Traveler’s Diarrhea is the most common travel disease in adults and children. It is a disorder of gastrointestinal tract caused by contaminating food and water. You may feel nauseous, bloated or upset stomach. You may feel an urge to empty your bowels frequently, causing water and electrolytes loss. In most cases, it is a self-limiting illness. It resolves on its own.
To prevent dehydration drink plenty of water, clear soups or oral rehydration solution. Consume carbohydrate rich foods like toast, potatoes, rice, banana to restore energy. This illness may develop during or within 10 days of returning from travel.
What Causes Traveler’s Diarrhea?
It is caused by consuming contaminating food or water, poor hygiene and sanitary condition. Various pathogens like E.coli, campylobacter and other species causes Traveler’s Diarrhea. Several viruses and protozoa are also included.
Poor hygiene and sanitation are major cause of traveler’s diarrhea. Not washing your hands properly before eating or eating uncooked food. Eating street food prepared in unclean condition can easily expose to infection.
Symptoms of Traveler’s Diarrhea
Symptoms of Traveler’s diarrhea include
- Bloating or gas
- Loose watery stools
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Bloody stools
- Severe abdominal pain
Overall, the symptoms are your body’s way of excreting toxic microbes; uncomfortable but temporary with proper care.
Treatment of Traveler’s Diarrhea
Usually it relieves on its own, but if you feel constant urge to pass stool which leads to dehydration and salt loss. You can manage it with healthy diet and by drinking plenty of water. Easily digestible carbohydrate sources like toast, potatoes, rice and banana helps restore energy.
You can try following medications to ease your symptoms.
- Loperamide helps relieve the symptoms of acute diarrhea by slowing the bowel movements.
- Bismuth subsalicylate reduces the frequency of loose stool and decrease the irritation in gastrointestinal tract.
- Rifaximin is an antibiotic used to treat Traveler’s Diarrhea by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Consult immediately to the doctor if the symptoms get worse or you feel dizziness and bloody stool.
How long should Traveler’s diarrhea last?
Traveler’s Diarrhea lasts based on its severity. It typically heals on its own within 1 to 2 days. Bacterial or viral infections may last more than 3 to 5 days or longer if dehydration isn’t managed properly.
Preventions
- You can avoid Traveler’s Diarrhea by choosing healthy foods and drinks.
- Wash your hands properly before eating anything.
- Don’t eat already peeled off fruits and vegetables. Peel them yourself.
- Always eat properly cooked food. Don’t eat anything from street stalls.
- Sleep well for at least 8 hours to speed up the healing process.
Conclusion
Traveler’s Diarrhea is typically a short-lived and self-limited illness. The majority of individuals recover within a few days with adequate rest, hydration and diet. Preventive strategies such as the consumption of safe water, hand hygiene and the avoidance of raw or street food can greatly diminish risk. Seek to the doctor if symptoms are prolonged, severe and contain blood in the stool. By learning the causative factors and practicing them can save your trip. By following preventive measures you can have an enjoyable trip without interruption from this uncomfortable condition.
FAQs
Should I avoid eating if I have traveler’s diarrhea?
No, you shouldn’t stop eating. Eat but in smaller portions. Don’t consume fatty or spicy foods and dairy products. Instead take carbohydrate and sodium rich foods.
What is the best tablet for traveler’s diarrhea?
Bismuth subsalicylate is preferred. Rifaximin (an antibiotic) can be used for severe diarrheal symptoms.
What’s the difference between regular diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea?
Traveler’s diarrhea is specific to travel, it can be caused by contaminated foods and water with bacteria, viruses and other microbes.it occurs when you travel to a new region, especially a place with poor sanitary conditions. While Regular Diarrhea can be caused contaminated food, poor hygiene and food poisoning.
Which organism is most often the cause of traveler’s diarrhea?
It is caused by Escherichia Coli (E.coli), Campylobacter, shigella, salmonella, Yersinia and other species.
How do you heal your gut after traveler’s diarrhea?
Stay hydrated. Eat low-fiber food like rice and banana. As you feel better, start eating healthy foods. Introduce probiotics to your diet and make your diet variable and colorful.
