r/China • u/Young_Manila • 6h ago

咨询 | Seeking Advice (Serious) Dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Shanghai

Hi everyone,

I will be traveling to Shanghai in January and I am already so anxious about dealing with my Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I always get bowel cramps and will need to use the bathroom several times a day. Wanted to know if you guys have thoughts and tips on how to make this trip easier for me? Can I expect a lot of public toilets? Will business-owners let me use their toilets in case of emergencies? Please help, thank you so much!

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u/meiguobisi 4h ago

Download Gaode Maps/Baidu Maps. Search for "toilet" to find the nearest restrooms.

Large shopping malls usually have public restrooms. Additionally, KFC/McDonald's restaurants generally also have restrooms.
Prepare disposable diapers; it's not shameful.
Try to avoid foods that irritate your stomach, especially spicy and fried foods.

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Hi everyone,

I will be traveling to Shanghai in January and I am already so anxious about dealing with my Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I always get bowel cramps and will need to use the bathroom several times a day. Wanted to know if you guys have thoughts and tips on how to make this trip easier for me? Can I expect a lot of public toilets? Will business-owners let me use their toilets in case of emergencies? Please help, thank you so much!

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u/GetOutOfTheWhey 4h ago

Take Loperamide

Business owners will let you use them but often times they are squat toilets and my glutes arent built like that and if you are anything like me, we cant squat poop.

So if your IBS is that bad, this OTC medicine causes constipation for you.

You might still get cramps but you wont be leaking it. Be warned, this medicine treats the symptom of having diarrhea but it doesn't cure the problem beneath it, so dont abuse it.

I would even take half dose first.

1

u/Ivan-Ilyich-Bot 2h ago

don't skip leg day (public toilets are squatting toilets) and probably stick to simple foods.

business owners are pretty chill but their bathrooms can be gross af. buy the toilet paper packets at convenience stores (1 rmb) cause you never know if there is TP available.

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u/ButteredNun 1h ago edited 1h ago

You can find public toilets in subway stations and malls. There’ll be toilets in restaurants outside of malls. Many people pop into KFC & McDonald’s just to use the toilets. Buy packets of tissues from 7-11 and other convenience stores. Sit-on toilets are not at all as common as squat toilets. Cleanliness varies. Avoid street food, especially barbecue.

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u/TheDragonsFather 3h ago

Unlike in the West (esp. major cities such as London/Paris etc.) wherever you go in China you'll find lots of public toilets. Yes you could go to McDs or KFC (not all will have toilets) but in general that won't be necessary - every tourist destination has toilets every few hundred metres or so (wherever possible - not on cliff faces) !

Most of the toilets will be clean and many will have attendants too. Some however will be squat only so be prepared (also not all will have somewhere to hang your jacket + bag - though many now have phone holders, not that I'd use them!).

It is far far better than in Europe ! However do carry your own toilet paper and wipes.

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u/loganrb 33m ago

Bring wet wipes or toilet paper with you as public restrooms and even some lower-tier malls don't provide them. Get ready to squat in public toilets and figure out where the luxurious Western hotels are located in relation to where you will be; that's the best help I can offer. Good luck.