Diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion are most often caused by bacteria that produce toxins. Viruses or parasites can also be to blame. That is why it is important to observe the principles of hygiene everywhere on vacation. “The basis is thorough mechanical washing of hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating. It is not always necessary to use disinfectant, and if it is, then alcohol-based disinfectants are suitable.” says doc. Tacheci.
Watch what you drink and eat
It is water from unknown sources that can cause harmful microorganisms to enter your digestive tract. So it is better to prefer bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks.
Food can also be a source of intestinal infections. From this point of view, so-called street food, i.e. food from street stalls, is particularly risky. However, stomach problems are also caused by the consumption of raw or insufficiently heat-treated food.
“It is good to consider whether to really taste all the exotic dishes that are offered to us along the way. Even the mere consumption of unusual foods – even if they are not infectious – can lead to persistent diarrhea,” warns doc. Tacheci. According to him, in the heat and when traveling, it is better to eat easily digestible and well-heated food.
Don’t underestimate the preparation!
Intestinal infections can be prevented. Before departure, it is advisable to check whether there are no diseases in the destination that can be vaccinated against. “Of the vaccinations that are related to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, we especially recommend vaccination against hepatitis A, typhoid or other endemic diseases. When traveling to more exotic countries, it is always a good idea to consult vaccination and travel medicine centers.” recommended by doc. Tacheci. Taking probiotics before and at the beginning of the trip also helps.
And what if “it” comes to us?
According to experts, various forms of digestive problems appear in 40-60% of travelers, especially if they go to economically less developed countries. So-called traveler’s diarrhea dominates among them. “The good news is that the vast majority of these difficulties resolve spontaneously. However, it is necessary to suppress more pronounced manifestations such as persistent diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and temperature, also due to the risk of dehydration.” says doc. Tacheci. According to him, it is important to know in which cases it is necessary to see a doctor.
“It is especially suitable for problems lasting more than a week, for high fever above 38.5 °C or for signs of dehydration, such as confusion, sleepiness, severe fatigue, muscle cramps, small amounts of urine. As soon as bloody diarrhea appears, abdominal pain intensifies and a person is unable to eat and drink, then the help of a doctor is necessary.” advises a gastroenterologist.
What to pack in your travel first aid kit?
A traveler’s first-aid kit should not lack a so-called adsorbent, which can bind toxins and viruses, for example activated carbon or diosmectite (Smecta). You can use them for all forms of diarrhea. “With care and for a necessary long time, it is possible to administer so-called antimotility drugs, i.e. drugs that reduce intestinal motility, such as Imodium, for example. On the contrary, they are especially unsuitable for bloody diarrhea and high temperatures. Medicines that reduce the secretion of fluids such as Hidrasec can be given for watery diarrhea as a supportive medicine. Popular intestinal disinfectants such as Endiaron are definitely not first-choice drugs, they are ineffective for viral and some bacterial diarrheas.” explains doc. Tacheci.
You can handle the solution at home
According to him, adequate hydration with water or a rehydration solution from the pharmacy is key for traveller’s diarrhea. After all, everyone can prepare it themselves at home, just mix 8 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of table salt and the juice of 2 oranges in a liter of boiled water and then drink 250-500 ml of this solution per hour.
What is at risk for patients?
If someone already suffers from a chronic disease of the digestive tract, he must be very careful in the summer and when traveling. “Gastroenterology patients are generally more prone to exacerbation of disease symptoms when traveling, some are more prone to some infectious diseases. People who are being treated for idiopathic intestinal inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome and other diseases of the digestive tract should consult their gastroenterologist before traveling to be sure,” advises doc. Tacheci.
Summer and barbecues: How to protect yourself from infections from poorly prepared food? Video editing for women’s websites