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Travellers diarrhoea - What is Traveller’s diarrhoea?

Traveller's diarrhoea sometimes called "Delhi Belly" affects as many as 60% of all tourists and travellers going to tropical climates. Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting usually last about 2 to 3 days. Although experts say that cases could be cleared up much quicker if sufferers sort medical advice instead of using self-treat methods. Only about 10% of cases are serious and sufferers with long-term symptoms should seek specialist advice.

How can I get Travellers Diarrhoea?

Drinking contaminated water and food can cause Traveller's diarrhoea or not washing your hands properly after visiting the lavatory.

How is diarrhoea treated?

All sufferers are advised to replace lost fluids with fluids and rehydration tablets.

Other illnesses you could be suffering from are Giardia or Typhoid.

What is Giardia?

Giardia and Cryptosporidium are intestinal illnesses caused by Protozoan parasites affecting the gastrointestinal tract of humans as well as animals. They are shed in faeces and can remain dormant for a long time.

Symptoms may cause diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramps, fever and headaches. Most sufferers will recover in a few weeks but those with weakened immune systems could suffer debilitating illness and in extreme cases death.

To avoid Giardia avoid drinking untreated water from Springs, Streams or Lakes and wash your hands properly after visiting the lavatory.

What is Typhoid?

Typhoid and Paratyphoid are also spread through contaminated water and food. Shellfish taken from sewage contaminated beds and vegetables fertilized with faeces and eaten raw can be sources of the contamination

Symptoms are a sudden sustained fever, severe headache and loss of appetite. 10% of cases can be fatal but with the right medication this can be reduced to less than 1%.

There is a vaccine to protect against Typhoid but unfortunately not against Paratyphoid

If you return home from holiday or travelling and you think you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, then you should consult your doctor's surgery or, in the UK, phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.