Honey, Did You Pack Imodium? Don’t Be Lax on Traveler’s Diarrhea

<p>If you want peace, then plan for war — that’s the philosophy your bowels need on your upcoming vacation. As nasty as it is to think about, traveler’s diarrhea (TD) is something you must prepare for, especially if you plan on going somewhere a little more exotic.</p> <h2>Traveler’s diarrhea: the bane of vacationers everywhere</h2> <p>Embarrassing, vile, and highly inconvenient, TD is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by watery stools and accompanying symptoms like cramps, nausea, and possibly vomiting and fever. You could find yourself back on the toilet over and over again through day and night, leaving you exhausted. </p> <p>Also known as "Montezuma's Revenge" and "Delhi Belly”, popular tourist destinations around the world carry a higher risk of this condition due to the more variable standards in sanitation, food preparation, and water quality. Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Asia are hotspots.</p> <h3>How long does it last?</h3> <p>The worst of it generally lasts two to three days, but symptoms can linger for up to a week; however, you can have multiple bouts of leaky bowels on the same trip. The saving grace is that TD usually isn't serious, just unpleasant.</p> <p>TD throws a wrench into the best of plans, but with sensible action, you can heal faster and smoother. There’s also an “emergency brake” medication you can use when you desperately need a break from it, like when catching a flight.</p> <figure><img alt="Depiction of a person suffering from diarrhea | Source: https://www.myupchar.com" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/RqVD0MTxom/thumbnail.png" /> <figcaption>Depiction of a person suffering from diarrhea. <em>Source: https://www.myupchar.com</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>How is traveler’s diarrhea contracted?</h3> <p>The #1 cause of TD is ingesting food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites, commonly found in areas with poor sanitation. Transmission mostly occurs through restaurants, but you’re not without risk through home cooking.</p> <p>Fruits and veg sold in local markets may be washed with contaminated water or handled in unhygienic conditions, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination. Consuming raw fruits and veg without proper washing or peeling can expose you to the evil little pathogens that cause TD.</p> <h3>Fear of the unknown</h3> <p>Something else that badgers bellies abroad is trying new cuisine that doesn’t agree with your stomach, even though it might sit fine with the local residents. New dietary elements expose our guts to foods they may not be equipped to digest, and they might also contain alien bacteria that compete with your microbial residents. This shift can cause inflammation and discomfort.</p> <h3>Traveler’s diarrhea is common</h3> <p>Think TD won’t happen to you? Don’t bet on it: estimates suggest that between 40% and 60% of travelers will get this explosive disease, depending on the place they travel. TD is the most common travel-associated health issue.</p> <h2>Into the belly of the beast</h2> <p>If TD attacks, you’re going to need a multipronged approach to overcome it. </p> <h3>Water and electrolytes</h3> <p>First things first: you’re losing a lot of water with your repeat visits to the toilet, so stay hydrated. Complementing that is a nice bowl of soup, which restores the salts and electrolytes you’re losing while amending fluid loss.</p> <figure><img alt="Hydrate | Source: TheVisualMD" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/Rdag95uXAl/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Hydrate. <em>Source: TheVisualMD</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>Food</h3> <p>In the first few hours, give your digestive system a chance to recover, so avoid consuming solid foods. Once symptoms chill out a bit, you can gradually reintroduce bland foods that are easy on the stomach. The BRAT diet is a good place to start (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast). </p> <p>Indulgences like alcohol, dairy, and coffee are sadly not your friends at this time.</p> <h3>Blessed Imodium</h3> <p>With the pressure of schedules, flights, and more, you may find yourself in a position where the sludge hasn’t stopped but you’re on the move. That’s an intimidating scenario, but with anti-motility medication, you can help your gut to hold the line until you’re safely near a private toilet once more.</p> <p>Imodium is your savior, and you should pack it before you leave home in case traveler’s diarrhea strikes. The catch with this medication is that it doesn’t cure the condition; it helps to control symptoms by slowing down contractions and sealing the gate for a while. However, it can also keep harmful organisms in the body for longer, so don’t overdo it.</p> <h3>The pink stuff</h3> <p>Pepto-Bismol is another drug you should have packed and ready. This can aid with treating mild cases of TD by targeting the bacteria behind the diarrhea and reacting with stomach acid to improve stool consistency and reduce the frequency of stools.</p> <p>Pepto-Bismol is also useful as a preventative measure. Taking two tablets of Pepto-Bismol four times daily before and during travel can help prevent diarrhea.</p> <figure><img alt="Pepto Bismol Ultra | Source: ajay_suresh/Wikimedia" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/LA1ZZRzuQo/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Pepto Bismol Ultra. <em>Source: ajay_suresh/Wikimedia</em></figcaption> </figure> <h2>How can I outrun the runs?</h2> <p>There is no foolproof way to evade traveler’s diarrhea but there are precautions you can take. </p> <ul> <li> <p>For produce you buy and cook at home, make sure to thoroughly wash vegetables before cooking, peel all fruits, and cook meat all the way through. Foods that can be peeled or cooked at high temperatures are generally safer options.</p> </li> <li> <p>Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or handling food. If clean water isn’t available, use hand sanitizer instead.</p> </li> <li> <p>Be smart about restaurants. Those that are busy with a high turnover of food usually indicate freshness. Skip places where food sits out for long periods. Street vendors are best avoided.</p> <figure><img alt="Street Food in Korea | Source: omansang/Pixabay" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/Rda55kXSXd/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Avoid street food to reduce risk of travelers' diarrhea. <em>Source: omansang/Pixabay</em></figcaption> </figure> </li> <li> <p>Avoid ice cubes and tap water. Bottled water is safer, and so are beverages that have been boiled.</p> </li> <li> <p>Some research suggests that probiotics may help prevent traveler's diarrhea by boosting healthy gut flora.</p> </li> </ul> <h2>More on Travelers' Diarrhea</h2><ul><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/7m7kgy2fpj-travelers-diarrhea" target="_blank">Travelers' Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/zjb72d5u2m-foodborne-illness" target="_blank">Foodborne Illness (Food Poisoning): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/5mryyg5uzj-traveler-s-health" target="_blank">How to Stay Healthy When You Travel</a></li></ul>