Contact with pathogenic flora, viruses or exotic foods are some of the causes of diarrhea. On exotic journeys, avoid drinking un-bottled water, and do not eat raw meat.

Diarrheahappens most often to travelers from highly developed countries (e.g. European) visiting developing countries. The farther you go, the bigger tropics you go, the more precautions you should take. It is worth being vigilant, especially in Africa, Asia and Central America.

What causes diarrhea?

It is thought thatbacteria(Escherichia coli (ETEC), Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Aeromonas, Plesiomonas) are responsible for nearly 80% of traveler's diarrhea, viruses are responsible for about 10% of cases (Norwalk and rotaviruses), while protozoa (eg Gardia lamblia, entameba histolitica) cause only a few percent of diarrhea. The causative pathogen is not isolated in 20 to 50% of cases.
Traveler's diarrhea is when you pass at least 3 loose stools a day, usually with at least one of the following symptoms:

  • crampabdominal pains(occurs 90% of the time)
  • nausea
  • vomiting or fever
  • dizziness
  • blood or mucus in the stool.

How to treat diarrhea?

First of all, you need to remember to replenish your fluids. To compensate for the loss of water and electrolytes, drinking water or tea is recommended. Often, medications recommended for "travelers' diarrhea" contain loperamide hydrochloride (the active substance of Stoperan, Imodium, Leramide) - if you have any of the above-mentioned drugs in your first aid kit - take it according to the instructions on the package.

Important

According to various sources, diarrhea occurs in up to 40% of travelers. Statistics show that young adults, i.e. people aged 20-29, are more exposed.

When you have no medications on hand, you can eat (swallow) a teaspoon of dry tea shavings and wash them down with plenty of water (contrary to appearances, they easily "enter").
From my own experience I know that if " travelers' diarrhea "will catch you, for example, in Morocco, Egypt or distant Asia, it is better to call a doctor immediately, who will give you a local medicine that will eliminate the problem immediately.

Likeprevent diarrhea?

  • Drink only bottled water, in Asia and the Caribbean also use it to brush your teeth
  • Do not order drinks with ice cubes
  • Avoid foods that have been stored outside the refrigerator for a long time
  • Do not eat lettuce, arugula or other vegetables that are rinsed off with water
  • Avoid local delicacies made of unpasteurized milk and milk products
  • Do not eat raw (or unbaked) meat, fish or seafood dishes
  • eating fruit should be limited to those that can be peeled or peeled
You must do it

Be sure to contact your doctor when:

  • you must use the toilet more than 6 times a day
  • you noticed traces of blood in your stool
  • you have a fever (over 38.5)
  • diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours
  • accompanied by severe stomach pain

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Research