea should see a medical provider right away.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Diarrhea. (2021).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448082/

• Bismuth subsalicylate. (2016).
  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607040.html

• Loperamide. (2018).
  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682280.html

• When you have diarrhea. (2019).
  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000121.htm

• Eating, diet, and nutrition for diarrhea: What should I eat if I have diarrhea? (2016).
  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/eating-diet-nutrition

• Probiotics for infectious diarrhea. (2003).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1773578/

• Saccharomyces boulardii: What Makes It Tick as Successful Probiotic? (2020).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344949/

• Acute diarrhea. (2017).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7148607/

• Bacterial diarrhea. (2022).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551643/

• Symptoms and causes of diarrhea: What are the symptoms of diarrhea? (2016).
  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/symptoms-causes

• Treatment for diarrhea. (2016).
  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/treatment

How to stop diarrhea quickly and reliably

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   There are several traditional remedies for diarrhea. The principle of their action is different, although in 90% of cases the cause of diarrhea is infection. Therefore, the choice of a remedy for diarrhea should take into account that this condition is only a symptom, which must be dealt with by acting on the cause.

   In an acute intestinal infection, choosing a drug that acts only on the symptom can be dangerous. For example, Imodium and its cheaper counterparts containing loperamide stop diarrhea by stimulating the gut’s opiate receptors. This leads to the fact that the tone of the locking sphincters increases, and the liquid from the feces is intensively absorbed back into the intestine. And this means that toxins, which are formed in excess as a result of infection with pathogens of intestinal infections, are also absorbed into the blood. Therefore, Loperamide is not so safe: it is forbidden to give it to children under 6 years of age.

   The best choice for an intestinal infection is a drug that acts in the intestinal lumen and eliminates pathogens, doctors say. Therefore, for diarrhea in adults and children, drugs are used – derivatives of nitrofuran. Furazolidone, which is included in this series and has been quite popular for many years, despite its low cost, due to its side effects (toxic effects on the liver), has lost the palm to Nifuroxazide, a safe antiseptic that acts exclusively in the intestines, not being absorbed into the blood. Popular and recommended by doctors and pharmacists Nifuroxazide is the European drug Enterofuril. It has three forms (capsules of 100 and 200 mg, suspensions of 200 mg / 5 ml, which can be given to children from 1 month), so it is convenient to use. It has proven itself in the rapid treatment of diarrhea caused by bacteria, however, with viral diarrhea, its use is justified, doctors say: this drug prevents bacterial complications that almost always accompany viral diarrhea.

   Foreign and Russian clinical studies have shown that the drug preserves the beneficial intestinal microflora, eliminating such common infectious agents as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Shigella – the causative agent of dysentery. The effect has also been proven against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which plays a major role in the development of gastritis and stomach ulcers.

   When choosing Nifuroxazide for a child, you need to be careful: the dosage of Nifuroxazide recommended by the Ministry of Health for a child is 100 or 200 mg, depending on age, and in the form of a suspension of 200 mg in 5 ml. In pharmacies, there is a suspension with a higher dosage of 220 mg / 5 ml from other manufacturers, which attracts a slightly lower cost. However, it is better to follow official recommendations and not take risks, because we are talking about the health of the child.

   Nifuroxazide is important to have in the traveler’s first aid kit: a change in the usual water and food is very often the cause of “travelers’ diarrhea”, equally insidious for both children and adults. If your child is over 3 years old, then you can save money and take the universal dosage of Enterofuril 100 mg: an adult will take two capsules, and one is enough for a child. Additionally, it is recommended to use sorbents: they help to bind and remove toxins from the intestines.

   Remember that in the case of a severe intestinal infection, accompanied by dehydration, intoxication and other serious symptoms, antibiotics may be required. Therefore, in any case, you must consult a doctor.

