Also known as "travellers' diarrhoea", turista is a pathology affecting more than 50% of people travelling to countries with poor health and hygiene and a hot climate. Indeed, the germ develops in hot climates, such as in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Vietnam, the Maghreb, South America, Turkey, Portugal and Spain. The disease is mainly caused by Eschérichia coli but can also be of viral origin. Generally, turista occurs during the first 5 to 8 days after arrival in the country.
How does turista manifest itself?
Initially, turista manifests itself as severe discomfort in the abdomen, which can be accompanied by nausea or even vomiting. If, in general, these symptoms are transient, sometimes they persist and last for days if the subject has a low resistance to the disease. Usually, diarrhoea is mild and temporary, the stools are watery but rarely mucous or with traces of blood, and sometimes a fever is observed.
Treating turista with homeopathy
Homeopathy is now an effective natural method to treat turista and if the diarrhea is due to food poisoning. In addition to good hydration, the recommended remedy is Arsenicum album 9 CH, a preparation that can also be taken even in cases of acute illness. If turista comes from a large consumption of sweets, the appropriate treatment is Argentum nitricum 9 CH but if it appears following excessive consumption of ice cream, it must be treated with Pulsatilla 9 CH. In the case of alcohol abuse, Nux vomica 9 CH is recommended, while Antimonium crudum 9 CH is suitable for an illness caused by overeating. In all cases, the dosage is limited to 9 granules per day, to be divided into 3 doses.
When to see a doctor?
If, despite the administration of homeopathic remedies, other symptoms appear such as a fever with a temperature exceeding 38ºC that persists, frequent and watery stools for more than 3 days, especially with blood, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Similarly, if the turista affects young children, a consultation is recommended.
