Traveller´s Diarrhoea

 
One of the most uncomfortable and stressful illnesses to suffer on holiday is Traveller´s Diarrhoea, which affects millions of holidaymakers each year.
 
Most travellers have suffered symptoms of diarrhoea at some stage during their holidays abroad, and it is most commonly caused by poor sanitation, local water and poorly prepared food. There are, however, plenty of ways to avoid traveller´s diarrhoea, which will limit the impact on your holiday.
 
Egypt, The Dominican Republic and European destinations have seen large outbreaks of holiday illness and traveller´s diarrhoea over the past 12 months, and it is important to remember that prevention is much better than cure. Traveller´s Diarrhoea can strike anywhere in the world, and up to 50% of visitors to the developing world are said to suffer the illness. Always seek medical help from your GP when  you return to the UK, to ensure the traveller´s diarrhoea is not hiding a more serious infection, such as Salmonella or E.coli food poisoning.
 
What is diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is occurs when the normal stool pattern is disrupted, becomes more frequent and liquid like. Diarrhoea symptoms can also be accompanied by abdominal bloating, sickness and fever. The normal function of the intestine changes when you suffer diarrhoea, and it absorbs bodily fluids back into the intestine then out of the body.
 
What causes diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is often caused by viral gastroenteritis, which is a mild viral infection, or from ingesting contaminated food or water.
 
Why is Traveller´s Diarrhoea so-called?

Traveller´s Diarrhoea affects international travellers who visit worldwide destinations. It is caused by bacterial or viral infection, commonly linked with the ingestion of infected food or drink. If you suffer Traveller´s Diarrhoea, you may remain contagious for weeks, and pass on symptoms to people when you return home. If you are suffering from symptoms of diarrhoea while travelling or while staying in an all-inclusive holiday resort, you should seek medical advice immediately, and also get checked out by your GP when you return home.
 
If you are confirmed to have been suffering from Salmonella food poisoning, E.coli, Dysentery, Cryptosporidium or any other illness that could be linked to your holiday hotel, you should contact a personal injury solicitor in the UK as soon as possible, who will help you claim compensation from the tour operator.
 
What are the symptoms of Dysentery?

Dysentery is a severe form of diarrhoea, where mucus and blood commonly occurs in the stool. Symptoms of Dysentery include stomach cramps and high temperature. You should always seek medical help and advice if you suspect you are suffering from Dysentery, or if you have symptoms of severe diarrhoea.
 
If you suffer any type of virus or holiday illness, including Dysentery, Salmonella food poisoning, Cryptosporidium or E.coli in Egypt, Turkey, The Dominican Republic or any where else in the world, and your holiday was part of a package tour, you can claim compensation with the help of a qualified personal injury solicitor, who works on a no win, no fee basis.
 
Why is diarrhoea so common on holiday?

Diarrhoea is common in holiday destinations throughout the world, and particularly in developing countries, where poor standards of health and hygiene exist. If you are staying in a package tour hotel which is close to areas with poor sanitation, you may be more at risk from developing diarrhoea on holiday. When poor standards of hygiene exist, flies are more likely to be attracted to the area, and if they find their way onto uncovered food in hotel kitchens and restaurants, illness and diarrhoea can result.
 
Diarrhoea can be passed on to holiday makers by kitchen staff, and waiters via contaminated food and water. If you suffer sickness and diarrhoea through no fault of your own, after a package tour holiday or a cruise, you should contact a regulated no win, no fee holiday illness solicitor when you return to the UK, who will help you claim compensation from the tour operator.
 
Preventing diarrhoea abroad

Diarrhoea medicine is available from every pharmacy, and the illness also responds quickly to treatment, unless you are harbouring a serious infection. Diarrhoea should not last more than 24 hours, but if it does, you should seek urgent medical help, particularly if you are travelling to Egypt, The Dominican Republic or Turkey, which have seen more than average outbreaks of Salmonella food poisoning over the past 12 months.
 
Only drink bottled water and only eat fruit you can peel yourself. Avoid undercooked meat, and never eat fish or seafood that is not served at the correct temperature. Beware the holiday barbecue, and make sure everything you eat is cooked thoroughly. Never eat food which is served buffet-style and left uncovered and/or not served at the correct temperatures.
 
All developing countries are considered high risk, including those in Latin America, Africa, including Egypt, Turkey, The Middle East and Asia. The Dominican Republic and other Caribbean destinations may also be a risk.