Response to Occasional Attacks diarrhea or constipation is never fun, but The worst time to have digestive problems is when traveling.
“Traveller’s diarrhea is a clear example,” says gastroenterologist Dr. Eamonn Quigley From Houston Methodist Hospital. “It’s a common belief that stomach problems limited to travel to certain parts of the world with a higher risk of gastroenteritis, But that’s not always the case.”
This is of course something you should know take steps to prevent itDr Quigley Point out that diarrhea can occur anywhere during travel, but it doesn’t Must be related to infection.
“Most people don’t realize that constipation is actually Most Common Gastrointestinal Symptoms during travelDr. Quigley said. ” The number one cause of occasional constipation is travel.
These aren’t the only two GI problems that come up.this is possible you find it more likely heartburn while out and about Home. Flying can leave you feeling bloated and gassy.maybe everyone Familiar with the nausea that sometimes comes with travel By car, boat or roller coaster.
The digestive system seems to be particularly sensitive to travel and your activities related. but why?What steps can you take to ensure your bowel movement remains normal, stomach remains normal Calm on the go?
10 Causes of Stomach Bugs When Traveling
“Several things can cause digestive problems when you fly, Dr. Quigley said: “Especially those who are prone to constipation, diarrhea, These may be more likely to trigger other gastrointestinal problems factor”.
Importantly, these factors are also additive, which means that They can stack one of these together and make the problem worse.
Causes of stomach bugs while traveling include:
1. Diet changes
Our eating and eating habits often become different than usual We travel.Being away from home, we have less control over our diet and schedule to eat.We can treat ourselves to some snacks and desserts more often while on vacation.
“Maybe we’re eating less vegetables Thus less fiber is obtained, can cause constipation,” Dr. Quigley said. “Or sometimes we try the kitchen Brand new and inadvertently ate something we couldn’t stand Diarrhea or indigestion occurs.
Try to avoid overeating and maintain a balanced diet Avoiding these destinations goes a long way.But it’s not always completely The reality of being on the road, especially when you’re trying to enjoy yourself holiday.What Dr. Quigley recommends you know about over-the-counter medicines If we have digestive problems, we can take it for free.
- Antidiarrheal (loperamide, bismuth subsalicylate) May help reduce frequency of loose, watery stools
- oral laxatives and stool softeners (polyethylene glycol, docusate sodium) can help relieve constipation
- Antacids can help relieve heartburn, indigestion and upset stomach
Be sure to take these medicines according to the package directions.
2. pressure
he pressure Traveling Soon After Leaving Home: Because of Anxiety Long walks through airports can lead to missed flights There are many people, and sometimes you need to go to the toilet in crowded places Sit inches away from you.
“Stress can affect bowel function, Can go in either direction: “Constipation or diarrhea. All you have to do is think about it,” Dr. Quigley said. That important test you took at college is a reminder of how stress can affect you Make bowel movements more frequent or looser.but the pressure In other cases, it can also cause incomplete bowel movements. “
Back to that cramped shared bathroom on a plane: The resulting stress is avoidable a person has a complete bowel movement, which helps constipate.Also, when constipated, people tend to focus The condition can increase stress and make constipation worse, notes Dr. Quigley.
Then again, there’s not much you can do – travel can be stressful at times. But the same advice above applies: if you have diarrhea or constipation When Traveling, the Right Over-the-Counter Medicines Can Help to ease it.
3. Dehydration
Dehydration is a risk factor for constipation, but drink enough water Drinking water while traveling can also be tricky.
On long trips, going to the bathroom can take a long time or difficulty getting used to certain places, leading to drinking less water in some places Purpose.Also, water is not always available when traveling, or Well, the water source may not be safe.
Dr. Quigley emphasized The importance of having a hydration plan when traveling, already Either bring a bottle of water that you can fill yourself, or know where to buy it Sealed water is safe.
4. Drinking alcohol
“We must rehydrate with water, not with alcoholDr. Quigley added. “Whether it is Drink it with lunch before a flight or during sightseeing, you should know Alcohol has no moisturizing effect. “
In fact, alcohol dehydratesand remember that dehydration is a risk factor For constipation.
