Why do you only get 'Delhi belly' abroad

A. Diarrhoea is by far the commonest complaint of ill health in travellers. The main causes of tummy troubles can be put down to the different viral and bacteria flora living in your holiday paradise and your body's inability to deal with these foreign blighters.

Q. So, how can I avoid infection
A. Tummy trouble can usually be put down one of the following:

• Food that has gone off
• Contaminated food and drink
• Poisonous substances

Follow the rule: if you cook it, boil it or peel it, you can probably eat it. Salads and fruit should be washed with purified water or peeled where possible. Food should be well cooked and not left to cool or be reheated. If you don't know for certain that the water is safe, best avoid it. Drink bottled water or soft drinks. Make sure milk is pasteurised. Tea or coffee should also be OK, since the water should have been boiled and remember to clean your teeth with purified water, rather than straight from the tap - you can always use chlorine tablets for water purification.

Q. What prevents it
A. There are no absolute preventative measures simply because diarrhoea has so many different causes. There are vaccines available for cholera, hepatitis A and typhoid, but you'll still be susceptible to a host of other infections. Some medical professionals suggest a single tablet of ciprofloxacin 500mg, though this antibiotic will only work on bacterial infections.

Q. Are there any treatments I should get
In the majority of cases most stomach upsets should calm down within 5 to 8 days and do not require any drug treatment. However the following can be recommended:

• Drink plenty of fluids, as least three to four litres per day. If you're up to it fruit juice, cola and broth are good as they replace lost sugar and salt. Diary products and diuretic drinks, such as alcohol and coffee should be avoided. Re-hydration powders mixed in water are also good for replacing lost salts and sugars.
• Eat plain, solid food such as boiled rice, peeled fruit, toast and biscuits.
• Take it easy - rest and recuperation is what the doctor ordered.
• Anti - diarrhoea drugs such as Imodium can be used if travelling on a long journey though it's best to avoid them. Diarrhoea is the body's way of getting rid of something it doesn't want - best thing is to ride it out.
  
  

Q. When should I consult a doctor
A.If your tummy troubles last for more than eight days, go to the doctors. Diarrhoea lasting for more than two weeks is considered chronic. Treatment of chronic diarrhoea depends on identifying its specific cause and a course of medical treatment. For example, if you were diagnosed with a bacterial infection treatment would be with antibiotics. Also get yourself down to doctors if:

• You notice blood in your diarrhoea
• You also have a high fever - remember malaria can also lead to diarrhoea
• Your diarrhoea is a yellowish or greenish mucus
• Be extra careful with cases in young children and the elderly

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By Oliver Goggi