Preventing and Treating Travellers' Diarrhoea
Travellers’ diarrhoea can be triggered by many factors whether that be
overindulging in alcohol or eating rich and spicy foods. However, it is most
likely to be caused by contact with contaminated food or water or by exposure
to new varieties of bacteria that normally live in the gut. In many cases, symptoms
can be alleviated with the use of an anti-diarrhoeal product such as IMODIUM®.
Treating travellers' diarrhoea
If you are unfortunate enough to experience a bout of travellers' diarrhoea, health experts recommend the following:
Replace lost fluids by drinking plenty of bottled water. For the frail, elderly or children who are at greater risk from dehydration, oral rehydration sachets are advisable.
Limit dietary intake to flat aerated drinks such as cola, and tea, followed by bland crackers and dry toast. As appetite increases, add simple baked foods.
Take an over-the-counter anti-diarrhoeal remedy such as: IMODIUM® Instants which melt on the tongue and don’t need water to take, or IMODIUM® Plus for faster relief from diarrhoea and cramps, wind and bloating.
Take care, contact a doctor if the symptoms last for longer than 24 hours, if a fever over 38°C develops, or blood or mucus is present in the stool.
Avoid contaminated water
Everything brought close to the mouth could be a source of infection. One of
the main transmitters of travellers’ diarrhoea is normal tap water. Even
in popular holiday destinations, such as Spain and Greece, the local water supply
can cause diarrhoea. More
information
Rules to follow:
Don't drink tap water.
Only drink sealed bottled water (carbonated is safest as it's less
likely to have been filled from the tap) or water that has been boiled - add
purifying tablets or drops to be safe.
Besides water, drink bottled beverages.
Keep your head out of the water and try not to swallow the water when
swimming in the sea, river and swimming pool as it may be contaminated. If
it looks obviously murky don't go swimming.
Don't use ice cubes made from tap water.
Don't brush your teeth with the local water.
Wash hands thoroughly before eating.
Watch what you eat!
Trying the regional cuisine when travelling abroad is all part of
the enjoyment of travelling. To avoid illness, we advise certain precautions.
These are:
Cooked food and food from cans or jars is generally safest.
Thick-skinned fruits and vegetables that you peel yourself are the best.
Always try to make sure your food is covered, it is safer to stick with
hot, well cooked food.
Always try to make sure your food is covered, it is safer to stick with hot
well cooked food.
Which IMODIUM® do I need?
When travelling abroad we would recommend...
IMODIUM® Instants
•
Convenient and discreet relief, anywhere, anytime
•
Melt on the tongue in seconds
•
No need for water to take tablet
Contains loperamide. Always read the label.
IMODIUM® is the number one anti-diarrhoeal. A range of products is offered to suit every sufferers needs. Click here to find out more about our range of IMODIUM® products.
Passport to healthy travel
Order our new free information booklet ‘Passport to Healthy Travel’.
It has everything you need to ensure you can enjoy safe and healthy travels.
Advice endorsed by Dr Iain McIntosh, Travel Health
Expert and co-founder of the British Travel Health Association.
References:
1 Gorbach S. traveller's diarrhoea. N Engl J Med. 307. 881-883,1982 R Cartright,
Practice Nursing Vol 9; 2 June 1998
2. Dupont HL and Ericson C. Prevention and Treatment of Travellers' Diarrhoea.
N Eng J Med. 328:1821-1827,1993
3. McIntosh IB, Reed JM and Power KG. Travellers’ diarrhoea and the effects
of pretravel health advice in general practice. Brit. J. Gen. Pract. 1997 47.
71-5
Always read the leaflet. IMODIUM® contains loperamide. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
This website is published by McNeil Products Ltd. UK which is
solely responsible for its contents.
It is intended for a UK audience.
Last updated on: 29-Aug-2008
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