Traveler’s diarrhea is a digestive problem. It is characterized by abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which are usually caused by consuming food or water that the body is unfamiliar with.
If you visit a place where the sanitary practices or climate are different from what you’re used to, you’re more likely to get traveler’s diarrhea.
Traveler’s diarrhea is most commonly encountered while visiting Indonesia like Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, Gili Meno.
Traveler’s diarrhea usually clears up on its own after a few days. It can cause dehydration, which is especially dangerous for children. However, it is frequently contagious and spreads from person to person regardless of the cause.
What are the signs and symptoms of travelers’ diarrhea?
The most common symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea are loose, watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Other symptoms may occur depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Among the symptoms are:
- nausea
- vomiting
- fever
- bloating
- a lot of gas
- appetite loss
- a pressing need to defecate
All of these symptoms are normal. However, some symptoms indicate that you should see a doctor right away. These are some examples:
- Severe, intolerable abdominal or rectum pain
- Vomiting for more than four hours, resulting in inability to swallow liquids
- Fever of more than 102 F (39 C)
- Stools that are bloody
- Signs of dehydration
What are the symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea?
Make an appointment with your doctor if your traveler’s diarrhea does not resolve within three days or if your symptoms worsen. You can contact Empat Pillar Medika Clinic in Gili Island if you get diarrhea.
Inform your doctor that you have recently traveled when you arrive for your appointment. A physical exam will be performed, which will include taking your temperature and pressing on your abdomen. They’ll most likely order a stool test to look for parasites and a blood test to look for infections. Blood tests can also determine whether or not you are currently dehydrated.
Is it possible for traveler’s diarrhea to cause complications?
Dehydration is the most common complication of traveler’s diarrhea. This has the potential to be very serious. Dehydration is easily caused when diarrhea causes the body to lose fluids faster than it can absorb them. Vomiting and nausea, which can sometimes accompany diarrhea, can aggravate the situation. Dehydration is especially dangerous for small children. Understand the signs of dehydration in toddlers.
Dehydration symptoms include:
- Dry mouth caused increased thirst and decreased urine output.
- headache
- dizziness
- dry skin perplexity
Traveler’s diarrhea caused by a parasitic infection is typically treated with medications, or the infection can worsen. Parasitic infections can result in:
- Seizures
- Fever
- Allergy symptoms
- Infections caused by bacteria
Tapeworms have heads that are embedded in the intestinal wall, but they can lay eggs that move to other parts of the body. Fluke worms can make you tired. Hookworms can cause fatigue and anemia. Trichinosis worms can cause the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Conjunctivitis
- The swelling of the face
- Muscle ache
What is the treatment for traveler’s diarrhea?
The treatment will be determined by the cause of the diarrhea. To treat mild cases of the illness, home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are frequently used as the first line of defense.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol if you have traveler’s diarrhea. These may contribute to dehydration. However, continue to drink as many other fluids as possible to avoid dehydration.
Stick to bland foods that have a low risk of contamination and are familiar to your body.
It’s a good idea to bring OTC treatments with you when traveling in case you get traveler’s diarrhea. Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can be effective in treating mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. Follow the instructions on the package.
Antimotility medications such as Imodium can also be used, but they should be reserved for emergencies such as air travel. They may prolong the illness by preventing your body from eliminating it.
Treatments prescribed by a doctor
If home remedies do not work, your doctor will recommend treatment based on the cause of your illness. Antibiotics such as doxycycline (Acticlate) or ciproflaxin (Cipro) will be prescribed if you have a bacterial infection.
If you have parasites, your doctor will prescribe antiparasitic medications orally. The specific treatment will be determined by the type of parasite infection you have. You’ll probably need to take the parasitic drug several times to get the infection completely out of your system.
If you’ve become dehydrated as a result of traveler’s diarrhea, you’ll be given intravenous fluids containing glucose or electrolytes.
ALSO READ : What is Dengue Fever? Diagnosis, Treatment and Vaccination
What is the prognosis for traveler’s diarrhea?
Traveler’s diarrhea usually clears up in two to three days, though mild cases can last up to seven days. Treatment may help it heal faster. Because symptoms may not appear for several days after exposure, it may be difficult to determine what caused your illness.
Avoiding contaminated food or water sources is especially important while recovering. This will hasten healing and prevent further or repeat exposure.
How can you avoid getting traveler’s diarrhea?
The best ways to avoid traveler’s diarrhea are to practice good sanitation and to choose your water and food carefully.
Drink only sterile water when visiting high-risk countries. This includes the following:
- Iced drinks made with local water
- Fruit juices with water added
- Brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth with a glass of water
Drink bottled water whenever possible. If that is not an option, bring the water to a boil for at least three minutes.
You should also do the following to avoid getting traveler’s diarrhea:
- Eat food from street vendors as little as possible.
- Consume fruit washed in contaminated water with caution.
- Avoid raw dairy products, including ice cream.
- Consume foods that are properly cooked and served hot.
- Foods that are moist or stored at room temperature should be avoided.
- Hands should be washed frequently, especially before eating and touching your face.
- Keep children from putting anything into their mouths, including their hands.
- If you don’t have access to clean water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
