Traveler’s diarrhea – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf

Created: May 4, 2016; Last Update: December 19, 2019; Next update: 2022.

When people travel to faraway countries, their stomach and bowel often have to get used to new foods and new ways of preparing food. Diarrhea is common during travels to distant countries. Traveler’s diarrhea typically only lasts a few days and usually doesn’t need to be treated. There are certain things you can do to try to avoid getting it.

The risk of getting diarrhea is higher in countries with a hot and humid climate. There are a number of reasons for this. For instance, your stomach and bowel might have a hard time coping with unfamiliar foods such as spicy dishes and exotic ingredients. Poor hygiene, high temperatures and inadequate cooling of foods make it easier for bacteria to thrive in foods or water. Traveler’s diarrhea is most often caused by bacteria. But viruses can also be transmitted through foods or water.

If diarrhea is severe or lasts a long time, it is particularly important to replace the lost fluids and salts. You should see a doctor if the symptoms don’t improve or if you develop severe diarrhea within a few days or weeks of returning from travels to a distant country.

How can you prevent diarrhea while traveling?

Germs are often spread through foods or through contact with contaminated objects – for instance, if you touch a doorknob that has some germs on it with your hand, and then touch your mouth with your hand. So if you want to avoid getting diarrhea when traveling, it’s especially important to wash your hands thoroughly and often. You should also avoid touching your face with your hands if you haven’t washed them.

Depending on where you travel to, the following tips may help lower your risk of infection:

• Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom. Have disinfectant wipes or gels at the ready in case it isn’t possible to wash your hands while you’re out and about. Dry your hands with disposable paper towels if available.

• Don’t drink tap water. Instead, drink water from bottles or other containers, making sure the seal isn’t broken when you buy them. Also avoid ice cubes and drinks that have been diluted with water.

• Use bottled water to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth.

• Do not drink water from fountains, wells, streams, rivers, springs, waterfalls or standing water.

• Only eat fruits, raw vegetables, lettuce and herbs if you peel them yourself or wash them thoroughly with bottled water.

• Don’t eat undercooked meat or fish.

• Avoid contact with animals because they can also spread bacteria or viruses.

• Keep flies away from food.

Can vaccines offer protection?

It is generally a good idea to find out which vaccinations are recommended in the country or part of the world you are traveling to before you go there. But there are currently no vaccinations against the germs that often lead to traveler’s diarrhea.

People traveling to high-risk areas are advised to have a cholera vaccine. But this oral vaccine is only recommended if you’re going to stay in a place with poor hygiene standards for a long time, or if you will be providing medical help in high-risk areas. People often say that the cholera vaccine can also reduce the risk of an ETEC infection. But there’s no clear scientific proof that this is true.

What kinds of bacteria can cause diarrhea?

Some of the bacteria that travelers may come across in warm countries are also found in Western countries. These include Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria. But they may be exposed to other bacteria while traveling too, including the following:

• ETEC: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are spread through raw or undercooked foods, unpasteurized fruit juices or unpasteurized milk. The stool of cattle and other animals that chew the cud (e.g. goats, sheep) is a further potential source of infection. ETEC bacteria are sometimes found in bodies of water too. The symptoms break out three to ten days after infection. They usually include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and occasionally fever.

• Shigellosis, also known as bacillary dysentery or Marlow syndrome: Shigella bacteria are spread through contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated objects, as well as through contaminated water or foods. Flies can transmit Shigella bacteria too. The first signs of infection are usually watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps. They start about twelve hours to four days after becoming infected. In more serious cases, the bowel becomes inflamed, leading to a fever and diarrhea containing blood and pus.

• Cholera: The risk of getting cholera while on holiday in a distant country is very low. Cholera bacteria are spread through water, raw foods and the bodily secretions of infected people. They are rarely spread directly from one person to another. Symptoms start two to three days after infection, and include watery diarrhea and severe vomiting that can quickly lead to dehydration. Left untreated, cholera can become life-threatening.

Illnesses like typhoid and malaria, which are usually accompanied by a high fever, sometimes cause diarrhea too.

Which parasites cause diarrhea?

The most common parasitic infection in tropical countries is giardiasis, also known as beaver fever. The second most common infection is cryptosporidiosis (“crypto”). The parasites (giardia and cryptosporidia) are spread through contact with infected people or contaminated objects, as well as through contaminated drinking water, foods and bodies of standing water.

