First Aid & Emergencies

Traveler's Diarrhea Treatment

1. Rehydrate

• Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Children are especially prone to dehydration.

• For the first 24 hours, drink bottled or canned soft drinks.

• Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, which can worsen diarrhea.

• For dehydration, drink an oral rehydration solution, available at drug stores.

2. Resume Foods Carefully

• Avoid solid foods and dairy products for 24 hours.

• After 24 hours, you may start the BRAT diet -- bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast -- or salted soda crackers, boiled potatoes, eggs, and cereals.

• Slowly advance to regular foods.

3. Treat Symptoms

• Over-the-counter medications may reduce cramping and control traveler's diarrhea.

4. When to See a Health Care Provider

• If diarrhea is bloody, see a health care provider immediately. Do not take over-the-counter drugs.

• If diarrhea continues after several days despite home treatment, see your health care provider. He or she may prescribe an antibiotic. If diarrhea still persists, the health care provider may check for resistant bacteria or parasites.

• Take a child to a doctor if symptoms include bloody diarrhea, dehydration, persistent vomiting, or fever higher than 102.

• See a health care provider if nausea or vomiting is severe enough to prevent rehydration.