Traveler's Diarrhea
Alternate Names : E. Coli Diarrhea
What are the treatments for the disease?
Oral fluids, including rehydration solutions, are important to
prevent
dehydration. In most cases, antibiotics are not needed. However,
they may be useful in the treatment of very young infants or with certain types
of E.coli. They may also be recommended for immunocompromised
individuals, or those with weak immune systems.
Medicines to control diarrhea should not be administered
to children with diarrhea, especially if the diarrhea is bloody. They could
cause the diarrhea to last longer or to make it worse.
Traveler's diarrhea may be treated with the same drugs used to prevent it. In
addition to the medicines listed earlier, loperamide may reduce the diarrhea.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
The medicines used to treat traveler's diarrhea can cause allergic
reactions. They may also make the person more sensitive to sunlight
and increase the risk of sunburn. Drugs for diarrhea may also cause nausea.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Traveler's diarrhea usually goes away, with or without treatment, within 1
week. Hemorrhagic colitis is more serious and lasts longer, especially if HUS
develops. Kidney failure may develop in as many as 50% of children. Severe
kidney failure can lead to high blood pressure. HUS may recur with repeated
infections but not usually after the first year. Most children with HUS have a
nearly complete recovery. Up to 1/3, though, have lasting evidence of some
kidney damage.
How is the disease monitored?
Persons with severe diarrhea or HUS need to be monitored closely to be sure
their blood chemicals remain in balance. Elderly people who are receiving fluid
replacement are watched closely for congestive heart failure. If kidney
failure develops, fluid intake and output must be measured carefully to keep
them in balance. Tests are sometimes used to be sure the E.
coli toxin is no longer in the stool. Any new or worsening symptoms
should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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