By La Clínica
We at The Clinic SMA are here to look after your health and wellbeing. In addition to the
articles we have been providing from our medical and specialist wellness team, we would also like to keep you up to date with current health findings in San Miguel de Allende at the moment. This will be our Med Spotlight.
Due to very high temperatures that we are experiencing in San Miguel recently, there
are also high numbers of people with upset stomachs.
Diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and abdominal
cramps. It’s caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
Fortunately, diarrhea usually isn’t serious for most people—it’s just unpleasant. To reduce your risk of a visit from Montezuma, be careful about what you eat and drink whilst the daytime temperatures are high. If you do develop symptoms of diarrhea, chances are it will resolve without treatment. However, it’s a good idea to have doctor-approved medication in case diarrhea persists or gets severe.
When to see a doctor:
Diarrhea usually goes away on its own within several days. Signs and symptoms may last longer and be more severe if the condition is caused by certain bacteria or parasites. In such cases, you may need medical assistance to help you get better quicker.
See your doctor if:
● Your diarrhea persists beyond two days
● You become dehydrated
● You have severe abdominal or rectal pain
● You have bloody or black stools
● You have a fever above 102F (39C)
● Watch what you eat
● The general rule of thumb in these hot months is to: boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it. But, it’s still possible to get sick even if you follow these rules.
Other tips that may help decrease your risk of getting sick include:
● Don’t consume food from street vendors.
● Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products, including ice cream.
● Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, and shellfish.
● Steer clear of moist food at room temperature, such as sauces and buffet offerings.
● Eat foods that are well cooked and served hot.
● Stick to fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges and avocados. Stay away from salads and from fruits you can’t peel, such as grapes and berries.
● Be aware that alcohol in a drink won’t keep you safe from contaminated water or ice.
Here are other ways to reduce your risk of Motezumas revenge:
● Make sure dishes and utensils are clean and dry before using them.
● Wash your hands often and always before eating. If washing isn’t possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol to clean your hands before eating.
● Seek out food items that require little handling in preparation.
● Keep children from putting things—including their dirty hands—in their mouths. If possible, keep infants from crawling on dirty floors.
If you are in need of medical assistance, call The Clinic SMA at 415 152 2255 or in case of an emergency 415 109 5961.
