If you experience ongoing or persistent stomach pains and over-the-counter medications don’t seem to help, it may be time to see the doctor. MetroHealth gastroenterologists are available at health centers in Beachwood, Brecksville, Cleveland, Parma and Middleburg Heights. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 216-778-5381.
Whether you’re on an international trip of a lifetime or a vacation closer to home, symptoms such as heartburn, motion sickness and gastroenteritis — which can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea and vomiting — can interfere with your plans.
“There are all sorts of illnesses you can encounter while traveling, but gastrointestinal problems can be especially bothersome,” says Ronnie Fass, MD, director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at MetroHealth. People tend to overindulge with rich or exotic foods, which don’t pair well with long car trips or flights.
He packs the following four medications in his own travel bags to keep gastrointestinal problems at bay:
Antireflux medications
Antireflux drugs treat heartburn and are available over-the-counter. Antacids like calcium carbonate (Tums) neutralize stomach acid and can provide immediate but short-term heartburn relief. H2 blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid AC) reduce acid production and can provide all-day symptom relief.
If you’re prone to heartburn, you may want to take a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole (Prilosec) daily to decrease stomach acid, as long as the trip is only for a week or two. “Some studies suggest that PPIs may make you more prone to gastroenteritis,” says Dr. Fass.
Antiemetics
These drugs relieve nausea and vomiting and are useful for motion sickness. “Definitely pack these if you know you are prone to motion sickness and you’re going to be traveling by bus or on boats,” says Dr. Fass. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) is one popular over-the-counter option. Dr. Fass usually travels with a scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop), which requires a prescription and is placed behind the ear.
Anti-diarrheal medicines
Anti-diarrheal medicines slow or stop diarrhea. These are available over-the-counter and include loperamide (Imodium). “Generic forms of this drug are very inexpensive,” says Dr. Fass. Anti-diarrheal medicines can reduce or relieve diarrhea-associated gastroenteritis.
Antibiotics
Medications such as rifaximin (Xifaxan) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) can treat gastroenteritis caused by bacteria in food or drinking water, a condition commonly called traveler’s diarrhea. Traveling in developing countries with a lack of clean water or refrigeration puts you at higher risk. While some people start taking antibiotics right before a trip to prevent becoming ill, Dr. Fass encourages his patients to wait until they develop symptoms such as belly pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Some tips to help prevent digestive issues on vacation:
- Try to avoid overeating, especially when it comes to rich or spicy foods
- It may be tempting to try street food or a roadside dive, but keep an eye out for cleanliness
- Consume cooked food that’s still hot
- Avoid excess caffeine — caffeine is a digestive system irritant and can amplify issues
- Wash fruit or vegetables very carefully in clean water and peel them before eating
- If you’re in a foreign country, drink only bottled water
- Avoid seafood if you can’t verify that it is fresh
- Carry hand sanitizer for occasions when clean water and soap aren’t available
Contributor:
Ronnie Fass, MD
Director, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
