Fresh out of India after 4 weeks, and into Dubai with my first case of TD
Diarrhea can bring any traveler’s tales to a screeching halt without much warning. It begins with a gurgling sound from your stomach. You begin telling yourself that it’s just a touch of gas, nothing to worry about. Later the side splitting sharp pains erupt. And ultimately the symptoms become what you already knew them to be, the express train to bed rest.
Fortunately there are several ways to avoid diarrhea during a trip to India. For those tourists who discovered the what-not-to-do too late, the following list is the best course of treatment while being down in the dumps with diarrhea in India.
What to Avoid Immediately
Upon the first signs of diarrhea there are foods you want to stop eating which include:
•Milk and milk products such as curd or lassi
•High fat or greasy foods such as samosas, fried momos, etc.
•Very sweet foods such as most Indian desserts
•Foods with a lot of fiber such as citrus fruits
•Alcoholic, caffeinated or sugary drinks should be eliminated completely
It is best to avoid milk and other dairy products for 7 to 10 days after the diarrhea improves.
Self Treatment of Diarrhea
•Immediately you want to begin drinking clear liquids, water is recommended. Small, frequent sips are the best way to stay hydrated. Sports drinks such as Gatorade should be diluted with water. At full strength they contain a high level of sugar which can worsen your diarrhea.
•Begin the 5 day course of Cipro recommended to bring to India. Zithromax is also a commonly prescribed medication. Some travelers may already be taking doxycycline as a malaria preventative. Consult your medical professional prior to travel about any side effects or risks associated when combing any of these drugs. Remember to read the dosage instructions carefully.
•Easily digested, high-carbohydrate foods such as boiled potatoes, plain rice, crackers, and toast are the best foods to begin eating as soon as you can. Bananas, chipatis/rotis, and apples can also be added as your appetite recovers.
•Don’t be afraid to rearrange your itinerary. Although your plan may be to move on to another city, if you’re not feeling up to leaving the comforts of a room with a nearby toilet, don’t. Indians are very flexible hosts. A simple explanation of your problems will result in a quick reshuffle of plans.
What Happens if it Doesn’t Stop?
After 3 days, if your symptoms have no subsided or stopped completely, you need to contact a medical professional. This can prove difficult depending on which region of India you find yourself. Most towns have a doctor, PA or NP located in the market. Ask your hotel for a recommendation or contact the nearest tourism office for a recommendation. Search for a healthcare provider sooner if you have:
•Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
•A fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
•Blood in the stool
•Signs of dehydration
It doesn’t hurt to make a list of healthcare providers available in the areas you will be traveling in the advent of medical problems such as persistent diarrhea. Private hospitals or medical offices are a preferred choice for care within India. Out of pocket expenses generally will be marginal for the treatment of diarrhea.
No matter how savvy the tourist, everyone is at risk of traveler’s diarrhea in India. Take it from me, a 3 time traveler’s diarrhea sufferer, it can happen when you least expect, whether traveling the budget or 5-star routes of India.
