Travel Stomach Problems

When people travel, they are more likely to behave differently than they would at home. Whether this is by paying less attention to personal hygiene or eating foods they normally wouldn't, the introduction of new substances to the body can lead to stomach problems while traveling. Most of these conditions are not severe and can be resolved either by a change in behavior or medication.

Food Poisoning

• Food poisoning causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some forms of food poisoning may give the patient cold or flu-like symptoms. Travelers become susceptible to food poisoning because of behavioral changes while traveling, such as eating or drinking different things than they would at home. Food poisoning is typically a result of bacteria present in the food. People with food poisoning should get plenty of liquids to rehydrate the body and restore lost electrolytes.

Diarrhea

• Sometimes called 'Delhi Belly,' about 20 to 50 percent of international travelers come down with diarrhea while traveling. It is characterized by sudden onset of loose stool, sometimes accompanied by abdominal cramps or vomiting. Traveler's diarrhea is usually caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. The majority of cases go away within one week and do not require medical attention.

Dysentary

• Dysentary is an advanced case of diarrhea where the patient is also passing blood and mucus. Additional symptoms include abdominal cramping, fever and vomiting. The condition is caused by bacteria and is highly contagious, passed from person to person by hand-to-mouth transfer. Overcrowded areas are particularly prone to dysentery, so travelers who visit Third World countries are often exposed to the disease. Frequent hand washing can reduce the risk of contracting dysentery.

Constipation

• Symptoms of constipation include an inability to pass fecal matter or an increased strain while attempting to do so. Stools may be dry, exceptionally hard or lumpy. The condition can be caused by a change in routine, lack of fiber or insufficient fluids. Travelers often experience constipation because of these factors. Constipation can be controlled by increasing your fiber intake, exercising more and drinking plenty of water. Sometimes a laxative can be taken to help you have bowel movements.

Hookworm

• Hookworms are less than an inch long and invade the small intestine and lungs. They are generally found in the tropics and subtropics, in areas where waste control and sanitation are not carefully controlled. People who travel to these areas may become one of the over one billion who are affected by hookworm around the world. An infected person may not display any symptoms, or they may have an itchy rash, diarrhea, fatigue and abdominal cramping. Medication and an increase of protein in the diet should treat the disease.