self-therapy
Last reviewed 05/2022
If episode of diarrhoea whilst abroad:
- replace fluid losses - in infants and young children then oral rehydration therapy. Thus travellers with young children should be encouraged to take prepackaged oral rehydration salts. In adults then increased intake of fluids (especially fruit juices), salty soups, and carbohydrates should be sufficient. Fasting is unnecessary.
- antibiotic treatment - only indicated if stool frequency is greater than 6 times per day or if episode of diarrhoea causing great inconvenience. Treatment with 4-quinolones is effective e.g. ciprofloxacin 500 mg bd
- antidiarrhoeal agents - only have major benefit if combined with antibiotic treatment. Contraindicated in infants and young children.