froginmythroat (FIMT)

The most likely medical condition you will get whilst travelling in SE Asia is diarrhoea. Here are some tips from my doctor:

Diarrhoea (or diarrhoea & vomiting)

This is usually caused by a Bacteria, Bacterial toxin or Virus.
It will usually settle without Medicine over 3-7 days.
If symptoms progressively worsen,blood in bowel movements appears,or you feel faint on standing,or stop passing urine,you should consult a doctor again.

Loperamide may help relieve symptoms.

1) The mainstay of management however is rest, food and fluid management

2) Day one, no solids; water should be sipped throughout the day, small volumes frequently; an adult can aim for 2-3 litres over 24H; for children cooling the water may help and adding the flavour of their favourite drink, diluted down, mostly water;

3) As tummy pain settles and bowel movements firm a little (day 2-3) solids may be reintroduced…..Boring,white,carbohydrates such as white toast, white rice, boiled spuds, avoid veges,fruits,wholemeal or high roughage foods

4) Eat little snacks frequently rather than big meals. Keep up water intake.

5) Gradually return to old diet.

Good luck!!…….Phone back for telephone advice from nurse or doctor if worried.

Medicines to use for tropical diseases

Bactroban (for cuts and abrasions) – apply 1X daily to infected skin

Imodium (for diarrhoea symptoms, useful if on the road or in a bus. Will prevent the need to constantly go to the toilet.) – take 2 capsules immediately for diarrhoea, then take 1 capsule for every loose bowel motion. Max 8/day.

Amoxycillin (for severe throat, chest, & skin infections) – take 1 capsule 3 times daily

Buccastem (anti nausea/vomit pills) – take 1 tabled place tablet high along top gum for nausea and vomiting.

Random tips

Seek medical advice for fevers
Dental checkup
Vaccines
Travel insurance including medical evacuation
Medical kit
Avoid mozzies and biting insects – use repellants with DEET and treated mozzie net over bed
Sunscreen
Wash hands before eating and after toilet
Safe sex, always use condoms
Accidents greatest killer (think helmets, seatbelt, local rules)
Beware of biting animals – get rabies vaccine.

For more info see http://travelclinic.com.au/