Bali Belly or Travelers’ diarrhea is one of the most popular diseases suffered by tourists in Bali. It is digestive discomfort and diarrhea that affects travelers caused by consuming contaminated food or water. When the symptom is severe, the most common cause is bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Shigella or Salmonella, can also be caused by parasites or viruses.
What are the symptoms of Travelers’ diarrhea?
The main symptom is watery bowel movements that usually start about 4 to 14 days after arriving. Other symptoms can include:
- Feeling sick
- Loss of appetite
- Cramps in the lower belly
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Bloating – Feeling like the belly is full, with pain in the middle or top of the belly.
- Blood in the bowel movements
The symptoms usually lasts 1 to 5 days, but some people are sick for a week or longer.
When should I call the doctor?
Call for advice if:
- You have been sick for more than 5 days.
- You have a fever
- You have severe belly pain.
- You have bloody diarrhea.
- You cannot eat or drink anything.
- Your body has lost too much water, this is called “dehydration”.
Signs of dehydration include:
- Feeling very tired
- Thirst
- Dry mouth or tongue
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness or weakness
- Confusion
- Urine that is dark yellow, or not needing to urinate for more than 5 hours
How is travelers’ diarrhea treated?
The most important treatment is getting enough fluid. You need to drink lots of fluids with water, salt, and sugar. Soup broth and water mixed with juice are also good choices. If you are drinking enough, your urine will look light yellow or almost clear.
If you have very frequent diarrhea, you can drink an “oral rehydration solution”. You can buy this in a packet at the pharmacy, mix it with bottled or boiled water. You can not drink from the tap water in Bali.
When the symptoms are very severe, you might need Antibiotics or Anti-parasites to fight the infection and more medications to reduce the symptoms. You may also need IV fluid rehydration if your body lost so much fluid and you unable to drink and eat.
How can I prevent Bali Belly?
You can reduce your chances of getting sick by being careful about what and how you eat and drink while you travel to Bali:
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Drink bottled water instead of tap water.
- Brush your teeth with bottled water.
- Do not eat food from carts or stands in the street.
- Do not eat sauces set out on restaurant tables.
- Choose foods that are freshly cooked.
- Do not eat foods that might not have been washed properly or could be sitting for some time without proper refrigeration.
- Make sure that meat and seafood are well done and that eggs have a firm yolk.
- Wash your hands with soap or use hand sanitizer often.
If you have a serious health condition, travelers’ diarrhea could cause you to lose too much water. This can be dangerous and even cause death. If you are going on a trip, talk to your doctor or nurse ahead of time.
BIMC Hospital Kuta is reliable healthcare you can visit whenever you have a health problem. They have the best facilities. Their doctors and staff are experienced. Moreover, this hospital is known for its quick response. For more information, You can visit www.bimcbali.com/kuta, Emergency call 24 hours +62 361 761263, +62 812 386 5548 (whatsApp), Learn more about this hospital and what it can do for you. Now, you can enjoy your trip on a rainy day in Bali.
