Gastroenterologist Prof. Dr. Ieva Stundienė notes that in summer the number of patients complaining of diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting increases. The reason is not only changed diet but also the heat, in which food spoils much faster.
“High air temperature creates favorable conditions for bacteria to multiply, so improperly stored or insufficiently heat-treated food becomes the main source of infections. During the warm season, we more often encounter salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis – infections manifested by diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever,” the professor explains.
Campylobacteriosis sometimes manifests with very severe abdominal pain, similar to appendicitis, or blood in the stool. Salmonellosis is usually contracted by eating raw or insufficiently heat-treated eggs, poultry, meat, unpasteurized dairy products, or improperly stored dishes. It is important that contaminated food does not necessarily look spoiled – symptoms usually appear only after a few days.
According to the doctor, the risk of illness increases when picnicking outdoors or attending outdoor events, where ensuring safe product storage and hygiene is more difficult. Infection is most often contracted by tasting undercooked poultry or other meat, as well as eating products that have stood in the heat, such as salads or cream desserts.
Infection is most often contracted by tasting undercooked poultry or other meat, as well as eating products that have stood in the heat, such as salads or cream desserts.
Another threat to the digestive system is unsafe water from untreated wells or open bodies of water. The professor warns that accidentally swallowing lake or river water while swimming carries the risk of intestinal bacterial infection.
Holidays abroad: what poses the greatest risk?
Although symptoms experienced while traveling abroad – abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting – are no different from those experienced in Lithuania, they can be triggered by pathogens unfamiliar to our body. According to Prof. Dr. I. Stundienė, abroad one more often encounters different strains of bacteria, such as certain Escherichia coli. Therefore, in some cases, the infection may manifest with more pronounced symptoms.
In foreign countries, the source of infection can be unsafe water, ice cubes used in drinks, poorly washed salads, or pre-cut fruits. Moreover, in hot climates, due to heavy sweating, the body loses fluids faster, and dehydration can further worsen the body’s condition, so it is necessary to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water.
“If ailments last longer than two weeks, one should consider not only bacterial or viral infection but also diseases caused by protozoa, such as giardiasis. It is also important to understand that travel or infection acquired during travel can reveal a previously unnoticed chronic digestive system disease, such as Crohn’s disease, which was ‘dormant’ in the body before the vacation,” the professor explains.
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Rest plans can also be affected by excessive relaxation. Prof. Dr. I. Stundienė says she encounters cases in practice where patients returning from holidays abroad are diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. This ailment often affects guests of “all-inclusive” type hotels who abuse alcohol during the trip. Heavy consumption becomes a serious challenge for the body.
Self-treatment mistakes: why popular methods can harm?
When the first symptoms of digestive disorders appear, many try to self-treat, but Prof. Dr. I. Stundienė warns that some popular methods are ineffective or even dangerous. For example, many people’s first choice, activated charcoal, is not the main tool in fighting infection – this remedy does not destroy pathogens, and taking too many tablets can disrupt the absorption of other medicines taken at the same time.
It is also recommended to avoid juices or carbonated sweet drinks, as a high sugar content can further promote diarrhea.
“A common mistake is the arbitrary use of antibiotics. If the ailment is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help but can cause harm – provoking intestinal inflammation. Also, anti-diarrheal drugs should be used cautiously. If a person has a fever, experiences severe abdominal pain, or notices blood in the stool, it is recommended not to delay and consult a doctor,” the professor points out.
The doctor also draws attention to another widespread myth – that strong alcohol can “disinfect” the digestive tract. In fact, it does not destroy pathogens but only additionally irritates the digestive system and can further worsen the existing situation.
The doctor also draws attention to another widespread myth – that strong alcohol can “disinfect” the digestive tract.
To truly help the body when ill, the most important task is to maintain fluid and mineral balance. It is recommended to use special rehydration solutions. This is one of the main measures that helps the body recover faster.
Although most intestinal infections pass on their own within a few days, the professor warns not to ignore certain body signals. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist if there is fever, blood in the stool, or very severe abdominal pain. One should also see a specialist if symptoms persist for more than two weeks – this may indicate protozoan infections or previously unnoticed digestive system diseases.
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