Bali Belly: Traveller’s Diarrhea — Bali belly is another term used to describe traveller’s diarrhoea while on holiday in Bali for the first time. Bali belly or traveller’s diarrhoea can often be picked up in the first week of travel, where their body is exposed to new and unfamiliar bacteria and viruses.
Bali Belly is one of the main complaints that bring people through BIMC Ubud Medical Centre’s emergency room to seek medical attention.
The main cause of this infection is mainly food and water that has been contaminated by Escherichia coli, or bacteria that is often a cause of traveller’s diarrhoea and normally found in one’s intestine. Although, traveller’s diarrhoea can also be caused by the stress of traveling, a different diet, or other factors.
Travellers can minimize their risk for Bali belly by practicing the following effective preventive measures while they are on holiday in Bali:
- Do not drink untreated water or drinks with ice cubes
- Avoid street foods and beverages
- Eat only cooked foods that still hot
- Eat fruits and vegetables that you peel yourself.
- Never eat raw or partially cooked fish or shellfish
- Do not swallow the tap water.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water
Routine antimicrobial prophylaxis increases the traveller’s risk for adverse reactions and for infections with resistant organisms. Because antimicrobials can increase a traveller’s susceptibility to resistant bacterial pathogens and provide no protection against either viral or parasitic pathogens, they can give travellers a false sense of security.
Bali Belly is often resolves without specific treatment, in fact 90% of cases resolve within one week. The main complication is dehydration, which could develop to other serious conditions.
You can seek professional medical help
if you are unwell while abroad. If you are still experiencing symptoms after a few days, consider booking an appointment to see a medical professional at BIMC Ubud Medical Centre at admin.ubud@bimcbali.com.