5. Air pressure changes
“Airplanes have pressurized cabins, but they’re not fully pressurized,” Experts at Houston Methodist Hospital warned. “bigger The difference between atmospheric pressure and body pressure, the more air expands Stomach, which is why you start to feel bloated when flying. “
Swelling is annoying enough on its own, but if it persists, it can also Helps with constipation.
“The longer the flight, the more pronounced the problem,” said Dr. Quigley. “Studies show that crew members on long-haul flights They experienced more bowel disturbances than short-haul crews. “
Now is a good time to point out how these factors stack up against each other, Especially with certain types of travel. For example, flying often brings a triple whammy: Stress, dehydration, and pressure changes this is a recipe Constipation can occur when traveling if you are not careful, especially if you an easygoing person
“Plus that fizzy diet soda you drink before or during the flight, It just makes the swelling worse,” explains Dr. Quigley.
6. Diet before flight
The more bubbly your meals and drinks are before your flight, the more likely You will have bloating and constipation.
“Avoid foods that are more gas-producing, such as onions and Consume garlic about 24 to 48 hours before flying because your body needs It takes quite a while to fully digest them,” advises Dr. Quigley.
Carbonated soft drinks and soda are another cause of bloating..in some People can also experience indigestion while flying.but since Fluids pass through the body quickly and they are usually only a problem Drink shortly before boarding the plane.
7. Travelers’ diarrhea
traveler’s diarrhea, a gastrointestinal infection what happens when one Man getting sick from eating food or water contaminated by virus, bacteria or parasites.The main symptoms are indicated by the name, but and traveler’s diarrhea may cause abdominal crampingvomiting or even fever, when did you get infected serious enough.
“This is more common when traveling to certain parts of the world where there is a risk of infection. The incidence of gastroenteritis is high, Dr. Quigley said. “It’s something you should check before you get treatment.” travel”.
Tips for preventing traveler’s diarrhea if you travel to dangerous areas include:
- Only eat foods that are cooked and at room temperature. enough
- Avoid raw foods, especially salads
- Only drink filtered water from airtight containers
- avoid adding ice to drinks
- Travel with ciprofloxacin if you have a gastrointestinal disorder This can make you prone to diarrhea (only take if you have diarrhea) Infect)
8. The biological clock is disrupted
When travel takes you across time zones, it can affect your circadian rhythms, so Like the way the body sets and time its internal clock.
“There are diurnal variations in many physiological processes in the body, including “At night, our colon goes to sleep with the peristalsis of the colon,” Dr. Quigley explains. us. In the morning, our colon wakes up and we see a massive increase in bacteria in the colon. Activity”.
But when your body clock reads 10pm and your new body clock is actually 8am location, and confusion ensues. This may cause gastrointestinal problems.
“Changing your body clock for a few hours is no big deal, but 10-15 hours, Yes, it’s a major change that does disrupt your body rhythm,” Dr. Quigley reports. “This causes irregular movement of the colon and leads to to constipation. “
9. Forgetting your meds if you have gastrointestinal problems acquaintance
It may seem obvious, but Dr. Quigley points out that forgetting to pack Medications taken for existing problems are a very common approach Solves digestive issues on the go.
“Whether it’s an over-the-counter acid blocker for reflux or a daily oral laxative Treat constipation or take prescription colitis medication; once you give up realizing you forgot your medicine and not always being able to find a replacement It’s easy,” Dr. Quigley said.
If you travel to other countries, product trade names may vary and availability Recipes are of course not always possible.
Dr. Quigley also noted that people who are prone to constipation, especially, They should not be afraid to increase the dose your medicines.
“Especially if the person has a history of constipation and it’s getting worse. When traveling, we often advise them to take extra medication to prepare Dr. Quigley said. “People are often afraid to increase the dose Laxatives are taken for fear of creating a dependency, but they don’t have to be against doing it.
10. Not prepared for motion sickness
Motion sickness, sometimes called travel sickness, may not be an illness. what you think about often, but may be important to consider when making plans travel, especially if you don’t know how you’ll react to a particular type of travel Things that often cause motion sickness, such as cruise ships.
“It’s not really a digestive problem, but the symptoms could be Related to the digestive system, ie nausea and vomiting.sales remedies Free can help with motion sickness, but there are strategies If you are prone, prevent this by, for example, keeping your eyes on the distant horizon while prone On board,” concluded a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Hospital.
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