Traveler’s diarrhea diet

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Dehydration means your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. It is a very big problem for children or people who are in a hot climate. Signs of severe dehydration include:

• Decreased urine (fewer wet diapers in infants)
• Dry mouth
• Sunken eyes
• Few tears when crying

Give your child fluids for the first 4 - 6 hours. At first, try 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of fluid every 30 to 60 minutes.

• You can use an over-the-counter drink, such as Pedialyte or Infalyte. Do not add water to these drinks.
• You can also try Pedialyte popsicles.
• Fruit juice or broth with water added to it may also help. These drinks can give your child important minerals that are being lost in the diarrhea.
• If you are breastfeeding your infant, keep doing it. If you are using formula, use it at half-strength for two to three feedings after the diarrhea starts. Then you can begin regular formula feedings.

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In third-world countries, many health agencies stock packets of salts to mix with water. If these fluids are not available, you can make an emergency solution by mixing:

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar or rice powder
• 1/4 teaspoon potassium chloride (salt substitute)
• 1/2 teaspoon trisodium citrate (can be replaced with baking soda)
• 1 liter of clean water

If you or your child has symptoms of severe dehydration, or if you have a fever or bloody stools, get medical attention right away.

Review Date: 02/07/2011
Reviewed By: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).