| However frequent and annoying traveler's diarrhea is, | | | | Ideal Traveler's Medication Cabinet |
| it is a fact that it seldom is life threatening. In the | | | | In a travelers medication cabinet one takes |
| western parts of the world, it is most commonly | | | | medication for commonplace inflictions as well as |
| caused by viruses where as in tropical regions it | | | | more destination specific medications and medication |
| usually is bacterial in nature or it is caused by a | | | | for the traveler's individual medical condition. It is a |
| parasitic infection. | | | | good idea to have some written information |
| Prevention | | | | regarding the medication you carry (indications, its |
| The risks can be managed by paying close attention | | | | use and its generic name). A traveler with a chronic |
| to what is ingested (foods and drinks). Bottled water | | | | disease should always carry with him his daily dosage |
| and fizzy drinks are safe. Be sure to wash your | | | | of his medication(s). Even better to have them in the |
| hands frequently. An antibacterial prophylaxis is not | | | | hand luggage as to not risk losing the normal luggage. |
| advisable, except for those people with an extreme | | | | For some medication you will need a written |
| risk such as immune deficient patients for example or | | | | statement from your doctor, stating that these are |
| people who are only for a very short time abroad | | | | for your personal medical needs. |
| and cannot be ill at all. The choice of the antibiotic is | | | | Pain and fever Tylenol |
| the same as in the treatment. Consult your physician | | | | First Aid antiseptic fluids, bandages, etc... |
| for more info on this. | | | | Motion sickness H1 antihistaminic drug. |
| Treatment | | | | Digestive trouble Anti diarrhea medication, laxative. |
| It is of the utmost importance to avoid and treat | | | | Insects insect repellant (DEET). |
| dehydration when suffering from diarrhea. Special | | | | Other Sun block, lip balm, after sun lotion, fever |
| care must be taken of risk groups such as infants or | | | | thermometer. |
| elderly people or chronically ill people. | | | | This was part 2 of a series of 6 articles about travel |
| Self medication is an absolute no no. Don't try to | | | | and medication. The other parts being: Part 1 |
| solve the problem on your own but try to consult a | | | | Vaccinations - Part 2 Travelers diarrhea - Part 3 |
| doctor as soon as possible. There are only a few | | | | Lyme's disease - Part 4 mountain sickness and heat |
| exceptions to this rule. To be safe go and see your | | | | stroke - Part 5 Malaria - Part 6 motion sickness and |
| family doctor before you leave and he or she will | | | | jetlag. |
| give you all the advice you need. | | | | |