Gastroinstestinal
Description
Gastrointestinal problems usually start with cramps and progress to diarrhea. When diarrhea is not treated, or is treated unsuccessfully using self medication, the body loses electrolytes and fluids, which can be very harmful and dangerous.
Prevention
The simple preventative measures listed below will help you stay healthy on your visit to Mexico
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water.
- Only eat food that has been thoroughly cooked.
- Only eat fruits and vegetables that you have peeled yourself
- Drink only bottled water, carbonated drinks in the original can or bottle, or alcoholic beverages
- Do not use ice cubes, and avoid tap water and fountain drinks
- Do not eat food purchased from vendors on the street
- Not all dairy products have been pasteurized, so make sure that the products you eat have been pasteurized
- Make sure that you swim only in pools that are treated with chlorine.
Self Treatment
ADULTS
- Drink plenty of fluids (bottled water, not tap water)
- Kaopectate - 2 tablespoonfuls after each loose stool for a maximum of 2 days
- Imodium AD - 2 tablets to start, then 1 tablet after each loose stool. The maximum dose is 4 tablets a day for 2 days
- Pepto Bismol - take 2 tablets to start, then 1 tablet every hour. The maximum dose is 8 doses in a 24 hr period
- Eat white rice or toast
CHILDREN
Seek medical advice
Seek help when...
- You have two or more bowel movements per hour, or more than 15 per day
- Blood or pus is present in the stool
- You vomit more than once, vomit blood, severe cramping or constant pain
- Diarrhea has become severe and frequent
- Fever or chills are present
- Children have diarrhea
