What is Bali Belly? Have you ever heard of this term? Bali Belly, also known as “Bali tummy,” is a term used to describe an upset stomach, diarrhea, and other digestive problems commonly experienced by travelers visiting Bali and other tropical destinations. This is usually caused by consuming contaminated food or water, or a sudden change in diet and environment.
Bali Belly can be an unpleasant experience, but it is usually not serious and can be treated with proper hydration and rest. In short, it is a disease term that could be experienced by foreign tourists when visiting Bali. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations for both Indonesians and foreigners, Bali has been named as one of the most attractive tourist attractions.
However, apart from that all, the tourists who come to Bali could also fall ill. Their illness could be triggered by many factors, and one of the diseases that is often experienced is Bali Belly. In simple words, this is a disease that attacks the digestive system, causing stomach pain in the patients experiencing it. Why did it happen? And what are the symptoms felt by tourists? Let us dive in further to discuss these matters.
What are the symptoms of Bali Belly?
Talking about Bali Belly is very common among visitors and it is indeed attacking mostly foreign tourists who come from outside Indonesia. Perhaps you are one of them who has experienced Bali Belly before, or maybe it was one of your friends. Did you notice what exactly are the symptoms of this disease?
Someone who experiences this disease is usually indicated by initial symptoms such as cramps in the stomach. After that, the next thing that will happen is that the patient will experience diarrhea and nausea. These things are symptoms of Bali Belly, and when you experience it while in Bali, you should quickly look for medicine or visit the nearest doctor to get a good medical treatment.
Why Can Someone Get Bali Belly?
When enjoying a holiday in Bali, of course, some things can cause you to get this disease. Several factors trigger it such as the food. This is the main factor that causes a person to get this disease. So if you want to visit for a holiday in Bali, it is important to pay attention to the food that you consume. You must be aware and know the source of every food that is put into your mouth.
They must be clean and not contaminated by viruses or germs that can trigger an attack to the body, so pay attention to the food that will be consumed to provide more security and efforts to avoid this Bali belly.
3 Bali Belly Causes
So that you can better understand the causes of this disease, we summarize some of the main causes that often trigger Bali Belly for tourists in Bali.
- Contaminated food and water
- Change in diet
- Change in environment
1. Contaminated food and water
Wherever you go, of course, food is the main factor that must be present. It’s not rare to hear that there are food lovers who are willing to travel the world to enjoy the food there. Nonetheless, in order to consume food safely you have to be careful because not all the food available is hygienic, and food that has been contaminated by certain bacteria, virus or parasites can cause you to experience this disease.
Not only food, but it is also important for you to pay attention to your drinks. Avoid drinks that do not suit your taste. It would be better to stay away from drinks which you are not sure of or that you do not know whether they are clean or not, before drinking them.
2. Change in diet
Still related to food, the cause that often triggers a person to develop a Bali Belly could be due to irregular eating patterns as we have busy and packed schedules during our holidays. This could then lead to gastritis and increase the chance of you getting Bali Belly. It is very important to pay attention to your diet when traveling to ensure that you get all the nutrients you need.
You should prepare food supplies in a bag that is filled with bread or cereals (fitbars) which can be consumed instantly. Maintaining a healthy diet can make your body healthy and strong so that it can guard you and prevent yourself from getting Bali Belly.
3. Change in environment
In addition to food and drink, the environment could also be the cause of Bali Belly. Of course, in enjoying your tour you have to pay attention to the natural surroundings. While doing so, we encourage you to always try to live in a clean environment starting from yourself. Remember to throw your trash to the designated areas to prevent the creation of a dirty and unhygienic environment. A dirty environment could mean a place for germs to grow and spread, increasing the threat to cause Bali Belly.
How to recover from Bali Belly
If you are currently thinking about going on vacation to Bali, then there are many things you can prepare to protect your body from getting Bali Belly. Among them, try to buy bottled water to ensure that you are drinking clean water. If you need water, buy bottled water at supermarkets or places that can guarantee the sales of clean products. Moreover, bring a hand sanitizer wherever you go. This is an effort to keep your hands clean and avoid harmful germs or viruses.
But what if after all these thorough preparation, you or a travel companion still are exposed to Bali Belly? What can be done to restore both of your body condition so you can enjoy your trip in Bali? As a first step, you need to drink lots of water. When someone has issues with their digestive systems, they could vomit and be dehydrated. Thus drinking a lot of water will help to replace the lost liquid during this process.
Next, avoid consuming alcohol until your body can recover. If you drink alcohol when you are suffering from Bali Belly, your condition could get worse. Take some medicines that can reduce fever and get enough rest until your body is fit and healthy again.
If the pain you are experiencing does not go away, then you will need to see a doctor for further treatment. The doctor will give you medicine that can help you recover to the fullest.
Can medicine treat and prevent Bali Belly?
Talking about medicine treatment, of course, there are various types of medicines that can help cure and prevent the spread of the virus to someone affected by Bali Bell. Usually, early-stage medicines can be purchased at the nearest pharmacy to provide initial help. Apart from that, we can then see a doctor at a clinic to get a more holistic check and treatment.
Common medicines and natural treatments travelers use to treat Bali Belly
If you are planning to go on vacation to Bali, then it is better to know and be prepared about the various types of medicines that can be obtained through certain pharmacies. These types of medicines include paracetamol, antacids, anti-diarrhea and probiotics that could help you when you suffer from Bali Belly.
Not only oral medications that could help when suffering from Bali Belly, some herbal medicines could also be effective as an alternative. Herbal medicines such as ginger, turmeric and mint could also help to alleviate the symptoms that arise due to Bali Belly.
Enjoying vacation time is something fun for you and your family, especially when the chosen tourist destination is Bali. As a very beautiful area, Bali offers various types of sights and culinary tours that you can enjoy on your tour. However, you have to maintain good hygiene in the environment, food or drinks which are the main factors that make it easy for someone to get Bali belly.
Frequently Asked Questions About What is Bali Belly
What is Bali Belly?
Bali Belly is a term used to describe a type of traveler's diarrhea that affects tourists in Bali, Indonesia.
What causes Bali Belly?
Bali Belly is typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water. The bacteria responsible for Bali Belly is usually E. coli or a strain of the norovirus.
What are the symptoms of Bali Belly?
The symptoms of Bali Belly include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
How long does Bali Belly last?
Bali Belly can last for a few days to a week, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Is Bali Belly contagious?
Bali Belly is not contagious, but it can be spread through food and water contaminated with the bacteria responsible for the illness.
How can I prevent Bali Belly?
You can prevent Bali Belly by drinking only bottled water, avoiding ice made from tap water, and avoiding street food or food that has been sitting out for a long time.
Can I still eat Indonesian food if I'm in Bali?
Yes, you can still enjoy Indonesian food while in Bali, but it's important to be cautious and choose restaurants that have good hygiene practices.
Is there a vaccine for Bali Belly?
There is no vaccine specifically for Bali Belly, but getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid can reduce your risk of contracting foodborne illnesses while traveling.
What should I do if I get Bali Belly?
If you get Bali Belly, it's important to stay hydrated and rest. You can also take over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach cramps.
When should I seek medical attention for Bali Belly?
If your symptoms persist for more than a week, if you have severe dehydration, or if you have blood in your stool, you should seek medical attention.
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