Nutrition: Preventing Traveler's Diarrhea

Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of traveler's diarrhea (TD)?

Consuming food or water contaminated with pathogens.

What percentage of TD cases are caused by protozoa such as Giardia?

About 10%

In which countries are travelers least likely to develop TD?

The United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and countries in Northern and Western Europe.

What is the typical duration of TD without treatment?

3 to 7 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the use of untreated human feces as fertilizer?

No specific term is mentioned in the content. Signup and view all the answers

Why are high-risk areas more prone to TD?

High-density populations, widespread pollution, and inadequate water treatment systems. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of travelers to international places are likely to develop TD?

Thirty to seventy percent Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe TD in Egyptian and Aztec cultures?

Tut's Tummy and Montezuma's Revenge Signup and view all the answers

What geographic regions are most likely to pose a high risk of traveler's diarrhea (TD)?

Mexico and other Central American countries, most of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended concentration of alcohol in hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of TD?

At least 60% Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken when consuming fruit in high-risk areas for TD?

Peel the fruit first Signup and view all the answers

How long should water be boiled to kill most pathogens that may cause TD?

1 minute Signup and view all the answers

What alternative method can be used to sanitize water when boiling is not practical?

Chemical disinfection with chlorine or iodine Signup and view all the answers

What are the common side effects of BSS?

Nausea, constipation, and blackening of the tongue and bowel movements Signup and view all the answers

What type of filter can remove viruses from drinking water?

Reverse osmosis filter Signup and view all the answers

Why are antibiotics prescribed for travelers before they leave the United States?

To treat TD caused by pathogenic bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after handling used filters to reduce the risk of TD?

Wash hands with sanitized water Signup and view all the answers

How do antimotility agents help in treating TD?

By slowing the muscular activity of the digestive tract, providing relief from diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

What medication can be taken to reduce the risk of TD?

Medications containing bismuth subsalicylate (BSS), such as Pepto-Bismol Signup and view all the answers

What is the most reliable way to sanitize water?

Boiling Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before eating meat or high-risk foods in areas prone to TD?

Make sure they are fully cooked and served hot Signup and view all the answers

How can travelers prevent dehydration when suffering from TD?

By replacing fluids and electrolytes lost by vomiting and diarrhea, using only beverages in sealed containers Signup and view all the answers

Why should swimming in chlorinated pools be done with caution?

Some pathogens are resistant to chlorine Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to seek medical treatment for severe fluid loss due to TD?

To prevent serious complications of dehydration Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Traveler's Diarrhea (TD)

TD results from consuming food or water contaminated with pathogens, causing abrupt onset of abdominal cramps and loose or watery bowel movements.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, intestinal bloating, and fever, typically lasting 3-7 days without treatment.
Bacterial pathogens are responsible for 80-90% of TD cases, while protozoa like Giardia account for about 10%.

High-Risk Areas

Countries with high-density populations, widespread pollution, and inadequate water treatment systems are high-risk areas for TD.
Examples of high-risk areas include Mexico, Central America, most of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.

Reducing the Risk of TD

Follow food and beverage selection instructions from the CDC.
Avoid contact with contaminated waterways.
Sanitize drinking water using boiling, chemical disinfection, or filtering.
Use medications that may prevent TD, such as bismuth subsalicylate (BSS).

Safe Foods and Beverages

Bottled and sealed beverages, including beer and wine, are generally safe.
Tea and coffee made with boiled water are safe.
Avoid raw foods washed in water, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Avoid eating fresh fruit without peeling it first.
Avoid drinking fresh fluid milk or milk products that have not been pasteurized.

Sanitizing Water

Boiling is the most reliable method to kill pathogens, requiring 1 minute of boiling time.
Chemical disinfection with chlorine or iodine is an alternative method.
Filtering water using microstrainer filters or reverse osmosis filters can remove bacteria and viruses.

Preventive Medications

Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) can reduce the risk of TD, but has side effects and is not recommended for children under 12 or people with certain chronic conditions.

Treating TD

Antibiotics are the primary method of treating TD, often prescribed by physicians for travelers.
Antimotility agents, such as loperamide, can provide relief from diarrhea when used in combination with antibiotics.
Dehydration can be a serious complication of TD, requiring replacement of fluids and electrolytes with sealed beverages.

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Description

Learn how to avoid traveler's diarrhea, a common issue when traveling abroad. Identify high-risk countries and take precautions to protect your digestive system.