Holiday Stomach , is it an IBS flare up ? - IBS Network

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Holiday Stomach , is it an IBS flare up ?

Will1234 profile image
7 Replies

currently I am 3weeks into a 5 week holiday in Tenerife. Not sure if I have a bug or an IBS flare up.

On last Saturday night I had 3 episodes of diarrhea . Next day felt nauseous with gurgling tum . After taking Imodium , felt fine on Monday and during Tuesday but on Tuesday evening another sudden attack of D and all day today ( Wednesday) again no poo problems but again horrible nausea and gurgling tum. The sickly feeling is horrible and although no other symptoms just feel rotten.

I am wondering if there is a gastrointestinal bug going around in this area but as we are in rented apartment I just don’t know .

Is there anyone with any good advice , maybe experienced something similar, or perhaps even recognise these symptoms as perhaps holiday diarrhea.

Just grabbing at straws really

Will1234

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Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22

I don't know as I've never had holiday diarrhoea as I never go on holiday!

But holidays can result in....eating unusual foods and eating in places where their reputation could be anywhere from 0, getting the gut with tap water when brushing teeth or even in the shower, salads washed in tap water, tiredness, stress, crowds at airports, close contact with random people on a plane, in-flight food, the hygiene standards of the people who run whatever rental apartment or hotel, even face towels that haven't been put through a hot wash....etc.

Yes, I sound like a real "holiday downer person". You can't take me anywhere! lol

Mostly (unless a tummy bug is or gets very serious) an IBS flare up, mild food reaction, or even a mild bug can be treated exactly the same way. Bottled water, preferably something with electrolytes, sipped frequently until the tummy starts to calm a bit.

Electrolyte drinks can be full of things that aren't friendly to IBS. Some are pure, but many aren't. But a bottled mineral water should contain all the electrolytes needed. You can even add a pinch of salt or some plain sugar or honey to the water for a bit of energy sustenance while fasting.

If that starts to help in 24 hours, then try plain boiled white rice with a sprinkle of salt. See how that goes. If there's appetite and hunger, transition to plain grilled or simmered chicken breast or fish with the rice. Keep that boring thing going until there's improvement, and then go onto a very light diet gradually returning bit by bit to what you could eat before.

That might help. But I'd say if it doesn't get better, or if it gets worse, get some help either from a doctor or at least a pharmacist, then see the GP when you get home. I hope you start to feel better and get to enjoy some of your holiday.

Will1234 profile image
Will1234 in reply toLuisa22

Thanks for your reply . I thought I had replied but cannot see that . Anyway perhaps I pressed wrong button . Thanks again

Will1234

xjrs profile image
xjrs

I used to get diarrheoa on holiday due to eating things that I wouldn't normally eat. It can either be that, a bug or a flare.

You can try just eating white Jasmine rice for a day or two, then possibly add in some lean protein, beyond that some easily digested veg such as cooked carrots. The rice and later, lean protein will be digested in the small intestine with no residue for the colon. Loperamide (Imodium) will also help. Can you get your hands on any probiotics or do you have some with you? Alflorex has worked best for me and has a strain which is good at kicking bad bugs into touch. I've just done a google search and you can get them in Tenerife:

farmaciaentenerife.es/fitot...

Will1234 profile image
Will1234 in reply toxjrs

Thank you for your reply and research into probiotics etc. Feeling a lot better today so thanks again .

calista profile image
calista

Oh dear .Brandy and port ?

Will1234 profile image
Will1234 in reply tocalista

Hi Calista ,

Thanks for reply, not posted for a long time .

Yes not good , however , all a bit better today following toast ,rice and banana for dinner last night -ugh!!

Hope all well with you

Thanks will1234

Edgar77 profile image
Edgar77

I HATE holidays but for my husband sake I go somewhere in this country (no flying) I used to like flying . I always get ill on holiday. Despite going self catering and sticking to the same routine and foods as much as possible. I still get ill. I do Not travel well.

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