Inadequate sanitation and contaminated water are the leading cause of stomach upsets in travellers.
Unfamiliar foods, changes in routine, diet, all can cause digestive problems.
While some are are not life threatening, they are still annoying and can make you feel sick for several days.
Traveller’s diarrhea
Found – common amongst visitors to the developing world.
Cause – usually caused by unfamiliar bacteria and sometimes even anxiety. Generally, lasts a few days and no great problem.
Treatment – best to let normal diarrhea run its course, drink plenty of liquids, eat no solid foods on the first day. On the second day eat bland foods (toast, soup, rice, bananas).
Recent research has shown that one dose of an appropriate antibiotic such as Cipro or Noroxin, combined with two Immodium AD tablets, will effectively treat more than 90% of cases of traveller’s diarrhoea. If you do get symptoms of traveller’s diarrhoea, which may include watery or loose stools, fever, nausea, and malaise, immediately take the appropriate antibiotic with Immodium. It can limit the period of being sick to an hour or two, instead of being sick two to three days longer.
Prevention – good hygiene.
Food poisoning
Found – worldwide. (I got it in Spain. I passed out at the main railway station in Barcelona and woke up in the emergency room).
Cause – unknown or undiscovered agents cause most cases. Known causes are infective agents such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites, or toxic agents such as poisonous mushrooms, improperly prepared foods, or pesticides on fruits and vegetables. Poor sanitation when preparing food, improperly packaged or stored food.
Symptoms – depend on what was ingested. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea within 48 hours. Then fever and chills, bloody stools and dehydration possibly to follow.
Treatment – do not eat solid food while nauseous or vomiting but drink plenty of (clear) fluids (not caffeinated or alcohol). Then bland solid foods when liquids are tolerated. Seek medical advice if in a developing country.
Prevention – safe shopping, storage, thawing, handling, preparation and cooking of food. Good hygiene.
Rehydration therapy
In case of dehydration due to severe diarrhea and vomiting, rehydration therapy is recommended. The two types of rehydration therapy are intravenous, performed with a salt/sugar/water solution in the hospital, and oral, which can be done anywhere.
Oral rehydration solution consists of:
water: 1 quart or 1 liter
salt: 1/2 level teaspoon
sugar: 8 level teaspoons
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): 1/4 teaspoon
The sugar aids absorption of the water and salt. Sodium bicarbonate isn’t necessary if unavailable. Be careful with measurements as too much salt can increase dehydration. Dispose of unused solutions after twenty-four hours since bacteria may multiply. Patients should drink more solution as able. A gallon or more may be needed. Commercially prepared solutions to which you just add clean water are available from pharmacies.
Constipation
Found – worldwide. Common amongst all travellers.
Cause – usually a change in routine and diet.
Prevention – drink plenty of fluids, and eat lots of fibre or roughage.
