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Traveler’s DiarrheaHow to Say It: Traveler’s die-ah-ree-ah
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionTraveler's diarrhea is diarrhea in people who travel to other nations. It often happens in developing countries. CausesThe main cause of this problem is ingesting food or water that is contaminated with:
Risk FactorsThis problem is more common in people who visit developing countries that lack safe water supplies and sanitation. Other things that may raise the risk are:
SymptomsProblems may be:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This is enough to make the diagnosis. TreatmentMost people get better on their own in 3 to 5 days without treatment. Symptoms can be managed with: Dietary ChangesDrinking plenty of clear fluids or an oral hydration solution can help prevent dehydration. This will replace the fluids lost in the diarrhea. Foods should be slowly reintroduced. MedicineAntibiotics may be given to reduce how long symptoms last. They are only helpful for treating infections caused by bacteria. Antidiarrheal medicine may also be given. Examples are loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. PreventionTo lower the risk of this health problem when traveling:
RESOURCES:American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Be Food Safe—Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education http://befoodsafe.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:
Acute diarrhea in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/acute-diarrhea-in-adults. Accessed September 16, 2021.
Acute diarrhea in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/acute-diarrhea-in-children. Accessed September 16, 2021.
Travelers' diarrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travelers-diarrhea. Accessed September 16, 2021.
Traveler's diarrhea. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/travelers-diarrhea. Accessed September 16, 2021.
Traveler’s diarrhea.
Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastroenteritis/traveler%E2%80%99s-diarrhea?redirectid=97. Accessed September 16, 2021. Last reviewed July 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mary-Beth Seymour, RN Last Updated: 9/16/2021 | ||