Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is by far the commonest cause of ill health in travellers. No vaccine is capable of conferring general protection against diarrhoea, which has many different causes.
You should be aware of the importance of countering the dehydration consequent upon diarrhoea by drinking plenty of fluids, preferably a rehydration fluid containing salt and glucose.
Antidiarrhoeal preparations, including antimotility drugs, can provide an adult with symptomatic relief; however, they can also cause undesirable side-effects and an authoritative opinion should be sought before they are used. They should never be used by children. Bacterial dysentery, protozoal infections and intestinal helminthic infections require specific treatment.
Related Articles
- One of the largest causes of diarrhoea is Food & Drink - learn how to choose your food carefully to minimise ill health
- Water - all you need to know - purification, filters, storage etc
Web Links
Diarrhoea