   Attention should be paid to the prevention of diarrhea. Required:

   – Observe personal hygiene, wash hands.
   – Subject meat, milk, chicken eggs, fish to thorough heat treatment. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
   – If possible, boil water, especially the one that is in doubt. Avoid drinks with ice, as it is not known what water it was made from.
   – Store food properly. It is especially necessary to be careful in the summer, when the air temperature is elevated, and food deteriorates faster. If you don’t like the taste or smell of a product, throw it away immediately.

   https://www.evrika.ru/show/kak-bystro-i-nadezhno-ostanovit-diareyu/fresh_feed/3

   causes, symptoms, treatment of diarrhea: what to give, how to stop quickly

   Diarrhea, also known as diarrhoea, is a fairly common ailment that affects people of all ages. In addition to tangible discomfort, it is characterized by a significant decrease in the quality of life. In some cases, there are serious complications that require treatment in a hospital, therefore, with severe diarrhea that does not stop for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

   It is important to eliminate the problem in any case, even when it was provoked by taking medications or products that have a laxative effect. Sometimes you can get rid of diarrhea on your own, but there are situations when you cannot do without medical help. You will need to contact a specialist if:

   • the onset of fever and its increase;
   • severe pain in the abdomen;
   • dehydration;
   • blood and purulent inclusions in stools, as well as mucus detection;
   • intoxication;
   • lack of stabilization of the state for more than two days.

   What is diarrhea

   Diarrhea is understood as a type of disorder of the lower gastrointestinal tract, occurring against the background of frequent bowel movements, liquefaction of feces and the appearance of cutting pains in the abdomen. The disease can be provoked by poisoning as a result of taking stale or low-quality products, or be a sign of a serious pathology.

   It is appropriate to talk about diarrhea when adults and children over the age of one year have liquefied or unformed stools more than three times a day. Fecal masses may contain inclusions of pus, blood, mucus, or particles of undigested food, which occurs due to a failure in the absorption of nutrients or damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Often, the disorder is accompanied by vomiting and nausea, as well as sharp pains in the abdomen.

   Diarrhea in acute form occurs suddenly. Its duration is approximately a day or two. The chronic form is characterized by a longer duration, equal to four weeks, during which exacerbations are replaced by periods without any symptoms. The latter include:

   • increased flatulence;
   • general weakness;
   • the appearance of bloody inclusions in the feces;
   • sensation of pain during the urge to empty the bowels.

   Quite often, diarrhea causes pain in the abdomen, similar to contractions, as well as belching with an unpleasant odor. In addition, there is an increase in body temperature to thirty-eight degrees or more, vomiting and itching in the anus. In some cases, diarrhea pills help relieve unpleasant symptoms, but medical attention may also be required.

   Varieties

   The general description of diarrhea implies an increase in the process of defecation up to three or more times within 24 hours, accompanied by liquefaction of feces. This disease has several types, which are distinguished on the basis of a number of signs.

   According to the clinical course

   In accordance with this symptom, the disease is classified into:

   1. Chronic . In this case, the symptoms bother the person for four weeks. The provocateurs are parasitic, bacterial or viral intestinal pathologies of an infectious nature.
   2. Acute lasting less than four weeks. The causative agents are the same diseases as for the type of diarrhea described above.

   Separately, it is worth noting the so-called “traveler’s diarrhea”, which is understood as a clinical syndrome characteristic of people traveling to other climatic zones and countries. This condition worries for no more than a week.

   By pathogenesis

   Depending on the characteristics of the occurrence and development of diarrhea, the following types of it are distinguished:

   1. Osmolar characterized by copious excretion of liquid feces with a significant proportion of undigested food residues.
   2. Exudative characterized by mild stool with bloody or purulent inclusions.
   3. Secretory , occurring against the background of bowel movements in a volume exceeding a liter per day.
   4. Hypo- and hyperkinetic , which is a mushy or liquid stool in small volumes (one-time).

   Causes of diarrhea in adults

   The appearance of the disease leads to damage to the intestinal mucosa, which occurs under the influence of pathogenic microorganisms. It could be:

   • adenovirus;
   • salmonella;
   • rotavirus infection;
   • Coronavirus
   • dysentery;
   • E. coli;

   Any of these pathogens can be found in contaminated food or water. In addition, dirty hands are a source.

