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How serious is Bali Belly?

Bali Belly can clear up within a matter of days, however, more serious cases can require hospitalisation if you become severely dehydrated.



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Bali Belly is one of Bali's least popular attractions, but unfortunately it is all too common among visitors to the island. Bali Belly is just another expression for food poisoning (or stomach flu/gastroenteritis medically speaking).

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On average, 30% to 50% of tourists are affected by 'Bali belly' during their vacations. 'Delhi belly', 'Montezuma's revenge', and 'Traveller's diarrhoea' are just some of the other names for similar cases.

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Stick to a bland diet: Avoid food with spices and oil, dairy products, and alcohol, as well as limit both vegetable and fruit intake. Better grab some easily digested foods like soups and stews, potatoes, rice or bananas.

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Most cases of Bali Belly typically occur within the first week of visiting the island and can often last for a couple of days as your stomach adjusts to the foreign bacteria in the food and water.

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It's your body's reaction to unfamiliar pathogens often found in local food and water, resulting from different hygiene standards than many visitors are used to. Most times, bacteria such as E. Coli cause Bali Belly but viruses or protozoans present in untreated water can also trigger this condition.

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Avoid pre-chopped or packaged fruits that may have been sitting out for too long. Too much spicy food can make your stomach upset and make you more likely to get sick from food. Be cautious of dishes labeled as “extra spicy” or “very hot.”

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While it isn't particularly common, tourists can get Bali belly twice. This is because many different bacteria and viruses are known to cause the ailment, and contracting it once will not make you immune to all of them.

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Bali Belly can leave patients extremely dehydrated. An IV helps quickly replenish not only fluids, but essential electrolytes and sugar.

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Call a doctor if you have diarrhea that is severe, lasts more than a few days or is bloody. If you are traveling, call an embassy or consulate for help locating a doctor. Other signs that you should seek medical attention include: A fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher.

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Taking probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your gut health, can help prevent Bali belly. They can be found in supplement form or in certain foods such as yogurt. Taking probiotics can help prevent and treat Bali belly by restoring the balance of good bacteria in your gut.

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It can occur anywhere, but the highest-risk destinations are in Asia (except for Japan and South Korea) as well as the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America. In otherwise healthy adults, diarrhea is rarely serious or life-threatening, but it can make a trip very unpleasant.

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