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Travelers’ diarrhea is one of the most common travel-related conditions in America. It affects around 30 to 70 percent of travelers. Poor public sanitation is one of the contributors to this condition.
Have you experienced having tummy troubles while on the road? Learn more about what causes it and what to do when traveling.
What is Travelers’ Diarrhea?
The American Tourism industry was worth over $1 trillion in 2022. This number continues to increase because more and more people seek new experiences. People’s awareness of travel destinations also contributes to its growth.
Diarrhea is one of the conditions that affect people on the road. It can be from eating or drinking foods that have bacteria or viruses. It usually occurs within ten days of travel to an area with poor hygiene.
Symptoms of Traveler’s Diarrhea
The first symptom of travelers’ diarrhea is usually loose or watery stool. This symptom may also come with abdominal pain or cramps.
A few other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and fever. People with travelers’ diarrhea may experience moderate to severe dehydration.
Going to the doctor is a way to diagnose travelers’ diarrhea. They will ask about the patient’s recent travel history. They will also conduct a stool culture to check for bacteria and parasites.
Treatment for Travelers’ Diarrhea
One of the first steps in treating travelers’ diarrhea is to avoid dehydration. You can do this by drinking bottled liquids. You can drink bottled water or drinks with electrolytes like oral rehydration solutions.
Drinking canned fruit juices, clear soup, and mild tea also helps. Once the symptoms improve, you can eat salted crackers and bland cereals. You can also start eating toast, bread, potatoes, and plain noodles.
Anti-motility agents like loperamide also help treat travelers’ diarrhea. These will provide temporary relief by reducing muscle spasms. It slows the transit time through the digestive system to allow more time for absorption.
You can also treat travelers’ diarrhea with Xifaxan. It treats a person’s tummy troubles by stopping the growth of bacteria. You will need a valid doctor’s prescription to get this medication.
How to Prevent Travelers’ Diarrhea?
One of the ways to prevent travelers’ diarrhea is washing hands. Do this step before you eat anything. It will prevent the spread of bacteria and germs on the food you will eat.
Make sure the dishes and utensils you use are clean and dry when you travel. You should also wipe out any can or bottle before drinking or pouring. It’s also best to avoid drinks with ice cubes.
You can decrease the risk of travelers’ diarrhea by avoiding raw meat, fish, or shellfish. Only eat foods that you know are well cooked and served hot.
Avoid drinking water from wells, streams, or taps when traveling. Drink bottled beverages instead to avoid risks.
Prevent Tummy Troubles Today!
These are the steps you can take when you have tummy troubles while traveling. Follow this guide to prevent the risks of travelers’ diarrhea. Remember to always practice proper hygiene while on the road.
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