Holiday Health OTC - Traveller’s Diarrhoea

Question 1

What are the main features of traveller’s diarrhoea?

Answer 1

Commonly spread through food and water.
Gets better in 3-5 days. Most mild and don’t need tx.
Check if travelling from high areas on travel health pro.

Tx: Hydration, ORS, loperamide?

Question 2

What red flag symptoms of Travellers diarrhoea?

Answer 2

Can’t continue normal ADL and have had > 6 episodes in 24 hrs.
Melaena
Persistent vomiting, fevered or severe ab pain.
Symptoms of dehydration - reduced skin turgor, depressed fontanelle, dry nappies, confusion and change in cognitive function.
Elderly and infants (high risk)

Question 3

What are the tx options of travellers diarrhoea? (3)

Answer 3

Hydration
Oral rehydration sachets
Loperamide

Question 4

How can px prevent traveller’s diarrhoea?

Answer 4

Bottled water
Freshly cooked hot food
Peel raw fruit
Hand hygiene (gels/wipes)

Question 5

What foods should be avoided to reduce the risk of Traveller’s diarrhoea?

Answer 5

Ice cream
Ice in drinks
Salads
Shellfish
Unpasteurised dairy
Uncovered food