Traveller’s Diarrhoea: Prevention and Treatment at Medcare Health Clinic
Traveller’s diarrhoea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly affects travellers. It is characterized by unformed stools and abdominal cramps, often occurring in individuals traveling to areas with different sanitary and food hygiene standards. At Medcare Health Clinic, we offer comprehensive guidance and treatment to help prevent and manage this condition effectively.
Traveller’s diarrhoea typically arises from ingesting food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The most common causative agent is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), particularly the enterotoxigenic strain.
Key risk factors include: Destination: The highest risk areas include parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Dietary choices: Consuming street foods or uncooked foods increases risk. Individual susceptibility: Young adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic bowel diseases are more susceptible.
Symptoms usually begin abruptly and can include:
Watery diarrhoea
Abdominal cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Occasionally, fever and bloody stools
At Medcare Health Clinic, a diagnosis is primarily based on a patient’s travel history and symptoms. Laboratory tests are seldom necessary unless symptoms are severe or persistent.
Preventive measures are crucial, especially when traveling to high-risk areas:
Be cautious with food and water: Eat well-cooked foods, avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless they can be peeled, and drink bottled or treated water.
Consider prophylactic medications: In some cases, antibiotics like rifaximin or azithromycin may be prescribed preventively, especially for high-risk travellers.
Vaccination: Vaccines are available for some specific pathogens like cholera and hepatitis A.
Rehydration
Oral rehydration solutions are vital to prevent dehydration, especially important in severe cases or for vulnerable individuals.
Medications
Antimotility Agents: Medications like loperamide (Imodium) can reduce the frequency of bowel movements and provide symptom relief.
Antibiotics: For more severe cases, especially those involving fever or bloody stools, a short course of antibiotics like azithromycin can be effective.
Dietary Management
Patients are advised to maintain a bland diet and gradually reintroduce more diverse foods as symptoms improve.
Probiotics
Probiotics may assist in restoring normal gut flora.