Even though Bali is one of the best destinations for family holidays in Asia, Bali belly remains a common concern among tourists, especially families traveling with children. Before your trip, it’s important to understand what is Bali belly and how to prevent it to ensure a safe and seamless holiday.
Here’s everything you need to know about what is Bali belly, including prevention tips, symptoms, and treatment options suitable for kids.
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This is a digestive illness caused by consuming contaminated food or water. It commonly results in diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, bloating, and sometimes vomiting.
According to HIF Health Hub, this condition can affect both adults and children and may disrupt your trip if not treated early. Though it sounds serious, it’s relatively common in Southeast Asia due to differences in hygiene standards and water systems.
For some people, Bali belly can start with a sudden stomach upset, followed by symptoms such as watery diarrhea, fatigue, or mild fever. This traveler’s diarrhea can worsen quickly if not treated well.
This diarrhea can be contagious because viruses, bacteria, and parasites can spread from person to person through food and water. It should be handled as soon as possible after the first symptoms appear, so you can still enjoy your holiday in Bali and discover things to do in Bali with kids.
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The symptoms of digestive diarrhea usually appear within 6 to 24 hours after consuming contaminated food or drinks. If you have a weakened immune system, symptoms may appear instantly after eating or drinking contaminated items.
For children, symptoms may develop even faster due to their more sensitive digestive systems. In most cases, Bali Belly can last 2 to 5 days, but more severe cases can last up to a week if left untreated.
If the symptoms last more than 5 days, you should visit a doctor near your accommodation or use telemedicine if you are unable to go outside due to your condition.
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Preventing this digestive illness in kids starts with practicing safe food and drink habits. Always choose bottled or filtered water and avoid drinking from the tap, as the island's water pipe system may not be safe.
Avoid ice cubes unless you’re sure they’re made from purified water, even in cafés or restaurants. Say no to raw salads or undercooked seafood, as hygiene standards for raw food can vary.
Hand hygiene is also important. Make sure your kids wash their hands before eating and after playing outdoors. Carrying hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes adds an extra layer of protection. These small steps can help you get rid of this illness fast or even avoid it altogether.
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Stick to freshly cooked food from well-reviewed, clean restaurants. Dishes that are grilled, boiled, or fried are generally safer because high heat kills bacteria.
For drinks, choose sealed bottled water and avoid tap water or juices with unverified ice. Safe food choices for kids include grilled chicken, rice, bananas, and toast, simple but effective in reducing the risks.
Consider grocery shopping and preparing your meals to ensure extra safety. Many family-friendly villas in Bali provide kitchen facilities and utensils suitable for enjoying home-style cooking.
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If your child does catch this problem, don’t panic! The best treatment starts with plenty of rest and proper hydration. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) help restore fluids, and a bland diet can soothe the stomach.
Treating Bali Belly is quite easy, but can be tricky, especially if it happens to kids. Many parents use activated charcoal tablets as a natural remedy. However, it’s important to consult a pediatrician before giving any medication to children.
If your child still has severe diarrhea or vomiting, it’s better to delay your flight, as the risk of dehydration increases during air travel.
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Over-the-counter medications like loperamide (for diarrhea) and paracetamol (for fever) can be helpful, but should only be given to children under medical supervision.
If you're wondering how to get rid of Bali belly fast, combining rest, hydration, activated charcoal, and a bland diet is usually effective. Seek professional help if symptoms continue for more than three days or if your child refuses to eat or drink.
For more family travel tips and kid-friendly guides around the island, visit Stay at SOLO, your trusted source for the best accommodations and activities in Bali. All properties under Stay at SOLO are safe, clean, and maintained with high hygiene standards to ensure your family enjoys a comfortable and worry-free stay. Book your next family retreat with confidence.
Source:
https://healthhub.hif.com.au/travel/bali-belly-how-to-avoid-and-treat-it-read-this-before-your-holiday
