Traveler's Diarrhea
A common illness from contaminated food or water while traveling
Quick Facts
- Type: Gastrointestinal infection
- Main cause: Contaminated food or water
- Key symptoms: Loose stools, cramps, urgency
- Usual course: Improves within a few days
Overview
Traveler's diarrhea is a common digestive illness that affects people traveling to regions where food and water hygiene standards differ from those at home. It is usually caused by swallowing germs, most often bacteria, in contaminated food or water. The result is a sudden onset of loose, watery stools, often with stomach cramps.
While unpleasant and disruptive, traveler's diarrhea is usually mild and clears up on its own within a few days. The most important part of care is staying hydrated. Simple precautions with food and water can greatly reduce the risk, and most people recover fully without lasting effects.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin during or shortly after a trip and may include:
- Loose, watery stools, often passed more frequently than usual
- A sudden, urgent need to have a bowel movement
- Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- Nausea, and sometimes vomiting
- Bloating and a low-grade fever
Most cases are mild. More concerning signs include bloody stools, a high fever, severe or persistent vomiting, and symptoms lasting more than a few days. Watch for dehydration, such as marked thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, weakness, and reduced or dark urine, which needs prompt attention.
Causes
Traveler's diarrhea is caused by swallowing germs in contaminated food or water. Contributing factors include:
- Bacteria: The most common cause, often from food or water contaminated with germs the local population may be used to but visitors are not.
- Viruses and parasites: Less common causes that can produce similar or more prolonged symptoms.
- Risky foods and drinks: Such as tap water and ice, raw or undercooked foods, unpeeled fruits and vegetables, and food left at room temperature.
The change in environment and exposure to unfamiliar germs is why travelers are particularly affected.
Risk Factors
- Traveling to regions with different food and water sanitation standards
- Eating food from street vendors or buffets that may sit out
- Drinking tap water or using ice made from untreated water
- Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems
- People with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or who take certain stomach-acid-reducing medicines
Diagnosis
Traveler's diarrhea is usually diagnosed from the symptoms and recent travel history, without special testing. Further evaluation may be needed if symptoms are severe or prolonged:
- Clinical assessment: Reviewing symptoms, what was eaten or drunk, and travel details.
- Stool tests: Used for severe, bloody, or persistent diarrhea to identify a specific bacteria or parasite.
- Assessment for dehydration: Checking for signs that fluid losses need to be replaced.
Treatment
Most cases improve with simple measures:
- Fluids: The most important step is staying hydrated. Drink plenty of safe fluids and use oral rehydration solutions, especially for significant losses or for children.
- Eating: Return to bland, easy-to-digest foods as tolerated.
- Anti-diarrheal medicines: Over-the-counter options can reduce symptoms in mild cases, but avoid them if you have a high fever or bloody stools, or in young children, unless advised by a doctor.
- Antibiotics: Sometimes prescribed for moderate to severe cases; follow medical advice rather than self-treating.
Seek medical care for severe symptoms, signs of dehydration, or illness that does not improve.
Prevention
- Drink bottled or treated water, and avoid ice unless made from safe water
- Eat foods that are freshly cooked and served hot
- Choose fruits you can peel yourself and avoid raw or undercooked foods
- Be cautious with salads, buffets, and food left at room temperature
- Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Ask a travel medicine provider about prevention advice before high-risk trips
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you have:
- Blood in the stool
- A high fever
- Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
- Diarrhea lasting more than a few days
- Signs of dehydration such as dizziness, very little urine, or extreme weakness
Seek prompt care for young children, older adults, pregnant people, or anyone with a weakened immune system, as dehydration can develop quickly and may need urgent treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes traveler's diarrhea?
It is usually caused by swallowing germs, most often bacteria, in contaminated food or water while traveling to regions with different sanitation standards. Risky foods and drinks include tap water, ice, raw or undercooked foods, and food left out at room temperature.
How long does traveler's diarrhea last?
Most cases are mild and improve on their own within a few days. If diarrhea lasts more than several days, is bloody, or comes with a high fever, see a doctor, as it may need specific treatment.
What is the most important treatment?
Staying hydrated is the most important step, because the main risk is dehydration from fluid loss. Drink plenty of safe fluids and use oral rehydration solutions, especially for significant losses or for children.
When should I avoid anti-diarrheal medicines?
Avoid over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicines if you have a high fever or bloody stools, and in young children, unless a doctor advises otherwise. In these situations, medical evaluation is safer than self-treatment.
How can I prevent traveler's diarrhea?
Drink bottled or treated water and avoid ice, eat foods that are freshly cooked and served hot, peel fruits yourself, and be cautious with salads and buffets. Wash your hands often, and ask a travel medicine provider for advice before high-risk trips.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Travelers' Diarrhea.
- Mayo Clinic. Traveler's diarrhea — Symptoms and causes.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Travelers' diarrhea.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Food safety.