Travelers' diarrhea has long been the scourge of the adventurous soul who travels far from home. As with many things, reliable information can help to keep you healthy. This overview will help point you to the information you need regarding symptoms, prevention and treatment of travelers' diarrhea.
Travelers' Diarrhea Prevention: Food and Drink Safety Precautions
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The best way to prevent travelers' diarrhea is through strict observance of food and drink safety precautions. In general, you should avoid raw foods and tap water. Carbonated beverages and foods that are served piping hot are safe choices.
Travelers' Diarrhea Prevention: Medication Options
If you are planning on traveling out of the country, you might be wondering if you could take a medicine that would prevent you from contracting travelers' diarrhea. This question becomes critical if you are suffering from a serious health condition in which travelers' diarrhea would severely compromise your health. Options for prophylactic medication do exist, but are currently somewhat limited.
Treatment of Travelers' Diarrhea
Luckily there are treatment options available to you if you contract travelers' diarrhea. Fluid replacement is essential - just be sure to choose drinks that are safe. Your doctor may recommend an antibiotic; several types are available which have been shown to be effective in dealing with the microorganisms that cause travelers' diarrhea. Antidiarrheal products such as Imodium should not be used if you are diagnosed with dysentery, and should only be used alongside an antibiotic.
How to Recover from a GI Infection
Getting ill from a GI infection, such as travelers' diarrhea, leaves you at a small, but real risk for the development of IBS. Practical strategies, based on solid research, can help to increase your odds that you enjoy a full recovery. In general, your best bet is to acknowledge that you are ill and give your immune system the rest it needs to overcome the nasty bug that has disrupted your travel plans.