Giardiasis symptoms start about one week after infection and include a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen (belly), mild nausea and flatulence. The diarrhea is relatively mild but can continue for weeks, sometimes accompanied by vomiting. Patients often report loud gurgling sounds from their stomach, tiredness and weight loss.

Cryptosporidiosis can lead to watery diarrhea seven to ten days after infection. Further possible symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, fever and weight loss. But the infection may also go unnoticed.

Which viruses can lead to diarrhea?

Noroviruses and rotaviruses are found all over the world. One to three days after infection, the rotavirus often leads to sudden watery diarrhea, frequently mixed with mucus. This symptom is sometimes accompanied by vomiting, abdominal pain, and occasionally fever and breathing problems too. The infection usually lasts two to six days.

Norovirus symptoms start six hours to two days after infection and include severe diarrhea, violent projectile vomiting and abdominal pain. Further symptoms may include nausea, headaches, joint pain, exhaustion and a mild fever. The symptoms usually last two days at the most.

When is medication recommended?

If you have diarrhea and have a long journey ahead of you, for instance on a bus, the drugs loperamide or racecadotril can help reduce the symptoms. Loperamide isn’t suitable for children under the age of twelve. Low-dose racecadotril is available for children in the form of soluble granules, but only with a prescription.

If the diarrhea is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are often recommended. Studies have found that antibiotics don’t help against salmonella infections. It is still not clear whether these drugs help in the treatment of shigellosis or cholera.

Giardiasis is usually treated with antibiotics too. If you have cryptosporidiosis, making sure you get enough fluids is usually enough.

What can you do about diarrhea yourself?

When you have diarrhea, your body loses a lot of fluid and salts. Sweating in tropical temperatures makes this problem worse. So the most important thing is to drink as much as you can, and replace the lost salts and sugar. This is particularly true for babies, children and older people because they are more likely to become dehydrated compared to healthy adults.

People are often advised to buy oral rehydration solution at a pharmacy or drugstore and take it with them on their travels. Alternatively, you can make a solution yourself by adding the following ingredients to 1 liter of boiled water and stirring the solution:

• 4 teaspoons of sugar,

• ¾ teaspoon of salt and

• one glass of packaged orange juice.

Sometimes people recommend taking charcoal tablets or products made from a certain kind of yeast (Perenterol, Florastor). They are meant to make your poo more solid. There is not enough good research in this area to be able to say how well these products work, though. People who have a very weak immune system shouldn’t take yeast products.

In order to go easy on your stomach and bowels, it can be a good idea to avoid fatty and spicy foods as well as alcohol and coffee. Foods that are gentle on the stomach are often recommended too, such as rice, bananas or rusk bread.

When do you need to see a doctor?

It is advisable to see a doctor if you have the following symptoms:

• Blood or mucus in your poo

• High fever, frequent vomiting, severe pain, dizziness or feeling faint

• Severe diarrhea that lasts longer than 48 hours, particularly in children and older adults

• Signs of dehydration (too little fluid in your body)

The signs of dehydration include:

• Worsening of general health

• Sunken eyes, cheeks or face

• Faster breathing or higher pulse than normal

• Less elastic skin: When you pinch some of the skin on the arm or belly and let go, it doesn’t immediately bounce back to its original position. Instead, a small visible skin fold remains.

• Extreme thirst, feeling dizzy or faint, dark-colored pee or lack of urge to pee, as well as dry eyes or lips, or a dry tongue.

• Older people may sometimes have chest pain or muscle cramps.

Where can you find reliable health information for overseas travel?

The websites of the following institutions offer information and advice about diseases, vaccines, preventive measures and the treatment options (some of the information is only in German because we are a Germany-based website):

• German Federal Foreign Office

• Bernard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine

• World Health Organization (WHO)

Sources

• Auswärtiges Amt, Gesundheitsdienst. Cholera – Informationen für Beschäftigte und Reisende. April 2019.

• Auswärtiges Amt, Gesundheitsdienst. Merkblatt für Beschäftigte und Reisende. Durchfall (Diarrhoe). September 2018.

• Auswärtiges Amt, Gesundheitsdienst. Merkblatt für Beschäftigte und Reisende. Krankheitsprävention und Hygiene im Ausland (insb. Tropen). Kurzfassung für den eiligen Leser. July 2016.

• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Tropenmedizin und internationale Gesundheit (DTG). Cholera. 2019.

