The most common summer diseases are intestinal infections. High temperatures create ideal conditions for the spread of bacteria in water and food, which can quickly thwart holiday plans. Did you know that 20 to 50 % of tourists suffer from diarrhea abroad? Pharmacist Jana Dubajová from the pharmacy Dr. Max will teach you how to cope with travel diarrhea if you get on your holiday. She has prepared a simple recipe for a rehydration solution and also advises on how to prevent.
Travel diarrhea is manifested by at least 3 stools within 24 hours and is often accompanied by cramps, temperature, nausea or vomiting. The highest risk in Asia, Africa and the development parts of Central and South America. The moderate risk is the Caribbean and some areas of South America. Europe, Australia and North America are the least risky. The common denominator of countries with a higher risk is insufficient level of hygiene.
Take care of proper hygiene
This type of intestinal infection arises after consuming contaminated food or water, especially when the basic hygiene rules are violated. If food manipulations do not have their hands washed, they can transfer the infection to people consuming contaminated foods. Contact with local residents may also be dangerous – Although they have no symptoms, they are carriers of dangerous pathogens for tourists.
Safely cooked meals and packaged drinks are safer. Higher risk is raw vegetables, fruits and tap water. “Diarrhea usually occurs during the first week of stay, but can occur at any time during the trip and after returning home. Usually lasts 3 to 7 days. The serious risk is dehydration, increased risk is especially in children,” explains Dubajová. See your doctor if you experience diarrhea with blood admixture, does not subside within a few days, you are not able to receive fluids and diarrhea accompanies fever or chills.
How to prevent appropriate prevention? Avoid street food, ice drink or fresh fruit juices from unverified sources. Drink only packaged or disinfected water, only eat heat -treated meals and fruits that can be peeled.
The greatest danger in diarrhea is dehydration – especially in children and seniors. The most important thing is to replenish fluids and salt, as the body must not be drained. Ideal are rehydration solutions (ORS), mineral water with a high content of sodium and potassium or unsweetened black tea. Avoid sweetened lemonades and drinks with artificial sweeteners. Rehydration solution can also be prepared from homemade ingredients – you will need 4 to 5 cubes of sugar, 1 tablespoon of kitchen salt, lemon juice, orange or grapefruit and a liter of drinking water.
When returning, administer fluids by teaspoons. If the condition worsens, an infusion may be required. Watch the color of the urine – it should not be dark yellow. During treatment, give the body calm, start with a hunger strike and gradually go to a light diet (rice decoction, broth, biscuits, later potatoes, rice, carrots or bananas). Avoid fats, fatty foods, sweets, milk and dairy products.
Probiotics as a prevention
Probiotics They can help prevent travel diarrhea, especially lactobacillus strains acidophilus, L. Rhamnosus, L. Casei and yeast Saccharomyces Boulardii. They promote healthy intestinal microflora and immunity. “The choice of a suitable preparation, especially in terms of stability in the extreme conditions of subtropics and tropics, is very important. It has been found that the protective effect of a particular product may not be the same in all destinations, which is related to the difference of pathogens in specific areas,” he adds.
