One of the health conditions that we must take into account during our vacation is traveler’s diarrhea. It is usually not a serious condition, although it can be serious in children or people with underlying conditions. However, it is unpleasant at best, so it is good to be aware of it and know how to prevent it.
This term does not refer to a disease caused by a single pathogen. It refers to any episode of diarrhea that occurs while traveling, usually countries with few resourceswhere food security is insufficient. It is found predominantly in certain areas Latin America, Africa, Middle East and Asia.
In these countries, drink contaminated water or eat contaminated food This can cause an upset stomach and watery stools several times a day. This is traveler’s diarrhea. It can be caused by bacteria and viruses, including a wide range of parasites. It usually resolves within a few days, but an estimated 10% of patients may develop complications such as much more persistent diarrheaLet’s see what needs to be done to prevent this.
The Main Causes of Traveler’s Diarrhea
The two main causes of traveler’s diarrhea are bacteria. E. coli And CampylobacterIt can also be caused by viruses and parasites, such as certain protozoa or worms called helminths.
These pathogens are typically found in running water, although they can also spread to food, especially vegetables, that are introduced through irrigation. So when looking for ways to prevent illness, it is important to know which foods and drinks are dangerous so that you can avoid them as much as possible.
No matter how much we see that people living in these countries do not get sick, we cannot think that we will be completely safe. Their immune system is more than accustomed to pathogens in the water, so they can no longer cause them any harm. But yes, for us.
Be careful what you drink…
First of all, you should avoid using tap water. For obvious reasons, it cannot even be used for brushing teeth. If you need to prepare milk for babies and there is no other source of water, it should be boiled first.
On the other hand, if you take iceyou should make sure that they have not been prepared using tap water. Prepared drinks are safe as long as they are well sealed, and milk, as always, should be pasteurized. This is not only about travel, but also about our daily lives. It is not only about traveler’s diarrhea.
…and what do you eat
Fruits and vegetables should always be eaten cooked or very well washed. Also, if it’s a fruit with skin, like apples, it’s best to remove it. Leafy greens like lettuce or spinach are much more difficult to wash, so it’s best to avoid them even if you wash them.
Nothing should be taken without preparation, especially Fish and seafoodStreet food markets are very traditional in these countries, but food insecurity is often glaring. So it is best to exclude this factor from the experience.
Other tips for preventing traveler’s diarrhea
People at risk, such as those with other digestive conditions or weakened immune systems, may benefit from taking antibiotic during the trip as a preventative measure. This decision should, of course, be made by a doctor, so it is advisable to inquire before the trip.
On the other hand, our family doctor can prescribe antidiarrheal medications if needed so that we have them on hand if we experience traveler’s diarrhea.
By taking these precautions, we can enjoy other landscapes and cultures in our own way. more or less safe. In any case, there is no need to panic, as traveler’s diarrhea usually goes away on its own within a few days. If you suffer from it, remember to drink well. This, like any other type of diarrhea, is important.
Source: Hiper Textual
