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Health
Fighting
Food and Water Borne Diseases
Poor sanitation,
faulty plumbing, the use of human excrement as fertilizer
and unclean food handling food cause water borne diseases.
Food and water precautions are the traveller's first line
of defense against all food and water borne illness.
Traveller's
Diarrhoea
Montezuma's revenge, Delhi belly, Trotsky trots...The name
changes around the world; but the symptoms are the same: diarrhoea
with cramps, nausea and a general feeling of illness. Traveller's
diarrhoea is usually caused by germs (bacteria, parasites
or viruses) which have contaminated your food, water or fingers.
Even a change in the environment can cause mild diarrhoea.
Travellers'
diarrhoea is the most common sickness in travellers. Luckily,
the illness is usually mild and clears up on its own within
a few days. The most important treatment is replacing your
body's lost fluids and electrolytes(salt, potassium and sugar).
Treatment
1. Replace lost fluids and electrolytes (salt, potassium,
and sugars).
Drink
clear fluids (at least 3 litres/day for adults). Choose fruit
juices rich in potassium (e.g. orange, apple). Add 1/4 teaspoon
of salt and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Dilute with boiled or carbonated
water if desired. Commercial packets of rehydration salts
(e.g. Orsaline) can be used for infants, children or adults.
2. Add
solid foods slowly once symptoms subside. Avoid milk for 1-2
weeks. Breastfed infants should continue to breastfeed.
3. Medication
prescribed by your doctor
If diarrhoea is severe, antibiotic treatment is needed. Seek
medical advice or begin self-treatment.
Symptoms
of severe diarrhoea
* persistent diarrhoea (longer than 2-3 days)
* more than 6 stools/day
* fever and shaking chills
* blood, mucus or pus in the stools
* dehydration
Symptoms
of dehydration
* small amount of strong smelling, dark yellow urine
* thirst
* absence of tears or saliva
* dry mouth and skin
* fatigue and dizziness
* sunken eyes
* sunken fontanel (soft spot on the head) in infants
Source:
The Internet, Travellers Health, Capital Health Authority
Copyright (R)
thedailystar.net 2004
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