BootsnAll Travel Community

Up to 60 percent of travelers to developing countries suffer bouts of diarrhea, often from unsanitary food and water.

Studies have failed to show that better meal hygiene prevents stomach problems.

An antibiotic called Xifaxan has been approved to treat traveler’s diarrhea; many doctors prescribe it for prevention as well.

Of all the exotic dangers facing some 64 million Americans who travel abroad each year, the surest way to sideline a vacation remains unsanitary food and water. Anywhere from 30 to 50 percent of those who trek across the developing world suffer bouts of diarrhea, with some countries snaring upwards of 60 percent of foreign visitors.

Avoiding roadside food stands of questionable hygiene and sticking to bottled water are obvious ways to protect your stomach. Yet even the most fastidious tourists can end up with digestive problems, prompting some experts to consider whether travel itself is to blame.

“Many travelers say they are so careful and can’t understand why they get sick,” said Dr. David Shlim, who treated some 20,000 visitors for diarrhea at a health clinic he ran in Katmandu, Nepal. “I tell them it’s not their fault.”

Indeed, there is little proof that Americans are stomaching their trips any better than they used to, despite years of common sense advice to “boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it” when trying foods in faraway lands. Many undoubtedly find it too hard to steer clear of local delicacies.

But various controlled trials have failed to show that better meal hygiene prevents traveler’s diarrhea. A potential reason, one study found, is that there is no room for error. Just a few dietary mistakes — like consuming raw green vegetables or milk — can increase your chances for gut-wrenching misery. Eating more carelessly does not add to the risk.


http://health.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-tr...-ess.html?ref=health

Article goes on to say the drug costs 4.50 a pill and one takes 3 a day. So.. it may be limted to short term travellers with big pockets.

Still, it sounds like a must-have if you're an adventurous eater. Maybe five to ten will suffice.

Another drug to contend with? It just seems traveling is so complicated(and friggin' expensive) these days. I am very wary about taking antibiotics--they seems to keep the body from building up natural immunity. But then again, I can't imagine anything worse than dealing with stomach problems on an 8-hour bus ride. I thank God for my iron stomach.

Searching information about it, I read that " Xifaxan is only useful in cases of diarrhea that are caused by E. coli.

Because such a diagnosis is tough for me, I think I'll stick to the pleasing pink liquid, followed by a doctor visit if the symptoms don't clear.

Well, it does ONLY work for 80% of the cases. I guess that means that 20% isn't e coli based.

My impression is that travel scared short termers are taking it as a preventative, not when they get something, which is really stupid health wise. You are probably wise to stick to Maalox unless you start dehydrating from excessive diarrhea.

PS, the drugs that stop diarhea are not, in general, good for you unless you are a shorter term traveller and need to not express far from home. Diarrhea is the bodies way of getting RID of toxins.

If its so bad that maalox doesn't cut it, a long term traveler is probably better off going to a doctor. GASP! what an idea!!

Seriously, if it turns out to be dysentery or parasites, you'll definitely be glad you saw that doctor.

Yes, plugging yourself up is only hammering the symptoms; the problem can persist.

That's why I recommend Pepto Bismal instead of Imodium. Pepto Bismal (bismol subsalicylate) treats stomach maladies, besides stopping diarrhea.

Unfortunately, too many people take antibiotics when not needed, or as prophylaxis. Besides making drug companies rich, this creates drug resistant super bugs.

Again, always seek medical care if the symptoms persist.

I've been prescribed Xifaxan for my past few trips. But they tell me to only take it if you it is serious diarrhea (3 pills a day for 3 days, and if it's still going on, then go to the doctor). Immodium. has always taken care of my travellers diarrhea. If you seriously feel like you're dying-diarrhea, then take Xifaxan. I haven't used it yet because I don't want to oversaturate the world with antibiotics and risk things/strains becoming resistant to the antibiotics (ie. Cipro). I personally wouldn't use it for prevention.

I usually just put up with diarrhea. After all the food is out of my system. I go and eat some more plus drink some water to stay hydrated. While I understand that it can be potentially a very serious problem, most of my small little bouts of diarrhea are minor, It really is more of a nuisance than anything else.

Now, I just wish they could just give me a broad spectrum antibiotic (like Amoxicillin) for my first aid kit without prescription.

quote:

Originally posted by Jabberwocky:

Now, I just wish they could just give me a broad spectrum antibiotic (like Amoxicillin) for my first aid kit without prescription.

You can. Just go to the tropical fish/aquarium store and buy all the common antibiotics you want. They are all made by the same companies and are exactly the same as their human counterparts. They are dosed in the same way, 250mg, 500mg, etc.

Disclaimer: Don't believe me. Research it yourself.