Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can be caused by being unaccustomed to other food, to other weather and to a different rhythm of life. Other causes of diarrhoea are contaminated drinking water, perished food or infections.

Some guidelines for tourists who visit Brazil:

• Avoid food from beach or street vendors except for closed bottles and closed cans. Food and drinks in formal restaurants are generally inexpensive, excellent and safe.
• If you are renting an apartment, do not store perishable foods (as the climate is hot it will perish very rapidly).
• Bring antimotility agents like loperamide or imodium. Read the instructions before use! These drugs are especially useful if you have to travel in bus or airplane. Be carefull as they may lead to constipation while they do not remove the source of the diarrhoea. Do not use these drugs when pregnant, in case of fever or if the stool is bloody.
• In case of diarrhoea: drink a lot of mineral water without gas in order to avoid that you dry out. Do not drink coffee or alcohol as it makes you dry out faster.
• You can also avoid and cure dehydration with ORS (Oral Rehydration Salt). This is a mix of sugars and salt that has to be dissolved in mineral water before consumption. In most countries, it can be bought without prescription.
• In case of diarrhoea: only eat when hungry. Avoid ‘heavy’ food like fat or beans and eat only easily digestible food. Some prefer to eat bananas as these contain a lot of fibres which relaxes the intestines.
• Contact a doctor if diarrhoea continues, in case of a bloody stool or in case of fever. You must also contact a doctor if you have diarrhoea while you are pregnant.