Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Susceptible individuals may develop nausea and vomiting when traveling by car on a
winding road, by airplane when turbulence is substantial, or by boat when the water is
rough. Symptoms may be improved by limiting the motion: moving to the front seat of a
car, the center of a ship, or over the wing of an airplane. Lying still with the eyes open can
sometimes reduce symptoms of motion sickness.
Several medications can prevent or decrease motion sickness if taken one hour or more
before the motion is encountered. Three can be purchased without a prescription. Dimen-
hydrinate (Dramamine®) is an old standby. Meclizine (Bonine® and Antivert®) or cycliz-
ine(Marezine®)aremoreeffectiveforsomeindividuals.Transdermalscopolamine(Trans-
derm Scop®), an option that requires a prescription, consists of a patch placed behind the
ear from which scopolamine is absorbed through the skin. All may cause sedation (drowsi-
ness)asasideeffect.Scopolaminemayalsocausedrymouthandblurredvisionbutisusu-
ally the most effective of these agents.
Dimenhydrinate, meclizine, and cyclizine should be taken every four to six hours as
long as a risk of motion sickness exists. The scopolamine patch lasts three days but can be
removed earlier.
Travelers taking other medications or with existing medical conditions should contact
their physicians before taking any of these medications to ensure that no drug interaction
or adverse effect on their illness is likely.
DIARRHEA
Diarrheaisthemostcommonandmostnotoriousoftravelers'illnesses.Themostcommon
cause is simply a change in food or water. Many other causes are equally benign, although
some diseases characterized by diarrhea can be life threatening.
Mild Diarrhea
Milddiarrheaconsistingonlyofsoft,unformedstoolsandonetofourbowelmovements
aday,hasmanydifferentcauses.Achangeinfood,water,orsurroundingsisthemostcom-
mon. Excitement or anxiety frequently produces such symptoms. Diseases of other organs
may be accompanied by mild diarrhea.
These disorders may last for days or even weeks. However, the diarrhea is only bother-
some, not incapacitating, and usually clears up without any therapy. Antimicrobial agents
do not help and should be avoided. Loperamide (Imodium®), 2-4 mg (1-2 tablets or cap-
sules) each morning may be helpful.
Individuals with persistent chronic diarrhea after returning from a developing country
should consult a physician. The cause of such disorders may be a parasitic infestation such
as amebiasis that can become a major illness if untreated.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search