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Travellers' Diarrhoea

Travellers' diarrhoea is a common yet distressing ailment affecting countless travellers each year, turning exciting adventures into challenging ordeals. It typically presents within 3-5 days of travel, and usually only requires rest and rehydration to treat it. However, sometimes it can be long lasting and severe, and require medication.

At Pharmacy Online, we offer a range of medications specifically designed to treat Travellers' Diarrhoea, supported by expert advice from our knowledgeable pharmacists.

What is travellers' diarrhoea?


Travellers' Diarrhoea (traveler's diarrhea) is one of those common issues you might face when travelling. Travellers' diarrhoea is a digestive tract disorder predominantly occurring during or shortly after travel, particularly to countries with different sanitation standards or culinary practices to those you're used to. Characteristically, it manifests within three to five days of your journey, often catching travelers off-guard.

The primary symptom is an increase in loose, watery bowel movements, often occurring more than three times in a 24-hour period. Alongside this, you may experience abdominal cramps, nausea, and occasionally a fever. While the intensity of symptoms varies, most cases are mild and resolve with rest and increased fluid intake. However, it can be a more prolonged and debilitating condition, affecting not just your travel plans but also your overall health.

While most cases of Travellers' Diarrhoea are self-limiting and resolve with rest and rehydration, it's crucial to recognise when medical intervention is necessary. Persistent or severe symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring prompt treatment.

Triggers and causes of traveler's diarrhea


Travelers diarrhea often stems from eating or drinking contaminated food and water that contains bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The most common culprits are E. coli, Salmonella, and Norovirus, which can be found in improperly prepared foods or unsanitary water sources.

When you travel to a new place, your body might not be used to the local microbes, making you more susceptible. Eating contaminated food, drinking local tap water, or even brushing your teeth with it can increase your risk. Raw fruits and vegetables, undercooked meat, and seafood are also common sources of these harmful organisms.

Environmental changes, such as different climates or altitudes, can also contribute to the development of Travellers' Diarrhoea. Stress from traveling and changes in your daily routine may affect your digestive system, making you more vulnerable.

What else can it be?


When you're dealing with symptoms like frequent, loose stools while traveling, it's easy to assume it's Travellers' Diarrhoea. However, other conditions can mimic these symptoms, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.

One possible condition is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which can flare up due to dietary changes or stress during travel. Symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits in IBS can resemble those of Travellers' Diarrhoea.

Another condition to consider is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. If you have a history of IBD, travel-related stress and dietary changes can trigger a flare-up.

In some cases, the symptoms could be a more serious infection, like giardiasis, caused by a parasite in contaminated water. Unlike typical Travellers' Diarrhoea, giardiasis often requires specific treatment.

If your symptoms are severe, persist longer than expected, or if you have pre-existing digestive conditions, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional. Our pharmacists can help you identify the right course of action, whether it's treatment for Travellers' Diarrhoea or seeking further medical evaluation for other potential conditions.

Symptoms associated with Travellers' Diarrhoea


The most obvious sign of Travellers' Diarrhoea is a sudden increase in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Typically, this means going to the bathroom more than three times in a day with watery or unformed stools. But there are other symptoms to watch out for:

  • Stomach cramps: You might feel pain or discomfort in your abdomen
  • Nausea: A feeling of wanting to vomit, often accompanied by general stomach unease
  • Urgency: A pressing need to go to the bathroom, which can be quite sudden
  • Bloating: Your stomach may feel full and tight
  • Fever: In some cases, you might experience a mild fever

While these symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own, it's important to be vigilant. If symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience severe dehydration or bloody diarrhea, seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnosing travellers' diarrhoea


When you're experiencing symptoms like frequent, loose stools while traveling, it's important to determine whether it's Travellers' Diarrhoea or something else. Self-assessment is the first step:

Self-assessment:

  • Frequency and nature of bowel movements: Note if your trips to the bathroom have increased significantly and if the stools are unusually loose or watery.
  • Accompanying symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms like stomach cramps, nausea, or fever.
  • Duration: Travellers' Diarrhoea typically resolves within a few days. If symptoms persist longer, it's a sign to seek medical advice.

Professional diagnosis:

  • Medical consultation: If symptoms are severe, such as intense abdominal pain or high fever, or if they persist beyond a few days, consult a healthcare professional.
  • Stool tests: A stool sample may be analysed to identify the specific cause, especially if a bacterial or parasitic infection is suspected.
  • Additional tests: Depending on your symptoms and medical history, further tests might be necessary to rule out other conditions.


