How can I recover from traveler’s diarrhea and vomiting?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am traveling internationally. I have been affected by traveler's diarrhea and vomiting for three days.

Day-1: Vomited four times, diarrhea five times. I could not eat anything.

Day-2: I took Loperamide. The nurse at the hotel gave me some electrolytes. Took my BP - 100 (usually I am around 110). My body temperature was normal. I slowly started eating solid food. Diarrhea stopped, vomited once.

Day-3: I was able to eat solid meals well. I took some electrolytes as well. Diarrhea and vomiting have stopped. However, I am feeling dizzy after basic day-to-day activities.

Also, I went to the hotel downstairs to eat, and I felt dizzy while eating the meal.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Traveler's diarrhea is caused by either contaminated food or water and is generally self-limiting, with complete recovery in five to seven days. If you are feeling dizzy, that possibly is because of weakness and electrolyte imbalances that occur with vomiting and loose motions and sometimes fever associated with it.

You will need to take enough fluids and juice to replace potassium and get your blood pressure checked. If all is well, you are recovering normally. Otherwise, you may need antibiotics, preferably a combination of Ciprofloxacin and Tinidazole, for five days.

I hope this helps you.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The best thing is to avoid antibiotics. As I said, it is rarely of bacterial origin. So, wait for 24 hours. If you improve, you can avoid antibiotics.

Otherwise, you can take Amoxicillin after 24 hours if things do not improve. Consult a specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and start taking the medicines with their consent.

Take enough rehydration. I am sure it is all because of dehydration. Recovery is expected in a day or two.

I hope this helps you.

Thankyou.