This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
Published on August 26, 2019, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) estimates that between 30 to 70% of travellers experience traveller's tummy, a stomach upset caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
Traveller's tummy is not a serious condition, but it can be very unpleasant. The risk of getting traveller's tummy increases when you travel to areas with different sanitary practices.
The symptoms of traveller's diarrhoea include abrupt onset of diarrhoea, fever, nausea and vomiting, bloating, urgent need to have a bowel movement, malaise, explosive and painful gas, cramps, and loss of appetite.
To treat traveller's tummy, it's essential to stay hydrated. The most effective form of treatment is the use of oral rehydration solution (ORS), which can be made by adding one packet to treated water.
Antibiotics may also shorten the length of the stomach upset, but they should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Antidiarrheal agents can be used in conjunction with antibiotics, but they are not suitable if the cause of your stomach upset is dysentery or if there are any signs of stool in your blood.
It's also crucial to avoid dehydration by drinking fluids that are safe, such as boiled or bottled water. If you cannot find oral rehydration products, you can make a homemade remedy by mixing ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and 1-litre of safe drinking water.
