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When you have more than three very loose stools in 1 day you have diarrhea. It is travelers diarrhea if it happens while you travel or soon after you return home. This illness lasts for a few days before you feel better. If you do not treat this problem early, it can lead to fluid loss. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to.
- Follow all of the doctors instructions.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of clear liquids each day. Water is best. You can also drink an oral rehydration solution such as Gatorade.
- Follow good hygiene practices. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs. This is especially important:
- After using the bathroom
- Before eating
- Before cooking
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent infection or kill germs
- Relieve signs of diarrhea
- Prevent throwing up
- Replace fluids and nutrients
Will physical activity be limited?
Yes. You may feel weak because you lose lots of fluid. You need to rest. Ask your doctor about what activities are best for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Stay away from caffeine and foods that are greasy, high in fiber, or sweet.
- Eat soft, bland foods like bananas, plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, crackers, cooked carrots, and baked chicken without the skin or fat.
- Eat small meals every few hours instead of 3 big meals.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
To lower your chance of getting diarrhea: ‚
- Always prepare and store food in a proper way.
- If you have diarrhea, dont prepare food for others.
If you are traveling: ‚
- Drink bottled water.
- Use bottled water when brushing your teeth.
- Stay away from drinks that have ice.
- Do not eat food from street vendors.
- Do not eat raw vegetables or fruits. All produce should be peeled and/or cooked.
- Make sure meats and seafood are cooked properly.
- Eat only pasteurized dairy products.
- Always check the utensils to make sure they are clean.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of fluid loss. These include dark-colored urine or no urine for more than 8 hours, dry mouth and tongue, dry skin, sunken eyes, lack of energy, feeling faint, or passing out.
- Loose stools for more than 2 days
- Very bad pain in the belly
- High fever
- Stool has blood or pus
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what precautions to take when traveling to avoid this illness.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have dark colored urine or no urine for more than 8 hours, dry mouth, lack of energy, or I feel faint.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/travelers-diarrhea.printerview.all.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