Dr Stefan Botnar | English speaking Doctor in Barcelona specialized in caring for international patients 

Introduction A jellyfish sting can happen within seconds during an otherwise normal beach day in Barcelona. Most stings cause local pain, burning and redness, but the first few minutes matter because incorrect home remedies can irritate the skin or trigger the remaining stinging cells. Visitors often search for advice after leaving the beach, when the exact species is unknown and the skin is still painful. The safest first aid is simple: leave the water, ask a lifeguard for h

Introduction Running out of regular medication can turn a holiday into a stressful medical problem. A suitcase may be delayed, tablets may be left at home, a bottle can break, or a stay in Barcelona may last longer than planned. For people taking medicines for blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, thyroid disease, epilepsy, mental health or other chronic conditions, the question quickly becomes practical: can a tourist obtain a prescription in Spain? The answer depends on where t

Introduction Kidney stone pain can begin without warning and is especially frightening when it happens abroad. A traveller may develop intense pain in the side or back, nausea, vomiting, urinary urgency or blood in the urine during what seemed like a normal day in Barcelona. Hot weather and increased activity can raise fluid requirements. When a person drinks too little, urine becomes more concentrated, which is particularly relevant for people who have previously had kidney

Introduction After a long flight to Barcelona, it is normal to expect some tiredness. But jet lag can involve more than sleepiness. Travellers may struggle to fall asleep at local bedtime, wake very early, feel foggy during the day, become irritable or notice headache, poor appetite and digestive discomfort. Jet lag occurs when rapid travel across time zones leaves the internal body clock out of sync with local time. The symptoms are temporary, but they can be amplified by sl

Introduction A new rash during a summer trip can be difficult to interpret. After a day in Barcelona, a tourist may notice red spots, itching, burning, small blisters or a sunburn-like reaction on the chest, arms, neck or legs. The cause is not always ordinary sunburn. Heat rash, polymorphic light eruption, contact irritation and photosensitivity caused by medication can look similar at first. The location, timing and associated symptoms provide useful clues, but a persistent

Introduction Constipation is one of the less glamorous but very common problems that can appear during a trip. A traveller who is normally regular may suddenly go several days without a bowel movement, feel bloated, develop abdominal discomfort or struggle to pass hard stools. Changes in routine, long flights, dehydration, different food, reduced privacy and the temptation to ignore the urge to use the bathroom can all contribute. In Barcelona, hot weather, long sightseeing d

Introduction Sightseeing in Barcelona often means walking for hours. From the Gothic Quarter to Montjuic, from Park Guell to the seafront, tourists may cover long distances without realising how much physical effort the city requires. Most days end with tired feet and good memories. But sometimes a small accident happens: a twisted ankle, a fall on uneven pavement, a blister, a cut, a scrape or a painful knee after too many stairs. Minor injuries are common during travel, and

Introduction In June, Barcelona begins to alternate between warm streets and cool indoor spaces. Tourists may move from the sun to a taxi, from a terrace to a hotel room, or from a crowded street to a restaurant with strong air conditioning. Many visitors notice sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, headache or a general feeling of being unwell after several days of these temperature changes. This often leads to the question: can air conditioning make you sick? Air conditioni

Introduction A beach day in Barcelona can feel like the perfect summer plan. For many tourists, the combination of sea, sun, restaurants, walking and sightseeing is one of the reasons the city is so appealing in June. But beach days can also create several small health risks at the same time. Sun exposure, dehydration, minor wounds, skin irritation and infections may appear after a few hours outdoors, especially when visitors are not used to the climate or spend longer outsid

Introduction June is one of the most attractive months to visit Barcelona. The days are longer, terraces are full, the beach becomes part of the daily plan, and many visitors spend hours walking from one landmark to another. The city feels vibrant, open and easy to enjoy. However, early summer heat can affect the body more quickly than many tourists expect. Because the season may not feel as extreme as August, visitors often underestimate how much heat exposure they accumulat