Treatment options for Travellers' Diarrhoea


The right treatment for travellers' diarrhoea can make a big difference in how quickly you feel better. Some common treatments include:

  • Rehydration: Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, so drinking plenty of fluids is crucial. An oral rehydration solution can help restore the balance of electrolytes.
    Dietary adjustments: Eating bland foods like bananas, rice, and toast can help. Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or fatty foods until your symptoms improve.
    Over-the-counter medications: For mild cases, over-the-counter remedies like Loperamide Hydrochloride can reduce the frequency of bowel movements. However, they should be used with caution and not for prolonged periods.
    Prescription medications: In more severe cases, especially if a bacterial infection is suspected, a healthcare professional might prescribe antibiotics such as Azithromycin, available through Pharmacy Online.
    Probiotics: Some people find that taking probiotics helps in balancing the gut flora and potentially reducing the duration of symptoms.

At Pharmacy Online, we offer a range of treatments for Travellers' Diarrhoea. Our expert pharmacists can help you in selecting the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and overall health. Always consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms are severe or persist, to ensure you receive

Prevention tips and alternative methods


Preventing Travellers' Diarrhoea is often easier than treating it. Here are some practical tips and alternative methods to help you avoid this condition during your travels:

  • Food and water safety: Be cautious and don't consume potentially contaminated food or water. Avoid tap water, ice made from tap water, and drinks diluted with tap water. Stick to bottled or boiled water and beverages from sealed containers. Be wary of raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.
  • Hand hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom. If soap and water aren't available, the World Health Organization recommends using a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Probiotics: Taking probiotics before and during your trip can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. This might reduce your risk of developing Travellers' Diarrhoea.
  • Avoid high-risk foods: Steer clear of known, high risk produce, such as street foods, raw or undercooked meats and seafood, and unpasteurised dairy products.

Travellers’ diarrhoea is one of the most common symptoms associated with travel. It usually presents within 3-5 days of travel and can be resolved with rehydration and rest. Sometimes it can be quite severe and interrupts usual activities.

Medication can be taken to kill the bacteria responsible for diarrhoea. Start a consultation.

FAQ

  • When should I see a doctor for Travellers' Diarrhoea?

    Consult a doctor if symptoms are severe, persist for more than a few days, or if you experience signs of dehydration, high fever, or bloody stools.

  • Can Travellers' Diarrhoea lead to long-term problems?

    Travellers' Diarrhoea is generally a temporary issue, but it can sometimes lead to longer-term health problems, especially if it's severe or not treated properly. Prolonged episodes can cause dehydration, which can be particularly dangerous, leading to electrolyte imbalances.

    In some rare instances, individuals may experience ongoing digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) following an episode of Travellers' Diarrhoea. This is why proper treatment and hydration are crucial.

  • Is Travellers' Diarrhoea more common in certain parts of the world?

    Travellers' Diarrhoea is indeed more common in certain regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, particularly in areas where sanitation and food hygiene practices might be less stringent.

    The risk is higher in these areas due to the prevalence of bacteria, viruses, and parasites in food and water sources that can cause the illness.

  • Can I take Travellers' Diarrhoea medication as a preventive measure?

    We advise not to take anti-diarrheal medications preemptively. These medications are meant for treating active symptoms and may mask the presence of more serious infections if used as a preventive measure.

    Instead, focus on preventive actions such as safe food and water consumption practices, maintaining good hand hygiene, and perhaps taking probiotics.

  • Are children more susceptible to Travellers' Diarrhoea?

    Yes, children are often more vulnerable to Travellers' Diarrhoea due to their developing immune systems, which may not be as equipped to handle new bacteria and viruses encountered while traveling.

    Always take extra precautions with young travelers. This includes ensuring safe drinking water, avoiding high-risk foods, and emphasising handwashing. Parents should closely monitor their children's health and seek medical advice if they show symptoms of Travellers' Diarrhoea.

  • Can Travellers' Diarrhoea recur after treatment?

    It's uncommon for Travellers' Diarrhoea to recur if treated properly, especially if the initial episode was properly addressed. However, if you return to consuming contaminated food or water or if dietary precautions are not maintained, there is a risk of re-infection.

    To minimise the chances of recurrence, continue to practice safe eating and drinking habits even after recovery, and always ensure good hygiene practices, especially in high-risk areas.

Causes

Travellers' diarrhoea is typically caused by poor sanitation, leading to contamination of food and water in developing countries, usually from bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella. It can also be caused by touching contaminated cups, plates, and cutlery. Proper sanitation is key to avoiding this, such as washing hands before and after eating and after using the toilet.

Treatments

Diarrhoea is usually self-limiting and can be managed with oral rehydration therapy and foods high in fibre. However, in cases such as travellers’ diarrhoea where it is generally caused by bacteria, antibiotics can help stop symptoms.

Speak to a member of our team to see if antibiotic treatment is suitable for you.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of travellers’ diarrhoea include:

  • Vomiting
  • Loose, watery stools
  • Fever
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Urge to pass stool more frequently
  • Nausea

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