Diarrhea: What to Do and When to See a Doctor｜Symptoms and Care During Travel
■Symptoms
Diarrhea is a condition characterized by loose or watery stools and an increased frequency of bowel movements. During travel, it may occur due to changes in diet or environment.
Common symptoms include:
- Watery or loose stools
- Increased bowel movements
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever or fatigue
■Causes
Common causes may include:
- Viral gastroenteritis (e.g., norovirus)
- Food poisoning (bacterial or viral)
- Unfamiliar food or water
- Stress or fatigue
- Side effects of medications
Most cases are mild, but infections and dehydration may be involved.
■When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care immediately if:
- You are unable to drink fluids or dehydration is suspected
- You notice blood in the stool or black stools
- You have severe abdominal pain or high fever (around 38°C / 100.4°F or higher)
- Diarrhea persists for several days
- You are an older adult, a child, or have underlying medical conditions
You may monitor your condition if:
- Symptoms are mild and you can stay hydrated
- Symptoms are gradually improving
- Fever and abdominal pain are mild
■What to Do (At Your Hotel)
- Drink fluids frequently in small amounts (oral rehydration solutions are recommended)
- Avoid forcing food; resume light, easy-to-digest meals as you recover
- Get adequate rest
- Maintain good hygiene, including regular handwashing
- Avoid alcohol and fatty foods
■What We Can Do at Our Clinic
At our clinic, we can provide:
- English-speaking medical consultation
- Assessment of severity by a doctor
- Necessary diagnostic tests
- Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy
- Prescription medications (such as and intestinal regulators)
■Appointment
Our clinic is located in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, and international travelers are welcome to visit with confidence. Same-day appointments and English-speaking services are available. If you have any concerns about your condition, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.
If you are visiting Osaka and need medical care for diarrhea or injury, International Clinic Osaka Shinsaibashi (ICOS) provides same-day, English-speaking medical services. Travelers from overseas can receive care with peace of mind.
Address: Zenith Building 4F, 1-13-25 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Phone: +81-6-6484-6392
Email: c.icos@international-clinic-osaka.com
▶︎Associated Symptoms
Headache
Abdominal pain
Abdominal bloating (feeling of fullness)
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Dehydration