medicall_editor The Length of Travelers Diarrhea: How Long Does it Last?
Travelers diarrhea length usually doesn’t last long, this illness can heal on its own, however, treatment is still necessary so the symptoms don’t get worse.
Usually, traveler’s diarrhea affects foreign tourists traveling in developing countries, such as countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Developing countries are prone to spread this illness as they usually don’t have the best health and hygiene standards. The humid climate in some Asian countries may also contribute to the cause of this illness, as the humid climate makes bacteria develop faster in food. Forgetting to wash hands after using the bathroom and before eating may also increase the risk of getting contaminated. In addition, travelers diarrhea length may vary depending on the condition.
Diarrhea During or After Traveling
Traveler’s diarrhea is a popular term among tourists for any illnesses relating to a digestive system problem. This illness is an intestinal infection and basically another term for an upset stomach. Traveler’s diarrhea can happen during traveling and sometimes after returning from the trip. In most cases, this infection occurs due to the change in food and drink consumption and as a result of consuming contaminated food or water. Foreign tourists are especially at risk of getting infected because their body isn’t used to the food and the new environment. Bacteria that mostly cause food contamination are E. Coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Shigella S. In most cases, travelers diarrhea length doesn’t usually last long.
Travelers Diarrhea Length
Travelers diarrhea length usually won’t last a long time and can cure itself. This illness is rarely life-threatening, travelers diarrhea length may last from 3 to 7 days. Most diarrhea cases usually last for a few days and it’s called acute diarrhea. Meanwhile, some travelers diarrhea length cases can extend to weeks and it’s considered chronic. Appropriate treatment still needs to be done to treat the symptoms so the condition doesn’t get worse. If traveler’s diarrhea is chronic and involves diarrhea with blood, immediately seek medical attention and find a doctor for further treatment.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea will start to appear during your trip after consuming the contaminated food or water. In some cases, symptoms don’t appear immediately after contamination and will begin after your return to your home. Below are the most common symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea that may occur during or after traveling:
- Stomach ache and stomach cramps;
- Bloated stomach;
- Abdominal pain;
- Sudden need to have a bowel movement for more than 3-2 times a day;
- Watery and runny diarrhea;
- Fever;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Feeling weak;
- Painful gas;
- Loss of appetite;
- Diarrhea with blood;
- Dehydration.
Treatment
Traveler’s diarrhea can be treated by drinking plenty of water to replace the lost fluids due to diarrhea. Hydration is the main key to treat diarrhea to prevent dehydration. Another treatment is to drink Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to replace lost salts and minerals caused by diarrhea. Furthermore, avoid consuming alcohol, dairy, and spicy food. Try to only consume easily digested food such as banana, soup, apple jam, bread, rice, and porridge. The patient can also take antibiotics to kill the bacteria but only if it is suggested by your doctor. In addition, to prevent dehydration or if it already happens, it is highly recommended to get fluid infusion or IV Therapy. The fluid consists of electrolytes and by using this treatment, rehydration and the healing process will be much faster.
You can now book a doctor to treat your illness at your location through Medi-Call application or simply contact Medi-Call Hotline at +62 81210783387. If you experience dehydration while traveling, do not hesitate to get fluid Infusion / IV Therapy to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes caused by diarrhea.
