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Amoebic DysenterySevere attacks, with bleeding or mucus in the stools, accompanied by high fever could bean indication of something more serious such as dysentery. In this case, medical consultationshould be sought. Amoebic Dysentery is very rare in travelers but is often misdiagnosed by poorqualityareas. Symptoms are similar to bacterial diarrhea, i.e. fever, bloody diarrhea and extremelyfeeling unwell. Treatment involves two drugs; Tinidazole or Metroniadzole to kill the parasite inyour gut and then a second drug to kill the cysts.GiardiasisGiardia lamblia is a parasite that is relatively common in travelers. Symptoms includenausea, bloating, excess gas, fatigue and intermittent diarrhea. ‘Eggy’ burps are often attributedsolely to giardiasis. The parasite will eventually go away if left untreated but this can take months.The treatment of choice is Tinidazole, with Metronidazole being a second option.3-3-3. Environmental HazardsAir PollutionAir pollution, particularly vehicle pollution, is an increasing problem in most of SoutheastAsia’s major cities. If you have severe respiratory problems, speak with your doctor beforetraveling to any heavily polluted urban centers. This pollution can also cause minor respiratoryproblems such as sinusitis, dry throat and irritated eyes.Cuts and ScrapesIn the tropics, even the most minor cuts and scratches seem to go septic and take longerto heal than in colder climates. Clean cuts carefully and treat them with an antiseptic such astincture of iodine or the bright-red mercurochrome, as the Thais do. Avoid plasters andbandages, which tend to prolong the healing process.WaterIn Bangkok or upcountry, drinking water straight from the tap is unadvisable. Like theThais, use only a reliable brand of bottled water or boiled water from the tap. Be wary of ice,which may come from a questionable source, and is often manhandled unhygienically.Cylindrical ice cubes with a hole through them are usually produced and delivered under hygienicconditions.Sunburn and SunstrokeYou can get sunburned very easily in the tropics, even when it’s cloudy. Use a sunscreen,hat and good-quality sunglasses. If you do get burned, use a proprietary cold cream for relief.Sunstroke and heat exhaustion may also creep up on the unwary traveler. Dizziness,fatigue and cramps are common symptoms of heat exhaustion. Make sure you drink plenty ofwater and salts, and stay out of the sun during very hot spells.3-3-4. HospitalsBoth public and private hospitals are available in Thailand. Queues and waits aregenerally longer in the public hospitals. For travelers, medical insurance is advisable.In Bangkok and the major towns, hospitals are clean, modern and offer a good standardof treatment and service. The doctors are generally able to speak English and many are overseaseducated. Smaller towns may only have a single provincial hospital, and villages a local clinic,which cannot handle serious medical treatments.20