Bangalore: Stomach trouble, from mild indigestion to more serious dysentery, is a risk all business travellers face at some time or the other.

Even those staying at star hotels can get bacterial infections from the water they may drink during their business visits to some place or the other.

"Ideally anyone travelling to other cities, especially the smaller towns where the quality of public water supply is doubtful, should be armed with suitable medication and also stick to bottled water of reputed brands which should preferably be bought at the hotel where one is staying.

What is sold at wayside stalls may be spurious,'' cautions general physician P. Eshwar.

Water

Water may not be the only cause for stomach disorders. Green salads, peeled fruit, cold meat found on restaurant buffets and fruit juices can also get contaminated.

Most cases of diarrhoea are caused because of a germ called Escherichia coli, referred to more commonly as E coli.

These inflame the colon and cause the typical discomfort followed by loose motions. Some persons also feel stomach cramps.

Infections

"Severe infections may need a treatment with antibiotics besides medication to stop the diarrhoea and drips to replace lost fluids in the body.

Fortunately, most infections don't reach that stage. If in doubt, request the hotel to send a doctor,'' suggests Dr. Eshwar.

Mild indigestion

In most cases, it is likely to be a mild indigestion that goes away with over-the-counter medication such as antacids and those that control loose bowel movements. It may be a wise idea to have such medication as part of your travel kit, just as you may be carrying along some aspirin with you.

Medication

"Those with more serious health conditions such as hypertension or diabetes must make sure they are carrying enough stock of their prescribed medication to last the entire trip.

It may be wise to carry along your doctor's prescription as well.

Medication to control blood pressure or diabetes should be taken during the journey itself, whether on a plane or train. Keep some loose tablets in your pockets,'' he says.

While fruit juice may get contaminated, what about alcoholic beverages? "Here the risk may be from glasses or mugs not properly washed and from ice which may be added to the alcoholic drink.

Cold soda water straight from the bottle is relatively safe,'' he says.

Ointments

The travel kit should also include ointments and lotions to treat insect bites or sunburns and rashes.

Travelling keeps you at greater risk of being bitten by insects and some may cause serious allergies.

Ask your doctor to prescribe an antihistamine that will not make you too sleepy. If rashes persist or an insect bite brings about fever, do consult a doctor immediately.

For hotel buffs

While hotel buffets may come complimentary, a wise traveller would do well to stick to mild and easily digestible food and items he is familiar with.

Eat light

Any dairy food and ice cream too can carry bacteria unless you know the source. Eat light and carefully, drink bottled water and you can return from that business trip minus any infections.

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