Overview
In this section you will get an overview of the condition and its relevance to your health.
Traveler's diarrhea is one of the most common health problems during travel -- especially in regions with different hygiene and food quality standards. It is usually caused by bacteria, less commonly by viruses or parasites.
Most cases are self-limiting and resolve within a few days. The key is to replace fluid and salt losses to avoid circulatory problems -- especially in children, elderly people, or those with chronic conditions.
The good news: traveler's diarrhea can be well treated in most cases. A medically supervised online consultation can also help select the right therapy and identify warning signs.
What is it?
Here you will learn what medically characterizes this condition and how it is defined.
Traveler's diarrhea is an acute diarrheal illness that occurs during or shortly after a trip. The triggers are usually pathogens from contaminated food or water.
Depending on the pathogen, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea may occur. A distinction is made between uncomplicated traveler's diarrhea and severe cases with fever, blood in the stool, or dehydration.
Causes
The following information explains which factors can contribute to the development of this condition.
The most common cause is bacteria (e.g., enterotoxigenic E. coli). Campylobacter, Shigella, or Salmonella also occur.
Risk factors:
- Unsafe drinking water/ice cubes
- Raw or undercooked food
- Unwashed fruits/vegetables
- Buffet food, warming trays
- Close contacts/infections (viruses)
In some regions, parasites (e.g., Giardia) play a role in prolonged cases.
Symptoms
This section describes the typical signs and symptoms you should watch for.
Typical symptoms:
- Watery diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps, bloating
- Nausea, sometimes vomiting
- Fatigue
Warning signs (seek medical evaluation):
- Fever
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration (dizziness, very little urine, severe weakness)
- Duration longer than 3-5 days or recurring course
Diagnosis
Below you will learn how this condition is detected through medical examinations.
In mild cases, diagnostics are usually unnecessary. For severe or persistent symptoms, stool examinations may be useful (bacteria, parasites).
As part of an online consultation, severity, risks (age, pre-existing conditions), travel region, and warning signs can be assessed and an appropriate therapy recommended.
Treatment
Here the available therapy options and their modes of action are explained.
The most important measure is rehydration:
- Oral rehydration solutions (electrolytes) are ideal, especially with severe diarrhea or vomiting.
Symptomatic therapy:
- Loperamide can reduce diarrhea in adults short-term (not with fever or blood in the stool)
- Antiemetics for nausea/vomiting (medical supervision)
Antibiotics are only appropriate in certain cases, e.g., with severe course, fever, bloody diarrhea, or high risk. Commonly used options in travel medicine:
- Rifaximin (for non-invasive diarrhea, depending on region/resistance patterns)
- Other antibiotics depending on the situation (medical decision)
Important contraindications:
- Loperamide not with blood in the stool, fever, or suspicion of invasive infection
- Antibiotics only after medical evaluation
Available medications
Various prescription medications are available for treatment. Click on a medication to learn more about its effects, dosage and side effects.
Prevention
This section provides guidance on prevention and reducing risk factors.
Prevention:
- "Cook it, peel it, or leave it"
- Only bottled/boiled water, no ice
- Disinfect/wash hands
- Caution with buffets and street food
In special situations, medical advice on standby medication can be provided.
FAQ
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions on this topic.
Would you like a medical assessment?
Fill out the medical questionnaire. A licensed doctor will review your information and recommend a suitable therapy if appropriate.
Important notice
This content is for general information only. In case of severe pain, shortness of breath, impaired consciousness, fever > 39°C or rapidly worsening symptoms, please seek immediate medical help ().
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