When you travel to another country such as developing countries, one may come in contact with the ailments called traveler's diarrhea. Germs in food or water due to less than perfect hygiene conditions and food preparation cause it.

The food and water contaminated with fecal matter are the most common cause of traveler's diarrhea. Bacteria such as E. Coli and other ones like Camplybacter, Shigella and Salmonella typically are the cause.

A person exposed to germs in food or water will develop diarrhea or loose stools for more than three times per day. One may also develop fever, vomiting, stomach cramps or bloody stools. This may persist and the patient will eventually feel very weak, lethargic and have a decreased appetite, which will result in dehydration.

The treatment for traveler's diarrhea is antibiotics and hydration; you can also add Loperamide (trade name of Imodium). One can include oral re-hydration solution with electrolyte-enriched beverages.

One can prevent traveler's diarrhea by careful dietary precautions. Although not a 100% guarantee, it offers protection. Boiling is the best way to purify water. Avoid unsafe food such as salads, unpeeled fruits, raw or under cooked meats and seafood and unpasteurized dairy products. Don't drink tap water in the developing countries and that includes ice as well.

The summertime is vacation time for lots of families, so take the necessary precautions when you travel overseas. If you develop the symptoms of traveler's diarrhea during or after your vacation, go visit your doctor so that proper antibiotics can be dispensed to treat your infection.

Frank Y. An, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Family Medicine
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.
Please log onto www.sbipmedicalgroup.com for archived articlesa