Suggest Treatment For Traveler's Diarrhea

Posted on Mon, 12 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 Answered on

Mon, 2 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I traveled in Mexico a year ago and got a case of Montezuma's revenge. Since then, my stools have been soft and unformed and I visit the bathroom more often. The stools crumble easily when flushed. I took a round of antibiotics and felt much better within a day(after it first happened) but my stool has been soft since then. My doctor says loose stools are not a problem. I have had a stool sample analyzed and they say there's no harmful bacteria present. I don't feel bad but am just wondering if that sounds normal. Should I go to a specialist and get another opinion? Does this sound unhealthy? Prior to my experience in Mexico, my stools were always firm and I used the bathroom regularly (once a day in the morning). Now it could be several times in a morning.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Parasitic infection should be ruled out by stool examination

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the bad experience you has when traveling in Mexico. Actually, the Montezuma revenge symptoms you experienced is what we call traveller's diarrhea.

The most common causes include bacteria, viruses( like norovirus), or parasites like Giardia intestinalis.

As long as stool culture was negative for pathologic bacteria, then, stool examination is advised to rule out parasites and yeast infection.

If nothing is found and you'll not have any other symptom, then, do not worry about loose stool.

Try to chew up slowly the food and avoid foods not cooked well.

Take probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora.

Hope this helps.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar