Acute Diarrhea after 5 days

[girl_UK]

I currently live in the UK but travelled to Istanbul for 2.5 days one week ago. Upon returning within 24 hours I began having diarrhea. It has been ongoing for  5 days now.

I have some cramping at times and occassional headaches as well. The headaches are usually later in the day. At first I thought it could be a virus but has gone on for more than 3 days now. I have more than 8 bowel movements each day. There has been no vomitting and seems no blood in the bowels either. I have had orange stool with chunks that sometimes float and lately have dropped to the bottom of the bowl. It is very free flowing but isn't completely uncontrollable. I have a burning feeling usually and then go to to the toilet. My stomach also rumbles and has burning sensations that are almost like gas pains.

I have had a soft food diet and have been drinking ginger herbal tea, ginger ale, lemon herbal tea and water. I am being concious of staying hydrated and for the past few days have also had an appetite.

We did not eat any fish or undercooked food. I did have some tomato, cucumber salad that was served very cold. We were also careful to drink bottled water too.

Do you think this could be traveller's diarrhea or something I need to get concerned about? I am a healthy 33 yr old female. My husband who also travelled on this trip has not become ill and we had pretty much the same food and drink while there.

Thanks!

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

How are your symptoms now?

Because you are now back in the UK, I would recommend that you see your personal physician or health care provider if you are still having symptoms.

In general, the guidance for traveler's diarrhea is to take an antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin) + an antispasmodic (Imodium) after the onset of symptoms (as long as there is not blood in the stool). If the symptoms cease after 24 hours of taking the antibiotic + antispasmodic, then you can stop both of the medications. If the symptoms are persistent, the usual recommendations are to take the medications for 3 days.

If persons have symptoms that persist after the above regimen, it is important to consider other causes of the diarrhea, such as giardia (which are not treated by the antibiotics that are usually used for traveler's diarrhea). Other possibilities are diarrheas caused by amoebas and other parasites.

If you ate fruits or vegetables that are consumed without peeling them (such as lettuce  tomato, cucumber) it is very possible that you may have acquired something that is causing your diarrhea.

Another question:
*  Have you been vaccinated against Hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a virus that can be acquired by drinking contaminated water or food.

I hope this is helpful to you. Feel free to continue with your questions or comments.

~*~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[girl_UK]

My symptoms subsided the following day. I have been vaccinated for Hepatitis. I have not had any other issues for a week now.

Thank you!