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 | What is travelers' diarrhea? |
|  Traveler's diarrhea can attack people visiting unfamiliar places, particularly locales lacking modern water treatment facilities. Bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of traveler's diarrhea. People with travelers' diarrhea experience frequent watery bowel movements. Other symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, fever, and lack of energy. The best way to prevent traveler's diarrhea is by avoiding unsanitary water. When in doubt, drink only boiled or bottled water and don't use ice. Avoid food from street vendors and undercooked foods. Beware of salads, unpasteurized milk and dairy products, and uncooked fruits and vegetables unless you're sure they're from a sanitary source.If you get traveler's diarrhea, try hard to drink plenty of fluid to replace the liquids you're losing. An oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte or Ricelyte) may be especially helpful. If it'snot available,bottled water, soft drinks without caffeine, and fruit juices are good substitutes. Dark urine may be a sign that you're dehydrated; so drink more fluids! But to avoid making matters worse, don't drink water that may be contaminated, milk or milk products.Taking over-the-counter antidiarrhea medicines may help stop the diarrhea and fluid loss. Follow the package label directions when using these products. Seek medical attention if your diarrhea or other symptoms get worse or you see blood in your stool or urine. Some people are more at risk for serious problems from diarrhea. Children under three years, pregnant women, and people with AIDS, diabetes, or heart disease should see a doctor when they have diarrhea. Sources:Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.Travelers' Health, "Travelers' Diarrhea." http://www.cdc.gov. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last accessed 11/9/2006.Diseases & Conditions. "Traveler's Diarrhea." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 11/9/2006.This answer prepared 12/14/2000.This information updated 2/6/2007. |
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