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

Introduction Developing a fever while travelling is stressful. You may have flights, business meetings, restaurant reservations or family plans, and suddenly you are unsure whether you are dealing with a minor viral infection or something that needs medical care. Fever is not a disease by itself. It is a sign that the body is responding to infection, inflammation or another process. Respiratory viruses, gastrointestinal infections and other common illnesses can all cause feve

Introduction Stomach problems can disrupt a trip very quickly. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps or diarrhoea may begin only a few hours after a meal, or they may appear the following day. When you are away from home, it can be difficult to know whether to simply rest and hydrate or look for medical care. Food poisoning is a broad term used for illness caused by contaminated food or drink. Viruses and bacteria are common causes, although not every digestive episode during tr

Introduction Feeling light-headed while travelling is common, especially after a long day of walking, warm weather, irregular meals or not drinking enough water. Some people describe the sensation as weakness, instability, blurred vision or feeling as if they are walking on air. One possible cause is low blood pressure. When blood pressure falls, the brain may temporarily receive less blood flow, which can produce dizziness or the feeling that you might faint. In many cases t

Introduction After a summer of sun, beach days and long hours outdoors, many people notice that their skin looks different. New freckles may appear, existing marks can look darker, and small brown or reddish spots may become more visible than they were before the holidays. Most post-summer skin changes are harmless, but not every new or changing mark should be ignored. Sun exposure can make benign pigmentation more noticeable, while a lesion that changes in shape, colour, siz

Introduction Swollen ankles after a flight are common, particularly when a long journey is followed by Barcelona heat, hours of walking and salty restaurant meals. Both ankles may feel tight and shoes may become uncomfortable by the end of the day. In many cases, mild swelling in both legs is related to fluid collecting in the lower limbs after prolonged sitting. However, sudden swelling in one leg can also be a sign of deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, which requires urgent asse

Introduction Ear pain after swimming is easy to dismiss as trapped water, especially during a beach or pool holiday in Barcelona. Sometimes the sensation disappears after the ear dries. In other cases, moisture and irritation damage the skin of the outer ear canal and allow an infection called otitis externa, or swimmer's ear, to develop. Swimmer's ear can affect adults and children. It may begin with mild itching or a blocked sensation and then become surprisingly painful. B

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