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What to take to stop diarrhea fast: Four Tips to Prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea

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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:

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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  2. About the polyclinic

    • 29. 01.2019
    Views: 210495

    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

    Rapid Diarrhea Tablets – Inexpensive List

    CONTRAINDICATIONS. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. A SPECIALIST’S CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED. number 31944

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    Contents of the article

    • In adults
    • Rapid acting
    • Abdominal tablets
    • Summary
    • Resources
    • Ask an expert on the topic of the article

    Many people have experienced intestinal upset. According to statistics, about two billion cases of diarrhea are recorded annually in the world. The causes of its occurrence are varied: from malnutrition to infectious diseases. The consequences of loose stools are very unfavorable. During diarrhea, the body actively loses water and electrolytes, which can lead to weight loss, dry skin, increased heart rate, and muscle pain. In order to prevent complications, it is important to start therapy in a timely manner.

    Pharmacist Natalia Dolgikh will talk about the drugs used for diarrhea: will introduce the treatment of diarrhea in adults, fast-acting drugs and pills “from the stomach.”

    In adults

    Diarrhea is loose, watery stools more than 3 times a day. Treatment depends on the cause of the bowel disorder. Common causes for diarrhea:

    • Bacterial infections caused by Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and other pathogens.
    • Viruses: rotavirus, enterovirus.
    • Diet related diarrhea. For example, seafood often transported without hygiene, as well as coffee and caffeinated drinks, alcohol often lead to diarrhea.
    • Inflammatory bowel disease: ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other diseases: pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus.
    • Taking medications: antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and others.

    The pharmacist says: “Diarrhea pills are a frequent request of pharmacy visitors, but it is not so easy to find drugs for diarrhea. The first thing to do is to identify the cause of this condition. If diarrhea is accompanied by bleeding or severe pain, you should call emergency care.

    The initial treatment for diarrhea is the restoration of lost water and minerals. For this, ready-made saline solutions are suitable. For example, Regidron . In addition, it is important to follow a diet and exclude foods and dishes that stimulate the secretion of the digestive organs and fermentation processes. For example, carbonated drinks, smoked meats and canned food.

    Enterosorbents are recommended to remove toxins from the intestines. The most popular and cheapest are activated carbon, Smecta or Polysorb . The drugs are approved for use by pregnant and lactating women. The use of activated charcoal is possible if the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

    In some cases, it is recommended to take probiotics – “friendly” bacteria that improve the condition of the intestinal microflora. For example, with diarrhea associated with taking antibiotics. List of inexpensive probiotics: Bifidumbacterin , as well as dietary supplement Synbiotic and Normobact L .

    If diarrhea persists for more than 1-2 days and is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, bloating, vomiting, and severe pain, medical attention should be sought.

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    All products Smecta

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    High-speed

    Only antimicrobial drugs. Diarrhea caused by bacterial activity can be distinguished by the occurrence of fever, cramping abdominal pain, and the absence of vomiting.

    In case of infectious diarrhea, do not take painkillers and fixing drugs, warm the stomach and use improvised means. Taking fixative drugs, such as Loperamide , will slow down the elimination of toxic substances from the body, which will increase the spread of microbes. In this case, they can be prescribed: Enterofuril , Furazolidone and other antibacterial agents. Antibiotics and antimicrobial tablets help with diarrhea of ​​​​a purely microbial nature.

    Rapid Diarrhea Tablets are symptomatic antidiarrheals. Medicines in this group are strong and are used mainly for moderate and moderate traveler’s diarrhea, as well as diarrhea of ​​​​emotional and allergic origin. Before taking them, you need to make sure that there are no signs of the presence of bacteria and viruses. The main representative of antidiarrheals is Loperamide or Imodium .

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    Abdominal tablets

    volume of intestinal contents and accumulation gases that stretch the walls of the intestines. It is not recommended to use pills for abdominal pain in such situations, as this can “blur” the picture of the disease and make it difficult to diagnose. Painkillers and antispasmodics are used only if the exact cause of the diarrhea is known.

    Summary

    • Diarrhea is loose, watery stools more than 3 times a day.
    • The initial treatment for diarrhea is the restoration of lost water and minerals.
    • It is important to follow a diet and exclude foods and dishes that stimulate the secretion of the digestive organs and fermentation processes.
    • Enterosorbents are recommended to remove toxins from the intestines.
    • In some cases, probiotics, “friendly” bacteria, are recommended.
    • If diarrhea persists for more than 1-2 days and is accompanied by other symptoms, medical attention should be sought.
    • For a bacterial infection, only antimicrobial medicines will help with diarrhea.
    • Rapid Diarrhea Tablets are symptomatic antidiarrheals.