Traveller's Diarrhoea
0 Treatments
4 FAQs
Traveller's diarrhoea is a digestive condition affecting individuals visiting regions with different sanitation standards. It causes loose, watery stools and abdominal discomfort during or shortly after travel. Usually caused by consuming contaminated food or water, the primary culprits are bacteria (E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella), though viruses and parasites can also cause it. Higher risk exists in developing regions of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Treatments (0)
Advice for Traveller's Diarrhoea
The main symptom is passing loose stools three or more times within 24 hours, often with abdominal cramps, nausea, bloating, urgency, and sometimes vomiting or fever. Symptoms usually begin suddenly, often within the first week of travel. Severity ranges from mild discomfort to severe watery diarrhoea with intense pain. Blood in stool, high fever, severe pain, or symptoms lasting beyond 5-7 days indicate a need for medical attention. Dehydration can develop rapidly, especially in children, elderly, or hot climates.
Traveller's Diarrhoea FAQs (4)
Traveller's diarrhoea is primarily caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with infectious organisms. Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is the most common bacterial cause, responsible for approximately 30-60% of cases. Other important bacterial pathogens include Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shigella. Norovirus and rotavirus are the most common viral causes, while Giardia and Cryptosporidium are the most frequent parasitic culprits. The risk is highest in regions where sanitation infrastructure is less developed, allowing these organisms to contaminate food and water supplies. Local residents often develop immunity to endemic pathogens through repeated exposure, which explains why they may consume the same food and water without illness while travelers become sick. Risk factors include eating at street food stalls, consuming raw vegetables or unpeeled fruits, drinking tap water or beverages with ice, and poor hand hygiene practices.
Most cases of traveller's diarrhoea are self-limiting, resolving within 3-5 days without specific treatment beyond rehydration. Bacterial causes typically produce symptoms lasting 3-7 days if untreated, though appropriate antibiotic therapy can reduce this to 1-3 days. Viral diarrhoea generally resolves within 2-3 days. Parasitic infections tend to cause more prolonged symptoms, sometimes lasting weeks if untreated. If symptoms don't improve after 5-7 days, worsen after initial improvement, or include bloody stools or high fever, medical evaluation is recommended.
While most cases resolve without complications, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. Seek help if you experience: persistent high fever (above 39°C/102°F); blood or pus in stools; severe abdominal pain that is constant rather than cramping; signs of significant dehydration (decreased urination, extreme thirst, dizziness, or confusion); symptoms persisting beyond 5-7 days despite self-treatment; or inability to keep down liquids due to vomiting for more than 24 hours. Children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions should have a lower threshold for seeking care, as they're more vulnerable to complications. When travelling in remote areas, consider communicating with healthcare providers via telemedicine if available. Upon returning home, consult your GP if symptoms persist or recur, especially if you've travelled to areas where parasitic infections are common, as these may require specific testing and treatment not routinely performed for acute diarrhoea.
The traditional advice to follow a restrictive BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) during recovery has largely been replaced by more flexible guidance. Once your appetite returns, focus on easily digestible, bland foods while gradually returning to your normal diet. Good initial choices include crackers, plain rice, baked potatoes, cooked carrots, baked chicken or fish without spices, and yogurt containing live cultures (which may help restore beneficial gut bacteria). Small, frequent meals are often better tolerated than large ones. Stay well-hydrated with safe water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions.
Temporarily avoid foods that may aggravate the digestive system, including spicy or fatty foods, dairy products (except yogurt with live cultures), caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of raw fruits or vegetables. There's no need to fast or restrict food entirely unless vomiting is present. Listen to your body—if certain foods cause discomfort, avoid them temporarily. Most people can gradually return to their normal diet within a few days as symptoms resolve. If dietary tolerance doesn't improve within a week, consult a healthcare provider.