Articles / Management

Vacation Woes: Travelling with Diarrhoea

You’ve planned the perfect getaway. Suddenly, an unwelcome need to sprint to the toilet wreaks havoc on your dream holiday.

Traveller’s diarrhoea goes by many names: Bali Belly, Delhi Belly, or the Mexican Two-Step. It affects 30-70% of international travellers and is usually caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. Diarrhoea-causing microbes in food and water account for about 80% of traveller’s diarrhoea cases.

Understanding Traveller’s Diarrhoea

Traveller’s diarrhoea is when you have loose, watery stools more than three times a day while travelling. It often happens in the first two weeks of a trip, but it can strike anytime.

Other symptoms might include:

stomach pain
fever
nausea
vomiting

Most people get better in a few days, but dehydration is a big risk. So, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

Managing Diarrhoea While Traveling

Preventing traveller’s diarrhoea is the ideal goal. But even the most cautious traveller may still succumb to it. When it strikes, proper management is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of key strategies to manage diarrhoea while travelling:

Hydration

Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a common complication. Drink plenty of bottled water to replenish lost fluids.
Avoid irritants: Milk and juices can sometimes worsen diarrhoea. Opt for bottled water or oral rehydration solutions.

Medical help

Over-the-counter medication options: Anti-diarrhoeals — such as Gastro-Stop or Gastro-Stop PLUS — can reduce stool frequency and fluid loss. This can be particularly helpful when toilet access is limited (such as on a bus, train or plane). Always follow dosage instructions.
Seek medical attention: Consult a healthcare professional immediately for severe or persistent symptoms, especially if accompanied by fever or bloody stools. Take any prescribed medications (antibiotics, for example) as directed.

Dietary Adjustments

Consider a BRAT-like diet: Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) are bland foods that may be gentler on the digestive system. Easy-to-digest foods can be helpful as you recover from a bout of diarrhoea. However, a healthy, balanced diet is better if you can tolerate it, so you don’t miss essential nutrients.
Consider probiotics: These beneficial bacteria support overall gut health, which may, in turn, help with episodes of diarrhoea. Probiotics are found in fermented foods (like yoghurt, kefir and pickles). They’re also available in more concentrated forms in some over-the-counter supplements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which probiotic product might be best for your situation.

Prevention and Packing Essentials

The best defence against traveller’s diarrhoea is prevention. Be cautious with food and water in your host destination:

Stick to bottled water; avoid drinking local water, adding ice to your drinks, or brushing your teeth with tap water.
Avoid fruits and vegetables washed in local water and opt for those you can peel yourself.
Opt for thoroughly cooked meals served hot and avoid food that’s been sitting on display for some time.

Frequent handwashing with soap and water is crucial, as contaminated hands can transfer germs to your food.

Your top 3 anti-diarrhoea travel kit essentials:

Hand sanitiser for situations where soap and water aren’t readily available
Oral rehydration salts (ORS) packets to replenish electrolytes
Anti-diarrhoeal medication like Gastro-Stop or Gastro-Stop PLUS

Travel stress-free

It’s possible to reduce your risk of traveller’s diarrhoea or manage a bout if it happens. Remember to wash your hands regularly and pack essentials like oral rehydration solutions, anti-diarrhoea medication, and hand sanitiser. If you experience some “Bali belly”: stay hydrated with bottled water and seek medical help if symptoms worsen or persist.

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