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What is travellers’ diarrhoea?
Travellers’ diarrhoea (TD) is the most common travel-related illness, affecting up to 70% of travellers to certain destinations.1 It is estimated that up to 50% of travellers affected by travellers’ diarrhoea cannot continue with their trip as planned whilst ill.2 This may also impact finances due to rebooking of flights, cancellations of excursions and missing out on planned activities.1
Recognise travellers’ diarrhoea
≥ 3 Loose or unformed stools per day2
Starts 12-72 hours after exposure to contaminated food or water or the onset can be more sudden (cause-dependent)3,4
You'll have at least 1 of the following symptoms:
- Fever,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Stomach cramps2,
- Blood in stool (dysentery)
Usually lasts 2-4 days1
What causes it?
Travellers’ diarrhoea is almost always the result of ingesting contaminated food or beverages.2 Bacteria are the main cause and account for 80-90% of cases of travellers’ diarrhoea, of which E. coli* is the most common cause. However, certain viruses and parasites can also cause travellers’ diarrhoea.4
*enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. (ETEC)
Tips to avoid travellers’ diarrhoea
1. BEFORE the trip1...
Identify the risk of the destination:
- High Risk Asia, The Middle East, Africa, Central and South America
- Intermediate Risk Eastern Europe, South Africa, Mexico, Carribean Islands
- Low Risk Unites States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Northern and Western Europe
2. DURING the trip...
- Wash hands often with either soap or hand sanitiser (≥ 60 % alcohol)1
- Only eat fully cooked foods that are still hot1
- Use sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth1
- Avoid ice cubes, salads, and uncooked veggies1
- Eat fruits that can be peeled and peel your own fruit1
- Dine at restaurants with a reputation for hygiene (food safety),
- and avoid foods and beverages from street vendors3
Ask your pharmacist for advice before you leave
Your pharmacist may suggest you include the following in your pharmacy kit:
- An oral rehydration solution1
- Medicine to relieve diarrhoea5
- A natural product such as SMECTA® sachets or SMECTA-GO® to treat diarrhoea on-the-go.6,7,8
You may also be advised to consult with your doctor before you go.
If you do get travellers’ diarrhoea, start treatment immediately:
- Keep well-hydrated3
- Start antidiarrhoeal medicine3
- Change your eating habits – take small, frequent meals9
When to see a doctor if you have:10
- severe diarrhoea that lasts longer than 48 hours
- severe stomach pain
- bloody or slimy stools
- become dehydrated.
This post and content is sponsored, written and provided by Smecta & Acino.
References:
- Fernandes HVJ, Houle SKD, Johal A, et al. Travelers’ diarrhea: Clinical practice guidelines for pharmacists. Can Pharm J (Ott). 2019;152(4):241-250. doi: 10.1177/1715163519853308.
- Brown V, Cutcliffe N, Das S et al. Practical Management of Travellers’ Diarrhea: Rethinking Prevention and Treatment Options. Available at: https://dxlink.ca/CJDX/2017/Nov-Dec/Travellers_Diarrhea.html [Cited September 2023].
- Gotfried J. Traveler’s Diarrrhea (Turista). [online] Merck Manual Professional Version [updated June 2023, cited September 2023]. Available at: https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastroenteritis/traveler’s-diarrhea.
- Connor B. Travelers’ Diarrhea. CDC Yellow Book 2024 [online]. Centers for Disease Control [updated 1 May 2023; cited September 2023]. Available from: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/preparing/travelers-diarrhea.
- The Manual’s Editorial Staff. Traveler’s Diarrhea. [online] Merck Manual Consumer Version [updated January 2023; cited September 2023]. Available at: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/gastroenteritis/travelers-diarrhea.
- SMECTA® STRAWBERRY professional information, 24 August 2021.
- SMECTA® ORANGE-VANILLA professional information, 21 September 2021.
- SMECTAGO® professional information 24 August 2021.
- Khediri F, Mrad AI, Azzouz M, et al. Efficacy of diosmectite (smecta) in the treatment of acute watery diarrhoea in adults: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2011;2011:783196. doi: 10.1155/2011/783196.
- InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Traveler’s diarrhea. 2016 May 4 [updated 2019 Dec 19; cited September 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK373093/.
SMECTA® STRAWBERRY 3g powder for oral suspension. Reg. No.: 51/11.10/1001. Each 3g sachet contains: Diosmectite 3,000g. For one sachet of 3,760g. Contains sugar: glucose monohydrate 0,721g. Contains sweetener: saccharin sodium 0,007g, This medicine contains propylene glycol E1520 in a total of 0,032g of flavourant. For full prescribing information, please refer to the professional information approved by the medicines regulatory authority (08/2021). SMECTA® ORANGE-VANILLA 3g powder for oral suspension. Reg. No.: 51/11.10/1002. Each 3g sachet contains: Diosmectite 3,000g. For one sachet of 3,760g. Contains sugar: glucose monohydrate 0,679g, sucrose 27mg. Contains sweetener: Saccharin sodium 0,021g. Contains 13mg ethanol per sachet. For full prescribing information, please refer to the professional information approved by the medicines regulatory authority (09/2021). SMECTAGO® 3g oral suspension. Reg. No.: 51/11.10/1000. Each 3g sachet contains: Diosmectite 3,000g. For one sachet. Excipients with a known effect: ethanol, propylene glycol. Contains sugar: 49,8mg (fructose-glucose-sucrose) per sachet. Contains sweetener: sucralose 0,0375g per sachet. This medicine contains 22,4mg propylene glycol (E1520) and 13mg ethanol in each sachet. Preservative: Potassium sorbate 0,1%. For full prescribing information, please refer to the professional information approved by the medicines regulatory authority (08/2021). Further information available on request from the holder of certificate of registration. HCR: Acino Pharma (Pty) Ltd. Reg. No.: 1994/008717/07. 106 16th Rd, Midrand.Tel. No.: 087 742 1860. www.acino.co.za. LP4924 09/2023. Exp 09/2025.
