you are here: Business Travel Health > diarrhoea

Traveller's Diarrhoea

"Travel broadens the mind, but loosens the bowels". Traveller's diarrhoea is the most common illness among those who travel and in many parts of the world it is merely a case of when, rather than if.

What is it?

Symptoms of traveller's diarrhoea usually begin about three to four days after arrival and can occur up to ten days after return. For the Business Traveller flying in and out of a location this could mean having traveller's diarrhoea on your return to work.

The risk of traveller's diarrhoea is very much related to the destination and level of accommodation at that destination. For those travelling to a five star hotel in Hong Kong and not leaving the hotel until it is time to come home, the risk is lower than for those staying with locals in Bombay. However it is important to recognise that even in a five star hotel the business traveller can still have problems from the change in diet, rather than an infection.

Bacteria are responsible for about 80% of all cases of traveller's diarrhoea and can be spread through contaminated meat, un-pasteurised milk, salads and cold food left out, or from swimming in contaminated water.

Avoid Infection

Make sure that meat eaten is well cooked. Avoid seafood and abide by the "cook it, boil it or peel it" rule when eating in local restaurants.
Apply strict hygiene while away especially after using the bathroom and before you eat food - never use communal, damp towels in public conveniences! Use disposable paper towels or hot air.

Care with water is essential and this includes ice in drinks at the bar. As well as drinking soft drinks it is good practice in developing countries to use sealed, bottled water, not only for drinking, but also for cleaning teeth and washing fruit.

Self Treatment

The first rule when traveller's diarrhoea attacks is to try to get some rest and drink plenty of clear fluids. It is important, especially in hot climates, that you do not become dehydrated. It is good practice to carry with you some rehydration mixture when travelling.

You can make your own Re-hydration salts using bottled water, adding 6 teaspoons of sugar to one of salt in a litre of water. Drink one glass after every loose stool. Try to drink at least one glass every hour.

If you feel like eating then good foods are bananas, salted crisps, rice or clear soups. Avoid alcohol at all costs.

In most cases, traveller's diarrhoea is self-limiting and with a little rest and rehydration you can be on your way again. Taking an over-the-counter anti-diarrhoeal medication such as Loperamide can be done, as this will stop the diarrhoea, especially if you have an important meeting or flight to catch.

Keep in mind that such medications can also have the opposite effect and leave you constipated after a few days - so never take more than is recommended on the packet. This medication should not be taken if you are passing blood or have a history of bowel problems; in this instance you should discuss an alternative treatment with your doctor before you leave for your trip.

Antibiotics (such as Ciprofloxacin) should be taken if the condition does not improve or worsens. Diarrhoea treatment packs can be purchased at most travel clinics and contain a single dose of antibiotic, which can be taken if a temperature accompanies the condition.

For women taking oral contraceptive pills it is important to recognise that absorption of the pill can be affected by traveller's diarrhoea. If this occurs always use alternative protection, such as condoms, as well as continuing with your normal Oral Contraceptive Pill.

Get Medical Help

If after 24 hours the diarrhoea does not improve or worsens it is good to seek medical attention. This should also be done if you suffer from a pre-existing condition of the bowel or immune system, if you are passing blood or have a persistent temperature.

Returning Traveller

The returning business traveller can also suffer from diarrhoea and it is important that you seek medical attention if this continues more than a day or two on return as this could also indicate other diseases that would need to be investigated by your doctor.