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.
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