Montezuma's Revenge, turista, Aztec Two-Step, Pharaoh's Revenge, Delhi Belly and in Thailand, Thai-dal wave. These are just a handful of the cheeky names for the affliction, traveler's diarrhea, which those of us with weak stomachs suffer while on vacation away from home.
Apart from the raunchy nicknames, it's important to remember that this condition can become serious. Groups who are naturally higher risk (such as senior travelers) need to know the facts and a few simple preventative measures.
What causes Traveler's Diarrhea?
Most people believe that the most common cause for this misery-producing, highly unaesthetic complaint is bacteria in drinking water. Actually, this isn't true; there is a greater likelihood that foods will make us sick: tainted meat, raw vegetables or unpeeled fruits. Often, however, this is due to their being washed or prepared with untreated H2O. In any case, water is one contributing factor that we can control, and doing so greatly increases our chances of staying healthy.
Basic Prevention.
We can circumvent some of the problems by drinking bottled water. Fortunately, in countries like Mexico, bottled water is readily available, being the drinking water solution for the population as a whole. But if you're moving around, the bottles get heavy, and for the green-conscious among us, throwing away all that plastic, even if it's recyclable, is a problem.
Aside from drinking water, there are other situations we have to be careful about: the water we use to brush our teeth, for example, or for making ice cubes. It almost seems that one can't take too many precautions especially when traveling to less developed, high-risk countries. Those with robust constitutions find that their stomachs get used to the water quality after a few days, but the unlucky ones waste a good portion of the vacation moaning and groaning and generally not having a good time. After all, the bathroom in your beachfront hotel is probably not that different from the one at home.
Basic Remedies
Many tourists (20% - 50% according to WebMd.com) suffer mild cases of traveler's diarrhea as their system adjusts to a new environment. Generally, the symptoms go away after two or three days. If symptoms persist, then antibiotics, charcoal tablets or a natural remedy such as grapefruit seed extract are the next steps.
Antibiotics
Savvy tourists traveling to high-risk areas can get a supply of antibiotics from their doctor at home before leaving. Also, in many places. Mexico for example, or readily available at the local pharmacy. Just be careful, repeated use of antibiotics reduces their effectiveness over time. Bear in mind that the use of antibiotics is not a preventive measure and should only be taken when symptoms first strike.
Unfortunately, there are some areas in the world where the bacteria have developed resistance to the popular antibiotic, ciprofloxacine, and azithromcin is recommended as an alternative.
The Importance of Hydration.
We all know that in hot countries especially, it's crucial to re-hydrate with water and electrolytes as the body loses essential fluids and minerals through perspiration. Sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade often work well. However, if you are in an area where such drinks are not available, try a mix of water with a pinch of salt and a few teaspoons of sugar.
Of course, continued abdominal cramps, or the onset of fever or chills calls for immediate medical attention because that means that the bacteria, which caused the traveler's diarrhea in the first place, has started to invade the rest of the body.
Technology to the rescue!
We love our gadgets, and in this case, thankfully, there is a gadget made to order, one small enough to slip in a pocket, that can keep us on the road and off the can. SteriPEN is a small (smaller than a Swiss Army Knife) instrument which uses ultra-violet light to zap the bacteria in the water to make it safe for drinking.
SteriPEN comes in two sizes - the "Classic," which is small enough to carry in your jeans' pocket and the "Adventurer," bigger than the Classic but still only 4oz and easily stored in your carry-on luggage, handbag or knapsack. Using ultraviolet (uv) light, SteriPEN can purify 16 oz of water in 45 seconds. The light actually "scrambles" the bacterial DNA, rendering it inert, unable to replicate, and completely harmless.
Highly effective in destroying harmful bacteria and adding no unpleasant chemical taste, SteriPEN has become a favorite among tourists, adventure travelers and backpackers. Keep this little device at at hand and traveler's diarrhea may just become a thing of the past.
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