Should I take antibiotics for Travellers diarrhea?
APPROACH TO SELF-TREATMENTMild diarrhea (up to three loose bowel movements a day) can be self-treated with oral rehydration and loperamide. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after 24 h, treatment with an antibiotic should be initiated.
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If you don't treat traveler's diarrhea, it usually will go away in four to five days. But treatment with an antibiotic and loperamide often can cure you within 24 hours. If you are not better after taking antibiotics, talk to your doctor.
Travellers' diarrhoea usually gets better in 3 to 5 days. Most cases are mild and do not need specific treatment. For further information on self-treatment and when to seek medical help, see treatment section below.
Recent studies have shown that approximately 25% of travelers develop TD in the first 2 weeks abroad, with the highest rates occurring in travel to Africa and South, Central and West Asia.
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).
It can be fatal if it's left untreated. In addition to being picked up from contaminated food or water, the bacteria or parasites that cause dysentery can be passed from person to person in close contact, or you can get it by swimming in unclean water.
Symptoms may last longer and be more severe if it's caused by certain bacteria or parasites. In such cases, you may need prescription medicines to help you get better. If you're an adult, see your doctor if: Your diarrhea lasts beyond two days.
Drinking milk, or ingesting other dairy products may make travelers' diarrhea worse. Alcohol and caffeine can also worsen symptoms. While you may not feel up to it, you still need to eat to keep up your strength. You should aim to eat smaller meals throughout the day, rather than three larger meals, though.
Although traveler's diarrhea is typically a benign, self-resolving condition, it can lead to dehydration and, in severe cases, significant complications.