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Remedy For Travel Related Stomach Issues? Yesterday I Returned From
Question: Remedy for travel related stomach issues? Yesterday I returned from 11 days in Morocco (visited many areas of the country). For the last 5 or 6 days, I have had stomach cramps and problematic bowel movements. An hour or so after I eat, I experience fairly severe stomach cramps. This may or may not be followed by a sudden bowel movement - diarrhea like, but stools are not completely watery.
I took Imodium the last 3 days of the trip, which seemed to help. Now that I have been home for 24 hours, I haven't taken anything. I thought it was getting better, but the issue seems to still be with me. Suggestions for how I should treat? Thanks!
I took Imodium the last 3 days of the trip, which seemed to help. Now that I have been home for 24 hours, I haven't taken anything. I thought it was getting better, but the issue seems to still be with me. Suggestions for how I should treat? Thanks!
Brief Answer:
Travelers diarrhea likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for choosing 'Ask A Doctor' forum for your query,
You seem to be suffering from traveler's diarrhea. Almost 80% of cases of travelers' diarrhea are caused by bacteria.
You should stop taking Imodium.
Imodium is used in viral Gastroenteritis, however, in your case it's bacterial. Imodium would cause bacteria to stagnate inside your intestines and symptoms would reoccur again and again.
You would need a test called Stool culture and sensitivity.
Once the test is done antibiotic would be started.
Stomach cramps are because of inflammation in the intestine.
You would need a course of antibiotics like Ofloxacin along with metronidazole with an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory like Dicyclomine and Mefenamic acid.
But all these medicines are prescription drugs.
You can discuss the answer with your family doctor and get a prescription for the same.
3 days course would be enough to eradicate your symptoms.
A probiotic like VSL#3 should be started twice daily to restore good bacterial colonies in your intestine.
Eat very light and easily digestible food.
You would be fine in a few days.
Hope I was helpful.
Regards!
Travelers diarrhea likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for choosing 'Ask A Doctor' forum for your query,
You seem to be suffering from traveler's diarrhea. Almost 80% of cases of travelers' diarrhea are caused by bacteria.
You should stop taking Imodium.
Imodium is used in viral Gastroenteritis, however, in your case it's bacterial. Imodium would cause bacteria to stagnate inside your intestines and symptoms would reoccur again and again.
You would need a test called Stool culture and sensitivity.
Once the test is done antibiotic would be started.
Stomach cramps are because of inflammation in the intestine.
You would need a course of antibiotics like Ofloxacin along with metronidazole with an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory like Dicyclomine and Mefenamic acid.
But all these medicines are prescription drugs.
You can discuss the answer with your family doctor and get a prescription for the same.
3 days course would be enough to eradicate your symptoms.
A probiotic like VSL#3 should be started twice daily to restore good bacterial colonies in your intestine.
Eat very light and easily digestible food.
You would be fine in a few days.
Hope I was helpful.
Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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