The libraryGut
Avoid Traveler's Diarrhea
Traveler's diarrhea
Also called Montezuma's revenge, Delhi belly, Food poisoning abroad
Who it's forA man aged 18 to 45 whose stomach goes wrong every time he travels.
When to see a doctor
- Call 911 or the local emergency number abroad now: confusion, blue, gray or blotchy skin, vomiting blood, a sudden severe belly ache, or struggling to breathe.
- Today: a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or more, or blood or mucus in your poop. Do not take loperamide.
- Today: signs of dehydration, such as dark pee, peeing little, or dizziness, that last after rehydration packets, or you cannot keep fluids down.
- Today: no better after 3 days, or severe belly pain, yellow skin or a rash.
- Home: diarrhea that starts within 10 days of return or lasts past 2 weeks. See your doctor, give a stool sample, and say where you went.
- Been where cholera is found, with severe watery diarrhea and vomiting: a doctor today.
- A fever after a trip to a country with malaria in the last 12 months, even with diarrhea: a malaria test today. Urgent care or your doctor today.
I am not a doctor. This is not medical advice. This is self-education. Every dose on this page is the one a trial or a label used, quoted from it. It is not a prescription. Talk to a physician or travel clinic who has your history before any medicine, vaccine or supplement. A fever, blood in your poop or dehydration: see a doctor first.