Published on : 15 May 20203 min reading time

When you travel, you often have to change your diet. However, this can lead to all kinds of gastrointestinal problems, such as the famous “tourista or turista”. Turista, also known as traveller’s diarrhea, can easily spoil your trip. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to prevent or treat it, if necessary.

Tourista: What is it really about?

Turista is a well-known ailment among travellers. It usually results in frequent bowel movements combined with nausea, fever and vomiting. Sometimes it is also accompanied by abdominal pain. It can be caused by germs in food. Travellers’ diarrhea can also be caused by food intolerance. You can also get it when you are confronted with situations that cause a lot of stress. All of these factors can lead to increased stool volume and frequency. Fortunately, several precautions and treatments can prevent and treat Tourista.

Turista: how to prevent it?

When you travel, especially in developing countries, you should take a few hygienic measures. These few precautions can help you prevent turista and stay healthy throughout your stay. For example, never forget to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating. You can also use a hydro-alcoholic solution. Avoid eating too much raw food as cooking helps to kill germs. If you must eat fruits and vegetables, always remember to peel them. And no matter where you travel, always stay hydrated regularly. However, always use encapsulated water if you don’t have a water disinfectant treatment and never order ice cubes.

How do you treat Tourista?

As everyone can, at one time or another during their trip, catch the tourista, it is always better to take some medicine to cure it. You may want to include an antidiarrheal medication in your first aid kit. You may want to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you travel. These professionals can advise you on the best treatments for this ailment. In addition to taking medication, stay well hydrated and always maintain a normal diet when you have travellers’ diarrhea.  Avoid dieting or fasting, as this can be even more harmful to your body. Tourista usually heals spontaneously in 3 to 5 days. This should not prevent you from taking the necessary treatment to cure it. With immediate treatment, you will be able to recover more quickly. If the diarrhoea is accompanied by a very high fever, you should contact a doctor, who can prescribe a more suitable treatment.