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Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common disease of people traveling to the developing world. It can be very serious in children under 3 years of age. In addition to contaminated water, the source of contamination can be uncooked fruit and vegetables, shellfish and any food sold by street vendors.
Travelers’ diarrhea – description of the disease
Traveler’s diarrhea is a condition that occurs in people who travel to developing countries such as Central America, South America, South Asia, most of Africa, the Middle East, China, and Our Country. The highest incidence occurs in children under 2 years of age and among adults between 20 and 30 years of age who have consumed contaminated water or food. The first symptoms of the disease usually appear within the first few days of arriving in places that are characterized by new environmental conditions. This type of diarrhea is characterized by three or more loose stools a day, with other symptoms such as high temperature or severe abdominal pain. Occasionally you may also see blood in your stools. Symptoms usually last an average of four days. In children under three years of age, traveller’s diarrhea may be more severe, requiring hospitalization. Most often, travelers’ diarrhea is caused by microorganisms such as E. coli or Salmonella.
The causes of travelers’ diarrhea
The most common microbes that cause diarrhea under these conditions are Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter or Yersinia. It also often causes diarrhea in traveling children Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium minor and viruses Norwalk, adeno- i rotawirusy.
Three levels of risk of poisoning by travelers’ diarrhea:
1. People traveling from highly developed countries, staying for several weeks: in the Karabakh, South Africa and southern Europe (estimated number of cases 8-20%).
2. People traveling from highly developed countries who stay for a long time in regions with similar sanitary standards: Australia, Western Europe, Canada, the USA and New Zealand (in these countries the number of cases does not exceed 8%).
3. People traveling from highly developed countries in the regions of: South America, Asia and Africa (20-66%).
The other factors that predispose travelers to diarrhea include:
- Crohn’s disease
- hydro chloridia,
- ulcerative colitis,
- immunosuppression.
The main symptoms of travelers’ diarrhea
The most common symptoms of travelers with diarrhea are:
- vomiting,
- passing loose stools frequently,
- stomach pain,
- flatulence
- excessive amount of gases,
- a feeling of splashing in the intestines,
- nausea.
Usually, the symptoms disappear spontaneously after about 3-5 days, but the use of medications significantly shortens this time and allows you to enjoy the planned vacation longer.
Traveler’s diarrhea – treatment
The basis for the treatment of traveler’s diarrhea is adequate hydration of the patient in order to balance the water and electrolyte balance. The elderly, children and the sick are given special fluids containing lower osmolarity, which improve absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Can Solid Foods Be Used During Traveling Diarrhea? You can, there are no contraindications, unless there is nausea and vomiting, then a special diet should be used and the body should be hydrated. Diet and hydration should be supported with supplementation.
When going on a trip, it is worth being prepared that you may encounter intestinal problems. Lactibiane probiotic supports the body during intestinal infections and supports the proper functioning of the digestive system.
Treatment symptomatic
It is implemented to quickly alleviate existing ailments. For this purpose, the following are used:
- bismuth compounds having an astringent effect;
- preparations that stimulate the opioid receptor and increase smooth muscle tone (e.g. loperamide);
- bactericidal preparations.
Traveling diarrhea, accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, and cramps, is treated with chemotherapy drugs. The treatment regimen includes fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), azithromycin and rifaximin. These preparations are most often administered to people who travel to Central American countries, they are not recommended for those traveling to Southeast Asia, where diarrhea is caused by drug-resistant bacteria in the form of Campylobacter.
Check what medications contain rifaximin
Another effective drug is rifaximin, which is used in patients with E. coli diarrhea. This drug is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Important! Some travelers’ diarrhea may be viral, so the use of these preparations will not be effective. Mild viral diarrhea is usually self-limited (24 to 72 hours).
How can I prevent traveler’s diarrhea?
Here are some valuable tips to help minimize the risk of traveler’s diarrhea:
1. remember to wash your hands often, especially when using the toilet and before eating;
2. do not buy food from street vendors;
3. wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption;
4. drink only bottled water;
5. avoid drinking drinks / drinks with ice of unknown origin;
6. try to avoid local ice cream;
7. Avoid eating unpasteurized dairy products.
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