Travel to Developing Countries - Traveler's Diarrhea

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Treatment for Diarrhea

Fluid Replacement. If diarrhea develops, prevention of dehydration is the most important first step, particularly in children. In severe cases, dehydration can be life threatening. Agitation may be an early symptom. Listlessness and a weak pulse are symptoms of severe dehydration. Parents should seek medical help immediately if the child appears to be dehydrated.

Fluid replacement must use solutions that contain the important minerals potassium, sodium, and calcium. The following are some suggestions:

• A useful recipe for fluid replacement calls for two glasses of fluid: the first containing 8 oz. of fruit juice, 1/2 tsp. of honey or corn syrup, and a pinch of salt; the second filled with 8 oz. of purified or carbonated water and 1/4 tsp. of baking soda. The traveler should drink alternately from each glass until the thirst is quenched.
• Parents with small children should bring commercial oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Lytren, Gastrolyte, or Ricelyte. Products containing rice flour work slightly faster than others. If the child finds the taste unpleasant, adding a half-teaspoon of Jell-O or Kool Aid to sweeten the solution may help and does not appear to reduce its benefits.
• Adding a soluble fiber supplement and eating as soon as possible helps the intestine to absorb water and is beneficial for children and adults.
• Children with diarrhea should not drink apple juice, colas, or sports beverages, which do not contain the proper balance of salts and sugar.

Helpful Foods. Foods that help slow diarrhea include rice, wheat, bananas, salted crackers, and mashed potatoes.

Adding milk (but not soymilk) to these foods may help many children. In fact, eating yogurt that contains active lactobacilli cultures may have positive benefits. (However, yogurt drinks in less developed countries may carry a high risk for contamination.)

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). Pepto-Bismol can be used for treatment of mild diarrhea and nausea. Treatment generally consists of 1 fluid ounce or 2 tablets every 30 minutes for up to 8 doses in a 24-hour period. If diarrhea continues, treatment can be repeated for a second day.