Montezuma's revenge, or travellers' diarrhoea, is a disease that can spoil any trip. How do you protect yourself from it?
Montezuma's Revenge, or travellers' diarrhoea, mainly affects travellers to Asia, Africa or Latin America. The cause of the disease is a different bacterial flora, which does not exist on the European continent. Consequently, the organisms of European residents are unfamiliar with these microorganisms, resulting in diarrhoea once the microorganisms enter the digestive system.
The symptoms, which last about five days, are mainly severe diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal pain. Remember to start taking probiotics, available over-the-counter at any pharmacy, before the trip. Maintaining an adequate intestinal microflora allows us to fight more effectively against microorganisms that could harm us. In addition, it is a good idea to take a pack of anti-diarrhoeal medication and electrolytes with you. As a prophylactic measure, do not drink tap water, add ice cubes to drinks, do not eat raw vegetables and fruit (unless you scald the peel), and avoid local lemonade made with tap water. Use bottled water to quench your thirst - this increases your chances of not getting Montezuma's revenge.
What if we get sick? Above all, stick to an easily digestible diet, drink plenty of bottled water and replenish electrolytes with special preparations. Bothersome symptoms pass after about 2-5 days of being ill.