Is it bad to have travelers diarrhea more than a week?
Is it bad to have travelers diarrhea more than a week? If diarrhea is severe or lasts a long time, it is particularly important to replace the lost fluids and salts. You should see a doctor if the symptoms don't improve or if you develop severe diarrhea within a few days or weeks of returning from travels to a distant country.
Is travelers diarrhea the same as food poisoning?
Who gets traveler's diarrhea? Gastrointestinal infection can happen to anyone, anywhere. At home, we might call it food poisoning or a stomach flu. But it's easier to get it during international travel, when you're more likely to be exposed to pathogens that may be less commonly transmitted at home.
Should I let travelers diarrhea run its course?
Traveler's diarrhea may get better without any treatment. But while you're waiting, it's important to try to stay hydrated with safe liquids, such as bottled water or water with electrolytes such as an oral rehydration solution (see below).
Can Travellers diarrhea last for 2 weeks?
Although most cases of travelers' diarrhea (TD) are acute and self-limited, a certain percentage of people afflicted will develop persistent (>14 days) gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
When should I be worried about travelers diarrhea?
Call a doctor if you have diarrhea that is severe, lasts more than a few days or is bloody. If you are traveling, call an embassy or consulate for help locating a doctor. Other signs that you should seek medical attention include: A fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher.
How do you treat severe travelers diarrhea?
In serious cases of travelers' diarrhea, oral rehydration solution—available online or in pharmacies in developing countries—can be used for fluid replacements. Several drugs, such as loperamide, can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea.
What are red flags for Travellers diarrhea?
Seek medical attention if you have bloody diarrhea, high fever, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, profuse sweating, or signs of dehydration.
Why do I have diarrhea after coming back from Mexico?
Traveler's diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and stomach cramps. It's caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Fortunately, traveler's diarrhea usually isn't serious in most people — it's just unpleasant.
How many days should travelers diarrhea last?
Untreated, bacterial diarrhea usually lasts 3–7 days. Viral diarrhea generally lasts 2–3 days. Protozoal diarrhea can persist for weeks to months without treatment. An acute bout of TD can lead to persistent enteric symptoms, even in the absence of continued infection.
Can travelers diarrhea get worse?
Although traveler's diarrhea is typically a benign, self-resolving condition, it can lead to dehydration and, in severe cases, significant complications.
What antibiotic is best for travelers diarrhea?
Ciprofloxacin (cipro) is the medication of choice, at a dose of 500 mg twice daily for three days. If you are traveling to an area where TD is a possibility, your travel medicine provider may prescribe cipro or a similar antibiotic for you to take on your trip.