How can I manage frequent diarrhea and a bloated stomach without using antibiotics?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have travelled to other country and staying here for past the past one year. I have had diarrhea three times, five days a week. The appetite is normal. There is no fever, upset stomach, or vomiting. Bloating feelings are present. Is it fine to take Rifaximin 200 mg three times a day for three days?

I do not like to take too many antibiotics as they can cause different long-term issues.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You mentioned diarrhea and then no stomach upset. This is confusing. Please clarify that. And also, mention your age.

I would also like to know,

Are the stools loose?
Do you go after meals?
Is there any feeling of cramps or pain abdomen while padding stool?

Rifixamin itself is an antibiotic. It must cure the symptoms within 24 to 48 hours. If not, then further investigation is required. If you still are adamant about not using antibiotics, I would suggest,

Diet modification.
Avoid excessive tea, coffee, fried or junk foods.
Drink boiled, filtered, or mineral water.
Have plenty of water and fluids. At least two glasses of water in the morning on an empty stomach.
Make sure you are eating food from a hygienic place. Avoid raw foods and eat only hot foods, as cooking would kill the bacteria.
Lacto bacillus would also be helpful in such cases. They are available in sachet or tablet form.

I would advise routine stool examination for specific treatment.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Please take out this myth from your mind that antibiotics are harmful. Many conditions in the body, and almost all infections, can be cured only by antibiotics in allopathic medicine. However antibiotics do have their side effects, but they are mild ones. But bad and severe side effects are noted only in cases where they have either been misused or taken chronically continuously for over three months. Otherwise, you may not worry.

Another thing is that Rifaximin is also considered an antibiotic. It is used to treat traveler's diarrhea. Since you have been taking this drug and there is no relief, you must switch. For your condition, to get proper treatment and cure, apart from strict dietary precautions, I would advise,

Tablet Lomotil (Diphenoxylate and Atropine) to control loose stools, as required.
Tablet Norfloxacin with Ornidazole combination 400 mg twice daily for five days to combat the infection.
ORS (oral rehydration therapy) sachet to combat dehydration due to fluid loss.
Drink plenty of fluids.
To maintain a proper and healthy gastrointestinal flora despite antibiotics, you may take a sachet of Lactobacillus or its tablet once a day.
Multi-vitamin tablets may be added daily to avoid weakness caused by antibiotics.