Reflux: This condition often occurs at night when you’re lying down. It comes on when acid travels from the stomach to the esophagus and throat. It can give you chest pain, a sore throat or a bout of coughing. The solution is a prescription medicine or over-the-counter antacid like Prilosec. Avoid contributors to reflux like drinking, smoking and eating late at night.
When to Call a Doctor
Most cases of stomach distress eventually pass and are not life-threatening. But more serious digestive maladies require medical advice. This is true if your fever is 101 degrees or higher or if you have severe abdominal cramps.
If you see blood or mucus in your stool, the cause could be amebiasis or amebic dysentery. Giardiasis is a complex intestinal disorder that can go on for weeks after you have returned home. This is because the protozoa causing it have a longer incubation period than most bacteria. The symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, bloating, abdominal cramps and fatigue. If they persist longer than 48 hours, call a health care provider or gastrointestinal physician to help find ways to manage these symptoms. Cholera is characterized by severe watery diarrhea spotted with mucus. If keeping down light food or liquids is a persistent problem, you need professional intervention.
Prevention Is Key
Know what to avoid on the road, no matter where you go. Tap water and ice cubes in developing countries should be off-limits. Other culprits for tummy trouble include raw or undercooked meat, poultry and seafood, raw fruits and vegetables (including salads), and unpasteurized milk and dairy products.