Travelers' diarrhea diagnosis and treatment

Diarrhea is a very common health problem among travelers. According to our research, up to 16% of travelers developed diarrhea during their trip in Southeast Asia. While most cases are mild and tend to resolve spontaneously, some travelers have moderate to severe diarrhea that required targeted investigation and treatment.

Our approach begin with assessing the clinical severity, duration of symptoms, associated features(such as fever, blood in stool, or dehydration), and underlying medical conditions. Travel history, food exposure, will also be reviewed to help differentiate likely causes and determine whether further evaluation is required.

Here are our standard care if you have travelers’ diarrhea and visiting us

1. Clinical Assessment: Our doctors will evaluate your symptoms, severity, duration, travel history, food and water exposure, and any warning signs such as fever, blood in stool, or dehydration.

2. Targeted Diagnostic Testing: If indicated, we perform on-site laboratory stool analysis that help to identify the specific cause (bacteria, parasites, or viruses). This allows us to prescribe targeted therapy rather than “blind” broad-spectrum antibiotics.

3. Individualized management plan: Treatment is tailored to symptom severity and risk profile, ranging from simple home medication with oral rehydration solution (ORS) to hospitalization in some severe cases.

• When should I see a doctor if I have diarrhea?
  Medical assessment is recommended if symptoms are severe, persistent, associated with fever or blood in stool, or if there are signs of dehydration or  you have some underlying medical conditions. Please read this article –> I have traveler’s diarrhea in Thailand, what should I do? Should I see a doctor?

• Do I need antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea?
  Not always. Many cases are mild and self-limited and can be managed with rehydration and supportive care. Moreover, some diarrheas result from viruses or parasites which cannot be killed by antibiotics. So in our clinic, antibiotics are reserved for selected cases based on severity and clinical features.

• Where can I seek for medical care if I have diarrhea? 
  All hospital in Thailand can take care travelers’ diarrhea. Most patients can be treated as outpatients but some patients may need hospitalization. In our clinic, patients will be requested to collect their stool to check for the pathogen. You may collect your stool before attending our clinic. Use small plastic container collecting device.