Unfortunately, you will get diarrhea faster when you travel than when you are at home. General practitioner Ingrid Kuiper gives advice on what you can do best to prevent or treat diarrhoea.
Ingrid Kuiper (GP): 'Traveler's diarrhea is caused by bacteria. The higher the temperature and the more primitive the travel situation, the greater the chance that, for example, food or drink is contaminated with those bacteria, which is why the risk of diarrhea on holiday is greater
Course of diarrhea .
Mild traveler's diarrhea usually lasts three to five days and goes away on its own. In more severe forms, the stools may be watery and sometimes contain blood and mucus. Traveler's diarrhea often gives a feeling of fatigue and general malaise; it quickly makes you feel weak.
Dehydration due to diarrhea
If diarrhea lasts longer, there is a chance that your body will become dehydrated. Especially small children and older people should watch out for this. Weakness, apathy and the inability to urinate, if at all, are signs that may indicate dehydration. In these cases, consult a doctor. You should also consult a doctor if you have bloody diarrhea or a high fever.
Reduce the risk of developing diarrhea
– Wash your hands regularly
– Do not drink unpurified water and be careful with ice cubes
– Do not use uncooked vegetables or milk
– Only eat food straight from the factory packaging or when served fresh and boiling hot.
Drugs against diarrhea In addition to ORS (oral rehydration solution), you can take the drug loperamide with you when you travel. It is contained in capsules that temporarily shut down the intestines, which stops the diarrhoea. You can take a maximum of six to eight capsules per day. Never use this remedy for more than two days. Children under the age of eight, pregnant women and people with a high fever and bloody diarrhea should not take loperamide.
Antibiotics
Severe forms of traveler's diarrhea can be treated with antibiotics.'