   There are also other causes of diarrhea:

   • Lactose or gluten intolerance.
   • Taking antibiotics for a long time.
   • Frequent consumption of foods containing artificial sweeteners.
   • Food poisoning.
   • Inflammatory processes occurring in the pancreas.

   In addition, in some cases, stool liquefaction is observed:

   • During pregnancy.
   • After vaccination.
   • As a result of abdominal surgery.

   As a rule, the liquid load of the stomach and intestines per day does not exceed ten liters. This volume also includes the digestive secret. Almost all liquid is absorbed by the large and small intestine. If the absorption process is disturbed, an increase in the volume of fluid in the lumen is observed, which provokes liquefaction of the feces. This may be due to:

   • increased osmotic load resulting in accumulation of unabsorbed water-soluble substances in the intestine;
   • increase the rate of transit of digested food in the lower digestive tract;
   • increased excretion of intestinal secretions, as a result of which the body is not able to fully absorb it.

   What diseases cause diarrhea?

   Irritation of the intestinal mucosa occurs with the development of the following diseases and pathological conditions:

   • Ischemia of the colon and small intestine.
   • Congenital disorders of absorption.
   • Neurogenic disorders.
   • Pancreatic enzyme deficiency, chronic pancreatitis.
   • Intestinal dysbacteriosis.
   • Diseases of the thyroid gland.
   • Irritable bowel syndrome.
   • Tumors in the adrenal glands, pancreas or intestines.
   • Obstructive jaundice.

   Diarrhea with water is also a sign indicating the presence of diseases such as:

   • ulcerative colitis;
   • pseudotuberculosis;
   • Crohn’s disease;
   • amoebic dysentery;
   • various viruses (roto-, COVID-19, adeno-, noro-).

   Why do I have diarrhea during my period?

   During the menstrual cycle, the concentration of prostaglandins in the body increases. They are hormones that affect the contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestines and uterus. This leads to the fact that during menstruation the activity of the muscle tissue of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract becomes higher. At the same time, food absorption slows down, and the release of electrolytes into the intestinal lumen increases. As a result, there is an increase in defecation. There is no need to treat diarrhea during menstruation.

   Which doctor to contact for diarrhea

   If there are signs indicating irritation of the intestinal mucosa and the development of diarrhea, you need to go to an appointment with a therapist. In addition, a gastroenterologist and a general practitioner can help solve the problem. Any of these specialists will prescribe the examination required for making an accurate diagnosis, which will determine the cause of the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms. Sometimes it may be necessary to consult a parasitologist or infectious disease specialist.

   Diagnostics and examinations

   In the event that the manifestations of the disease are noted for no more than three days, there is no reason for concern. However, the failure of attempts to independently eliminate the problem with the help of medications should be the reason for going to the doctor. In addition, you should make an appointment with a specialist if:

   • fever;
   • rapid weight loss;
   • blood and purulent inclusions in feces;
   • drop in blood pressure;
   • dehydration and intoxication.

   Before deciding what to give for diarrhea, the doctor will palpate the abdomen, find out the circumstances in which the symptoms arose, and also ask the patient about the presence of concomitant pathologies. In addition, the patient is weighed, body temperature and heart rate, as well as blood pressure are measured.

   In the process of making a diagnosis, the specialist must solve the following tasks:

   1. Determine the cause of the disease. You can understand how to stop diarrhea only when you identify its provocateurs.
   2. Determine the duration of symptoms, which will make it possible to understand the nature of the disorder and determine the further tactics of the examination.
   3. Identify disorders and their severity (dehydration, intoxication, etc. ).
   4. Exclude acute surgical pathologies.

   Difficulties in making a diagnosis are rare. They appear only when diarrhea acts as the first sign of a systemic pathology, or becomes dominant in the clinical picture.

   What tests should be done for diarrhea?

