Travelers Diarrhea: An Unpleasant Sickness

Introduction:

Travelers diarrhea is a disorder of the digestive tract which causes symptoms like abdominal cramps and loose tools. It usually occurs due to contaminated food or water. Therefore, one must always be careful about food and water to reduce the risk of catching a travelers diarrhea while traveling. travelers diarrhea is a mild condition that can be managed easily and usually does not cause any severe symptoms. It usually resolves without any medical intervention. So, whenever a person travels into high-risk areas, it is always a good idea to carry medications approved by the doctor in case the symptoms get severe.

What Causes Travelers Diarrhea?

Travelers diarrhea usually develops after consuming food or water contaminated with organisms from stools. Infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause the condition. Symptoms of the bacterial infection usually last for up to a week, whereas a parasite infection can last for weeks to months if not treated. If the symptoms do not improve, there are chances that it is a parasite infection. Travelers diarrhea can also occur if there is a change in diet or stress from traveling.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Travelers Diarrhea?

Travelers diarrhea can begin abruptly during the trip or once the person reaches their respective homes. Symptoms of this condition usually resolve within one or two days with or without any treatment, and the person can recover completely within a week. However, during one trip itself, there are chances of occurrences of multiple episodes of diarrhea. The most commonly seen signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, urgency in defecating, and occurrence of loose, watery stools more than two or three times in a day. Sometimes people might experience moderate to severe symptoms like persistent vomiting, dehydration, high fever, severe abdominal pain, severe rectal pain, and blood in the stools. If diarrhea lasts more than a few days and the symptoms get severe, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Travelers Diarrhea?

Certain destinations are at high risk for travelers diarrhea. They include Central America, South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In addition, certain people also have a high risk of developing the condition they include.

• Young Adults - Since young adults lack immunity, the condition is more seen in them. They are also less careful and more adventurous than older adults in their dietary sources, so they are more likely to consume contaminated food.

• Traveling During Certain Seasons of the Year - The risk of travel diarrhea also varies in seasons. For example, the month before the monsoon in South Asia poses the highest risk for travelers diarrhea.

• People With Weak Immune System - A weak immune system is seen in people with underlying autoimmune conditions or due to certain immune-suppressing medications like Corticosteriods, which increase their chances of infections.

• People Who Consume Antacids of Acid Blockers - Stomach acids help destroy organisms, so when there is a reduction in stomach acid, there are more chances of a bacterial infection.

• People With Heart, Liver, Kidney, Diabetes, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Conditions like these make people more prone to infection or increase their risk of severe infection.

What Are the Complications Seen in Travelers Diarrhea?

During summer, the dehydration chances are higher in travelers with diarrhea since the person loses salts, minerals, and vital fluids with diarrhea. Dehydration is dangerous in children, people with weak immune systems, and older adults. Dehydration due to diarrhea can cause complications like shock, organ damage, or coma. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, extreme weakness, little urination, and intense thirst.

How Is Travelers Diarrhea Managed?

Travelers diarrhea usually resolves without any treatment. During this period, it is important to stay hydrated with water that contains electrolytes, like an oral rehydration solution or bottled water. If symptoms do not improve, certain medications are given. They are

• Antibiotics - The doctor will prescribe antibiotics if a person has four or more loose stools in a day with severe symptoms like fever, pus, or blood in the stool.

• Anti Motility Agents - These medications include drugs containing Diphenoxylate and Loperamide. These medications provide temporary relief by decreasing the spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. This slows the transit time in the digestive system and helps in absorption. Anti-motility medications are not given to infants or people having bloody diarrhea or fever. This is because the medications can slow the clearing of infectious organisms, thereby worsening the condition. It is also recommended to stop using the medication after 48 hours if diarrhea continues or the symptoms worsen.

• Bismuth Subsalicylate - This is an over-the-counter medication that reduces the illness's duration and decreases stool frequency. This medication is not recommended for people allergic to Aspirin, children, and pregnant women.

• Oral Rehydration Salt - To avoid dehydration, oral rehydration salt (ORS) solutions are recommended. ORS contains salts and water, which will help replace lost fluids by replenishing electrolytes and fluids. It also contains glucose which helps in intestinal tract absorption. If symptoms of dehydration, like dizziness, dry mouth, intense thirst, extreme weakness, and little or no urination, do not improve, then it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

How Can Travelers Diarrhea Be Prevented?

While visiting areas at high risk for travelers diarrhea, certain tips must be kept in mind. They are the following:

• Avoid drinking unsterilized water from wells, streams, or tap. It is necessary to boil local water for at least three minutes and allow them to cool naturally before drinking them.

• Avoid drinking fruit juices made with an ice cube or tap water, and there are chances that the fruit used for making juices is washed in contaminated water.

• Try drinking hot beverages like tea or coffee.

• Do not swim in water as they might be contaminated, and always keep the mouth closed during showering.

• Try using bottled water to brush the teeth and if the baby formula is used, try mixing them with bottled water.

• Do not consume food from street vendors, and try eating foods that are served hot and well-cooked.

• Avoid undercooked meat, shellfish, fish, and unpasteurized dairy products like ice cream or milk.

• Try eating fruits and vegetables which can be peeled, like bananas, avocados, and oranges.

Conclusion:

Travelers diarrhea is a gastrointestinal infection that happens when a person travels internationally. It is caused by contaminated food or water and bacterial, virus, or parasite infection. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and frequent bowel moments. Within two or three days of infection, the symptoms improve independently. However, if the condition does not improve, it is better to seek medical attention. The condition can be prevented by adopting good hygiene habits and being careful of food and water intake while traveling.