How to manage my gastrointestinal distress after a trip?

Question

Hello doctor,

I got back from a trip yesterday and have since had stomachache problems. I have had nausea, a stomachache (which sometimes feels like heartburn in my lower stomach), gas pains (that do not go away permanently), and a pretty severe loss of appetite (although I have gotten hungry and eaten some). I also had diarrhea, which is why I am somewhat worried, as I have not had diarrhea for years, and was somewhat constipated beforehand from eating too much. I am somewhat worried about appendicitis (it does hurt mildly when I push on my lower right stomach), but it could just be the stomach flu. I am also taking Malarone if that is at all relevant.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The symptoms you are describing are mostly suggestive of bacterial gastroenteritis (commonly called food poisoning), which is a bacterial infection of the intestine.

Stool analysis and culture are required to confirm the diagnosis. Management is with antibiotics (usually a combination of Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole) for which you will need a prescription. So, please be advised to follow up with the urgent care.

Meanwhile, drink plenty of water and electrolyte-containing drinks like Gatorade. Follow a soft diet. The BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, and toast) diet will be easier on your tummy.

You can also take Buscopan (Butylscopolamine) 10 mg thrice daily for abdominal cramps.

For more information, consult a medical gastroenterologist online.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.