Nothing ruins a holiday faster than becoming ill with a stomach bug. One minute you’re enjoying your beak abroad — the next, you’re stuck in your hotel room with the runs. It’s very common: up to 50 per cent of people travelling abroad will be affected by a tummy bug, according to studies.
And symptoms, such as having three or more watery bowel movements a day, stomach cramps, fever, nausea or vomiting can cause days of misery. The most common trigger is harmful bacteria from contaminated food or water. Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
These bacteria produce toxins that your intestines try to flush out, causing watery stools. Some bacteria, such as salmonella, invade your gut lining, causing inflammation, making it harder to absorb water and nutrients, resulting in diarrhoea. Whatever the cause, the symptoms will usually clear within two to three days without any need for medical attention (although if you have diarrhoea that lasts for more than a week, or have blood in your stools, then it’s best to see a doctor).
But for some, traveller’s tum becomes more than a temporary inconvenience, as it can increase the risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In fact, a review published in the journal Gastroenterology in 2017 found that 10 per cent of people who’ve had traveller’s tum go on to develop long-term iBS, with symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, and abdominal pain. It’s thoug.