Key Takeaways:
- Bali belly, also known as traveller’s diarrhoea, is a common illness affecting tourists in Bali, Indonesia
- The illness is mainly caused by bacteria or viruses, with E. coli being a common bacterial cause
- Maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding contaminated food and water, and being cautious with leftovers and iced drinks can help prevent Bali belly
- Symptoms include diarrhoea, cramps, bloating, nausea, and vomiting, and can be treated with anti-diarrhoea medication and hydration
- It’s essential to visit a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, and to take preventative measures such as getting enough rest and supplementing nutritional gaps with vitamins
Introduction to Bali Belly
Bali, Indonesia, is a popular tourist destination known for its warm weather, affordable resorts, and vibrant culture. However, many tourists who visit the island often experience a common illness known as "Bali belly," which can put a damper on their holiday. With over 1.5 million Australians visiting Bali annually, it’s essential to understand what Bali belly is, its causes, and how to prevent and treat it. According to experts, maintaining personal hygiene while travelling is crucial in avoiding getting sick.
What is Bali Belly?
Bali belly is an informal phrase for traveller’s diarrhoea, which is mainly caused by bacteria or viruses. Debby Sartika Mahardhika, a doctor from Sanur Medical Clinic in Bali, explains that E. coli is one of the most common bacterial causes of traveller’s diarrhoea. Symptoms of Bali belly vary between patients and can include diarrhoea, cramps, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Other colloquial names for traveller’s diarrhoea include "Delhi belly" and the "Rangoon runs," used by tourists to Myanmar and surrounding areas.
Causes of Bali Belly
Dr. Mahardhika states that eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water is one of the main causes of Bali belly. She advises tourists to choose freshly cooked food from restaurants and avoid food that’s been sitting out on display or in the streets. Additionally, she notes that Indonesia’s warmer weather and humidity can cause bacteria to grow quickly, making it essential to be cautious with leftovers and iced drinks. Australian tourists often forget that tap water in Bali is not safe to drink, and Dr. Mahardhika recommends sticking to bottled water and using it even when brushing and rinsing teeth.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent Bali belly, it’s crucial to maintain personal hygiene, wash hands before meals and after using the toilet, and avoid accidentally swallowing contaminated water while swimming or rafting. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to visit a doctor. Dr. Mahardhika recommends taking anti-diarrhoea medication and staying hydrated to prevent dehydration. She also advises avoiding foods that can cause an upset stomach, such as spicy foods, and consuming probiotics to help fight bad bacteria in the gut.
Recovery and Considerations
If recovering from Bali belly, Dr. Mahardhika recommends avoiding foods that can cause an upset stomach and consuming probiotics to help fight bad bacteria in the gut. She also notes that traveller’s diarrhoea can occur when visiting any new place, not just developing countries. When travelling, it’s essential to get enough rest and potentially supplement nutritional gaps with vitamins to keep the immune system strong. Bringing a supply of basic medications to treat digestive issues can also be beneficial.
Conclusion
Bali belly is a common illness that can affect tourists in Bali, but by understanding its causes and taking preventative measures, tourists can minimize their risk of getting sick. Maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding contaminated food and water, and being cautious with leftovers and iced drinks are essential in preventing Bali belly. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to visit a doctor and take anti-diarrhoea medication and stay hydrated. By taking these precautions, tourists can enjoy their holiday in Bali without the hassle of Bali belly.