Visiting Nepal is a magical expedition and we have proof of this claim! Plenty of reviews on Quora and Reddit suggest satisfaction for tourists, especially with the nature and cultural selling points.
However, this gorgeous touring and trip can be shattered in seconds with problems such as traveler’s diarrhea. Safe, hygienic, and boiled drinking water and food aren’t available in every corner of Nepal.
As a result, many travelers report experiencing diarrhea in Nepal.
In Today’s article, we will shower insights on one of the altitude sickness symptoms diarrhea! Let’s hop right into knowing what leads to this diarrhea, its symptoms, and how to prevent traveler’s diarrhea.
Introduction To Traveler’s Diarrhea
Traveler’s Diarrhea is a gastrointestinal infection that affects travelers as a result of contamination present in food and water.
As long as edibles remain contaminated cdc traveler’s diarrhea remains prevalent. Depending on the destination, time, and season of travel, traveler’s diarrhea attack rates range from 30% – 70% of travelers under a 2-week period.
Traveler’s diarrhea in Nepal is especially vicious in the hot months, just before the monsoon season.
Symptoms Of Traveler’s Diarrhea
Symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea start showing up as people visit regions with declined sanitation standard in comparison to the standard they are adapting from. Here’s a list of common symptoms:
- Frequent, loose stool three or more times within 24 hours
- Mild to severe abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting tendency
- Ongoing fever
- Experiences of bloating and gas
- Weak and feeble feeling as a result of fatigue and dehydration symptoms.
Traveler’s Diarrhea Occurrence And Risk
Intake of unwashed, undercooked, raw, stale, or unhygienic meat products, seafood, poultry production, dairy consumables, fruits, and vegetables are reasons behind the occurrence of traveler’s diarrhea in Nepal.
Likewise, gulping contaminated and low-quality water or beverages immediately ruins your perfect travel trip with diarrhea. Unconsciously intaking fecal matter, protozoa eggs, or viruses through the oral medium also lead to traveler’s diarrhea.
Meanwhile, contaminated food and drink being the main causative agent of traveler’s diarrhea, a slight modification in diet during traveling hours can trigger traveler’s diarrhea.
Similarly, travel-related stress, such as anxiety, fatigue, or even a depressed state that shakes the positive decorum can weaken the immune system.
A compromised immune system is a hostile place for gastrointestinal issues such as our topic of discussion “traveler’s diarrhea”
How To Prevent Traveler’s Diarrhea
So, what is the best medicine for traveler’s diarrhea? A combination of certain precautions and self-care is enough to prevent traveler’s diarrhea. Most often traveler’s diarrhea natural treatment is the way to move ahead.
1. Healthy Diet
Paying attention to diet, and consuming only healthy and hygienic food makes sure, your gastrointestinal health and immune system are strong. Lowering your overall chances of getting the disease.
The golden rule to fight against infections is: Boil it, Cook it, Peel it, or Forget it! This is true as just cooking isn’t enough, being fully cooked and not raw is important. Avoiding street foods, too spicy foods, unpasteurized dairy products, undercooked and raw meat items, stale food, and never before eaten food is a wise step.
Adding plenty of fresh, thoroughly cooked, and washed green leaves and vegetables, grown naturally on a farm is your right pick for a bowl of salad.
Some food items are rich in healthy fats, omega-3 oil, fish oil, plenty of fibers and vitamins that boost your gut health.
2. Picking healthy beverages and safe drinking water
The state of safe drinking water is particularly dire in Nepal, with only 27% of the population having access to pure drinking water. This means you have to be extra careful when it comes to water sources.
Carrying plenty of water so that you don’t run out in dire need is a pro tip!
- Water flowing in streams, rivers, taps or a well might contain bacteria, thus these sources of unsterilized water should be avoided at all costs.
- Boiling the water properly before consumption should be prioritized.
- Even purchasing bottles and jars of water from unauthorized vendors and unpopular brands is discouraged.
- Ice creams and kulfis also contain water and keeping away from vendors of these items is a rational decision to stay away from contamination.
- Drinking fresh forms of beverages such as coconut water,coconut milk, fresh fruit juices or even canned beverages and cold coffee is encouraged. Milkshakes are healthy too as long as the expiry date isn’t crossed.
- Carrying plenty of water so that you don’t run out in dire need is a pro tip!
3. Hygiene And Sanitation
Make sure to wash hands frequently in low hygiene areas as the rate of contamination is high with each wrong move.
Acts such as biting nails, putting fingers in hands, eating without washing hands with soap and water, or not washing hands after using the toilet, all increase the chances of traveler’s diarrhea. Hence, hygiene must be maintained.
Be sure to wear clean clothes and eat with properly washed utensils. If water isn’t available for washing hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing a minimum of 60% alcohol.
Managing Traveler’s Diarrhea
For diarrhea, take an ORS, a solution of salt and sugar that replaces electrolytes lost in the process to help recover from the dehydration. Other drugs such as loperamide can also be employed as antig imported symptoms, although they do not cure the infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
The diarrhea that results from traveler’s diarrhea is mainly self-limiting; however, if it becomes more severe three days after onset or worsens, there could be a need for antibiotic use.
If you are on high blood pressure medication be careful of the signs of dehydration because they may indicate an emergency soon.
The solid combination of all the above caution techniques, preventive guidelines, and responsible actions makes sure your trip is safe and away from traveler’s diarrhea. Above caution technique, preventive guidelines and responsible actions makes sure your trip is safe and away from traveler’s diarrhea.
