Diarrhea is the most common illness of travelers (continued)
Each year, 20 to 50 percent of international travelers, an estimated 10 million individuals, develop diarrhea. The onset of traveler's diarrhea usually occurs within the first week of travel, but may occur at any time while traveling and even after returning home.
Traveler's diarrhea usually begins abruptly, with most cases improving within one to two days without treatment. It is rarely life threatening. However, you can have multiple episodes of traveler's diarrhea during one trip.
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
The following are the most common symptoms and signs of traveler's diarrhea: increased frequency, volume and weight of stool; frequent loose stools (usually about four to five loose or watery bowel movements each day); abdominal cramps; nausea; vomiting; urgency; malaise; fever, and bloating.
Travelers to high-risk areas can reduce, but never completely eliminate, the risk for traveler's diarrhea by following some of the following suggestions.
First, avoid eating foods or drinking beverages purchased from street vendors or other establishments where unhygienic conditions are present. Next, avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood.
Lastly, avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them first. If handled properly, well-cooked and packaged foods usually are safe.
Tap water, ice, unpasteurized milk, and dairy products are also associated with an increased risk for traveler's diarrhea. Safe beverages include bottled carbonated beverages, hot tea or coffee, beer, wine and water bottled or appropriately treated with iodine or chlorine. A general rule of thumb is this: Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it.
When visiting high-risk countries, keep some of the following tips in mind: avoid unsterilized water; avoid ice cubes or fruit juices made with tap water; beware of sliced fruit that may have been washed in contaminated water; do not swim in what may be contaminated water; keep your mouth closed while showering; use bottled water to brush your teeth; use bottled or boiled water to mix baby formula, and order hot beverages (i.e., coffee or tea that are steaming hot).
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
If you experience severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, bloody stools or a high fever, or if your symptoms last for more than a few days, seek medical help.
A traveler should also be especially cautious with children because traveler's diarrhea can cause severe dehydration in a short time. Call a doctor if your child is sick and exhibits any of the following signs or symptoms: persistent vomiting; bloody stools or severe diarrhea; a fever of 101 degrees Farenheit or higher; dry mouth; crying without tears; being unusually sleepy, drowsy or unresponsive, and a decreased volume of urine (including fewer wet diapers in infants).
There are precautions you can take to avoid contracting traveler's diarrhea. However, there is no foolproof method. If you are suffering from the illness, take the steps listed above and seek medical attention if your situation worsens.
This column is provided by the Richmond County Medical Society. Dr. Scafuri is an active member of the Society. He specializes in infectious disease and maintains a practice in West Brighton.
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