Traveler diarrhea causing the plane to return? Double holidays approaching, medical experts remind citizens to prevent this disease during their travels
Recently, a passenger on a flight of a certain American airline suddenly experienced severe diarrhea during the flight and was forced to cancel the trip. Many travel enthusiasts and business travelers have a deep understanding of this: going out will always encounter diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and so on. This is known as "traveler diarrhea" in the medical field, and the Mid Autumn Festival and National Day are approaching. How to avoid awkwardness during travel? Experts conduct scientific popularization on this matter.
What is "Traveler Diarrhea"? Dr. Xu Min, Chief Physician of the Gastroenterology Department of Yaoying Medical, introduced that if there are 3 or more unformed stools per day during or after travel, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, or vomiting, it is necessary to be vigilant.
The pathogens that cause "traveler diarrhea" can be divided into two categories: non-invasive and invasive, both of which are essentially dysbiosis of the microbial community. Data shows that nearly 80% of soil and water intolerance is caused by enteropathogenic bacteria, mainly toxic Escherichia coli, Shigella, Campylobacter jejuni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, and non cholera Vibrio. The most common one is toxic Escherichia coli, which accounts for over 60% of diarrhea cases; In rare cases, Vibrio cholerae, some viruses, and parasites can also become pathogenic pathogens.
What groups of people are more susceptible to "traveler diarrhea"? Experts explained that first of all, patients with inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and other basic diseases, as well as those taking PPI or antacids. Elderly people, children, and those with weak gastrointestinal function are prone to illness when they first arrive in a foreign land due to their lack of adaptation to the local environment, climate, or diet. In addition, young people who are too greedy for food and consume too much in their bodies may also get sick.
Fortunately, "traveler's diarrhea" can heal on its own. As long as a light and clean diet is maintained for 1-5 days, most people can recover their health. Experts suggest that once the frequency of bowel movements increases, timely oral rehydration salts can be considered to prevent electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. If severe dehydration or shock occurs, timely intravenous infusion treatment should be sought at the hospital. Diarrhea caused by bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics; Intestinal probiotic therapy can also help restore the ecological balance of normal gut microbiota and alleviate symptoms.
However, if the diarrhea lasts for a long time, accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal distension, increased bowel ringing, abdominal cramps caused by intestinal spasms, or fever and fatigue, one should be vigilant and seek medical attention promptly.
Experts finally list health and disease prevention reminders for double holiday travel——
1. Eat fresh and cooked food, try not to eat too much raw and cold food, and avoid eating unclean food. Local unique food types should be tasted according to one's own situation.
2. Polluted water sources are an important mode of transmission for pathogens such as cholera and rotavirus. Boiling and disinfecting water before drinking is the safest option. No need to wash with untreated river, lake, or well water directly.
3. Wash hands before and after meals, and use quick drying hand disinfectants if necessary.
4. The World Health Organization recommends the RBS/WC vaccine to prevent cholera and travelers' diarrhea caused by toxic Escherichia coli, and recommends vaccination at least two weeks before travel.
5. Prepare corresponding medications to prevent potential risks.