   Analyzes are a standard component of the diagnostic program and make it possible to establish the reasons for the dilution of the drain and the increase in defecation. The list of necessary studies is determined by the doctor personally for each patient based on the duration and nature of the symptoms, as well as other factors. As a rule, the following laboratory tests are prescribed:

   • general clinical and biochemical blood test;
   • analysis of feces for helminth eggs, dysbacteriosis, intestinal infections.

   Diarrhea instructions

   Most often, if such an unpleasant problem occurs, a visit to the doctor is not required due to the fact that it quickly passes on its own. In order to accelerate the pace of normalization of the state, it is recommended:

   1. Drink as much liquid as possible while minimizing alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
   2. Add low fiber foods such as crackers, boiled eggs, rice, etc. to your daily diet.
   3. Avoid fatty or high-fiber foods, and spices and spices.
   4. Take probiotics to help restore intestinal microflora. The choice of a suitable drug should be carried out together with the doctor.

   At the first signs of an intestinal disorder, Polysorb should be taken. You will need to see a specialist for examination and treatment of diarrhea if you cannot get rid of it on your own within no more than three days. In addition, critically ill health should be the reason for an immediate visit to the doctor.

   Popular drugs

   Various drugs are prescribed as effective tools to combat intestinal upset. Only a doctor can prescribe this or that medication, taking into account the results of a verified examination. The most popular drugs are:

   Antidiarrheal, with a complex action and able to solve several problems at the same time:

   • slowing of intestinal motility;
   • absorption activation;
   • decreased intestinal muscle tone;
   • extension of fecal transit.

   Of this group, the most popular is smecta for diarrhea. Loperamide-based drugs are also prescribed.

   Antimicrobials, indicated for patients in whom diarrhea is a sign of a bacterial infection. They are prescribed exclusively by a doctor after receiving the results of the diagnosis. The choice in favor of a particular drug depends on the established pathogen. It is important to remember that taking antimicrobials should be carried out exactly at the dosage indicated by the specialist. This is due to the fact that diarrhea after antibiotics is possible with their uncontrolled intake.

   Other medicines aimed at combating such manifestations of the disease as abdominal pain, dehydration, etc. This group includes:

   • antispasmodics to relieve pain;
   • enterosorbents (activated carbon) that promote the removal of toxins;
   • rehydrators, replenishing the lack of fluid;
   • vitamins and minerals that help replenish the deficiency of nutrients in the body, which arose against the background of fluid loss.

   Clinical treatment of diarrhea

   Therapy of intestinal disorders can be carried out in a hospital. This need arises when:

   1. Significant dehydration of the body, in which there is more than 10% underweight.
   2. The old age of the patient, when he does not feel thirsty and is not able to make up for the lack of fluid in the body.
   3. Serious condition with fever, extreme weakness, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
   4. Frequent vomiting and intestinal obstruction, which does not allow the body to restore the fluid content to normal levels by oral administration.

   Diarrhea Diet – Do’s and Don’ts

   In order to stabilize the condition with diarrhea, the diet is adjusted. During this period, it is allowed to eat:

   • boiled rice;
   • white bread crackers or toast;
   • lean meats and fish that are to be baked or steamed;
   • mashed potatoes.

   In addition, you can eat baked apples and fresh bananas for diarrhea. Drink as much clean drinking water as possible to avoid excessive fluid loss. From drinks, strong black tea is also allowed.

   If this problem occurs, fried, spicy and fatty foods should be abandoned in order not to aggravate the condition. For the same purpose, it is worth refusing fruits for diarrhea, as well as excluding:

   1. Dairy and fermented milk products.
   2. Black bread.
   3. Sweets and flour products.
   4. Legumes.
   5. Canned, salted, pickled and smoked products.
   6. Dried fruits.
   7. Coffee.
   8. Alcohol.

   Prevention

   Since diarrhea is most often caused by an infection, it can be avoided by following certain preventive measures:

   1. Refusal to eat raw or undercooked food, as well as eating in establishments with a dubious reputation – in terms of sanitation.