Answers
How do I prevent and treat loose motions while travelling?
Short answer
Loose motions are the commonest illness on trips, pilgrimages and journeys abroad, usually caused by bacteria in food or water. Most settle in 2 to 4 days with ORS and light food. Prevention is about safe water, freshly cooked food and clean hands. Blood in the stool, high fever or dehydration need a doctor.
Prevention
- Drink sealed bottled, boiled or filtered water, and avoid ice
- Eat food that is freshly cooked and served hot
- Peel fruit yourself; avoid raw salads, chutneys and cut fruit from stalls
- Wash hands or use sanitiser before eating
- Carry ORS packets
Treatment
Medicines to stop loose motions can be used for a short time only if there is no blood and no fever. Antibiotics are needed only for severe illness, high fever or blood in the stool, and should be taken as advised by a doctor. Ask your doctor before a long trip whether you need a standby prescription.
- ORS after every loose stool, plus coconut water, chaas or soup
- Light food: khichdi, curd rice, banana, toast
- Rest and avoid alcohol
Before you travel
- Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines if you are not protected
- Extra caution for pregnant women, older adults and people with diabetes, kidney, liver or bowel disease
- Carry your regular medicines and a list of them
See a doctor if
- Blood in the stool, high fever or severe belly pain
- Signs of dehydration: very little urine, dizziness, dry mouth
- Vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down
- Loose motions continuing for more than two weeks after returning
Food and drink on the road
Eat more
- Sealed bottled or boiled water, and hot drinks such as tea
- Freshly cooked food served hot, and fruit you peel yourself
- Curd from a trusted place, and bananas
Cut down
- Ice, raw salads, chutneys and cut fruit from stalls
- Lukewarm buffet food
- Too much alcohol, which dehydrates you
Good to know
- 'Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it' is a useful rule.
- Carry ORS packets and hand sanitiser on every trip.
Common questions
Should I take an antibiotic before travelling to prevent it?
No. Preventive antibiotics are not advised for most travellers. Your doctor may give a standby prescription for severe illness on long trips.
Is it safe to take loperamide while travelling?
For a short time, if there is no blood in the stool and no fever. Do not use it for children without advice.
What about high-altitude pilgrimages?
Food and water rules matter even more where medical help is far. Carry ORS, eat simple hot food, and drink enough fluids.