Introduction Barcelona is famous for its nightlife. Terraces, beach bars, music events, late dinners, festivals, and clubs are part of the city’s appeal for many visitors. Enjoying this social side of Barcelona can be one of the best parts of a trip. However, long nights can also affect your body. Alcohol, dehydration, lack of sleep, heat, crowded spaces, and unfamiliar routines can increase the risk of headaches, stomach problems, dizziness, injuries, anxiety, or more seriou

Introduction Eating is part of the travel experience in Barcelona. From seafood and tapas to markets, terraces, festivals, and late dinners, food often becomes one of the highlights of the trip. Most meals are safe and enjoyable, but digestive problems can still happen while traveling. Food poisoning, viral gastroenteritis, changes in diet, alcohol, heat, and dehydration can all cause stomach symptoms that interrupt your plans. For tourists, the main challenge is knowing when

When you are traveling, feeling unwell can create uncertainty. Is it enough to visit a pharmacy? Should you rest at the hotel? Do you need a doctor? For tourists and expats in Barcelona, this decision can feel more difficult because the healthcare system, language, and available services may be unfamiliar. Many minor symptoms improve with hydration, rest, and basic care. However, some situations should be assessed by a medical professional, especially when symptoms are intens

Arriving in Barcelona is exciting. The city invites you to walk, explore, eat outside, visit museums, enjoy the beach, and make the most of every hour. For many tourists and expats, the first days are full of movement and stimulation. However, it is also common to feel unexpectedly exhausted after only a short time in the city. Some visitors describe it as heavy tiredness, brain fog, headache, poor sleep, muscle soreness, or a general feeling that their body is not keeping up

Spring in Barcelona is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. The weather feels softer than in summer, the city becomes more active, and visitors spend long hours walking, sitting on terraces, visiting landmarks, or enjoying the seafront. However, many tourists are surprised to discover that spring sun can still affect the skin more than expected. Because temperatures are not extremely high, it is easy to underestimate the intensity of sun exposure. A comfortable breeze

A urinary tract infection can be uncomfortable at any time. When it happens while traveling, it can feel even more stressful because you may not know where to go, what medication is appropriate, or whether it is safe to wait until you return home. For tourists and expats in Barcelona, urinary symptoms should not be ignored. What begins as mild discomfort can become more painful or develop into a more serious infection if it is not assessed properly. Understanding the symptoms

Barcelona offers an intense cultural rhythm, especially in spring. Museums, exhibitions, festivals, concerts, open-air activities, and crowded celebrations can turn a simple plan into a full day of stimulation and movement. For many tourists, this is exactly what makes the city unforgettable. But after several hours standing, walking, navigating crowds, taking photos, using maps, and eating later than usual, the body can begin to react. Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritabi

Barcelona is a city made for walking. From the Gothic Quarter to Passeig de Gracia, from the beach to Montjuic, many of the best experiences happen on foot. For tourists, this is part of the charm. A short walk to a museum can turn into a full day of sightseeing, shopping, photos, terraces, and spontaneous detours through different neighbourhoods. However, the body may not be prepared for such a sudden increase in activity. Many visitors easily reach 15,000 or 20,000 steps a

When travelers experience minor health problems abroad, their first instinct is often to visit a pharmacy. In many European cities, including Barcelona, pharmacies are easily accessible and pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can offer advice for mild symptoms. However, there are situations where self-treatment is not enough and medical evaluation becomes important. Knowing when to seek professional medical care can help tourists avoid unnecessary complications a

Air travel allows millions of people to move quickly between countries and continents. For tourists visiting Barcelona or expats arriving for work or study, flying is often the first step of the journey. While modern aviation is remarkably safe and efficient, long flights can still place considerable stress on the human body. Changes in cabin pressure, reduced humidity, prolonged sitting, and disrupted sleep cycles can all influence how travelers feel during and after a fligh