Travelers Diarrhea Can be a Concern, Learn the Symptoms and Treatment
Travelers diarrhea symptoms treatment begins with a stomach ache and defecating with watery feces for more than 3 times a day.
Traveler’s diarrhea is a general term for any illnesses relating to an upset stomach, digestive system problem, or runny/watery stools. This illness can happen during traveling and sometimes after the trip. In most cases, travelers diarrhea occurs due to the change in food and drink consumption. Foreign travelers are especially prone to get infected because they are not used to the food and the new environment. Food contamination caused by bacteria is typically another cause of traveler’s diarrhea. Bacteria that may cause food contamination are E. Coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Shigella S. Travelers diarrhea symptoms treatment may include nausea, vomiting, and treatment that can be done by drinking lots of water.
Traveler’s diarrhea usually affects foreigners traveling in developing countries, for example, countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Developing countries are vulnerable to spread this illness because they usually have poor health and hygiene standards. The humid climate in some Asian countries can also contribute to the cause of traveler’s diarrhea, as bacteria will develop faster in food. Forgetting to wash hands after going to the toilet and before eating may also increase the risk of getting contaminated. Therefore, travelers are suggested to learn more about travelers diarrhea symptoms treatment before traveling to high-risk areas.
Symptoms
Travelers diarrhea symptoms treatment will usually start during your trip after contaminated. In some cases, travelers diarrhea symptoms treatment may also begin after your return to your home. Below are some common traveler’s diarrhea symptoms that may occur during or after traveling:
- Stomach ache, cramps;
- Watery diarrhea and defecating more than 3-4 times a day;
- Abdominal pain;
- Bloated stomach;
- Fever;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Feeling weak;
- Painful gas;
- Loss of appetite;
- Dehydration.
Travelers Diarrhea Symptoms Treatment
Travelers diarrhea symptoms treatment usually involves drinking lots of fluids. Typically, traveler’s diarrhea can cure itself within a few days or a week. However, it still shouldn’t be ignored and must be treated soon after symptoms appear. Traveler’s diarrhea must be treated with the right treatment, the following are some ways to cure this illness:
- Hydration by drinking plenty of water/fluids
The primary treatment of traveler’s diarrhea is hydration. Hydration can be done by drinking lots of water. However, travelers must avoid consuming tap water, especially in developing countries because it’s not clean. It’s advised to only drink clean water, such as bottled water.
- Oral rehydration drinks
Another way to rehydrate is to drink Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to replace lost salts and minerals.
- Avoid spicy food, dairy, and alcohol
During diarrhea, consumption of alcohol, dairy, and spicy food should all be stopped as these foods can make the condition worse.
- Eat easily digested food
Only eat easily digested foods such as rice, porridge, bread, banana, apple, and soup.
- Antibiotics
People affected with traveler’s diarrhea can take antibiotics to kill the bacteria, but only if it is prescribed by a doctor. Further consultation with a doctor is suggested.
- Take fluid infusion / IV Therapy
Traveler’s diarrhea may cause dehydration if the person isn’t hydrated enough. Children have a higher risk of getting dehydrated due to diarrhea. Getting rehydration by having plenty of fluids is the best way to treat a dehydrated person. The best way to get rehydration quickly is by taking a fluid infusion or IV therapy. This medication will help the rehydration process faster.
- Seek medical attention
Immediately find medical care and go to a doctor for consultation or further treatment of travelers diarrhea symptoms treatment.
Do not hesitate to 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 due to traveler’s diarrhea, getting fluid Infusion / IV Therapy is highly recommended to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes so the healing process will be much faster.