• Duplessis CA, Gutierrez RL, Porter CK. Review: chronic and persistent diarrhea with a focus in the returning traveler. Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines 2017; 3: 9. [PMC free article: PMC5531020] [PubMed: 28883979]

• Gordon M, Akobeng A. Racecadotril for acute diarrhoea in children: systematic review and meta-analyses. Arch Dis Child 2016; 101(3): 234-240. [PMC free article: PMC4789705] [PubMed: 26715673]

• Granados CE, Reveiz L, Uribe LG, Criollo CP. Drugs for treating giardiasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; (12): CD007787. [PMC free article: PMC6532677] [PubMed: 23235648]

• Leibovici-Weissman Y, Neuberger A, Bitterman R, Sinclair D, Salam MA, Paul M. Antimicrobial drugs for treating cholera. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; (6): CD008625. [PMC free article: PMC4468928] [PubMed: 24944120]

• Onwuezobe IA, Oshun PO, Odigwe CC. Antimicrobials for treating symptomatic non-typhoidal Salmonella infection. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; (11): CD001167. [PMC free article: PMC6532567] [PubMed: 23152205]

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). Infektionsepidemiologisches Jahrbuch meldepflichtiger Krankheiten für 2018. Berlin: RKI; 2019.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber Campylobacter-Enteritis. June 7, 2018. (Epidemiologisches Bulletin; Band 23).

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber: Campylobacter-Enteritis. June 1, 2018.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber: Kryptosporidiose. February 8, 2019.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber: Norovirus-Gastroenteritis. June 11, 2019.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber: Rotaviren-Gastroenteritis. June 11, 2019.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber: Salmonellose. February 8, 2019.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber: Shigellose. May 1, 2012.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). Steckbriefe seltener und importierter Infektionskrankheiten. Berlin: RKI; 2011.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). Wann ist der Fall ein Fall? Neues zur Diagnostik von darmpathogenen Escherichia coli. Fortbildung für den öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst. Berlin, March 26th-28th, 2014.

• Sinclair D, Abba K, Zaman K, Qadri F, Graves PM. Oral vaccines for preventing cholera. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011; (3): CD008603. [PMC free article: PMC6532691] [PubMed: 21412922]

• IQWiG health information is written with the aim of helping
  people understand the advantages and disadvantages of the main treatment options and health
  care services.

  Because IQWiG is a German institute, some of the information provided here is specific to the
  German health care system. The suitability of any of the described options in an individual
  case can be determined by talking to a doctor. We do not offer individual consultations.

  Our information is based on the results of good-quality studies. It is written by a
  team of
  health care professionals, scientists and editors, and reviewed by external experts. You can
  find a detailed description of how our health information is produced and updated in
  our methods.

Traveler’s diarrhea – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf

Created: May 4, 2016; Last Update: December 19, 2019; Next update: 2022.

When people travel to faraway countries, their stomach and bowel often have to get used to new foods and new ways of preparing food. Diarrhea is common during travels to distant countries. Traveler’s diarrhea typically only lasts a few days and usually doesn’t need to be treated. There are certain things you can do to try to avoid getting it.

The risk of getting diarrhea is higher in countries with a hot and humid climate. There are a number of reasons for this. For instance, your stomach and bowel might have a hard time coping with unfamiliar foods such as spicy dishes and exotic ingredients. Poor hygiene, high temperatures and inadequate cooling of foods make it easier for bacteria to thrive in foods or water. Traveler’s diarrhea is most often caused by bacteria. But viruses can also be transmitted through foods or water.

If diarrhea is severe or lasts a long time, it is particularly important to replace the lost fluids and salts. You should see a doctor if the symptoms don’t improve or if you develop severe diarrhea within a few days or weeks of returning from travels to a distant country.

How can you prevent diarrhea while traveling?

Germs are often spread through foods or through contact with contaminated objects – for instance, if you touch a doorknob that has some germs on it with your hand, and then touch your mouth with your hand. So if you want to avoid getting diarrhea when traveling, it’s especially important to wash your hands thoroughly and often. You should also avoid touching your face with your hands if you haven’t washed them.

Depending on where you travel to, the following tips may help lower your risk of infection:

• Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom. Have disinfectant wipes or gels at the ready in case it isn’t possible to wash your hands while you’re out and about. Dry your hands with disposable paper towels if available.

• Don’t drink tap water. Instead, drink water from bottles or other containers, making sure the seal isn’t broken when you buy them. Also avoid ice cubes and drinks that have been diluted with water.

• Use bottled water to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth.

• Do not drink water from fountains, wells, streams, rivers, springs, waterfalls or standing water.

• Only eat fruits, raw vegetables, lettuce and herbs if you peel them yourself or wash them thoroughly with bottled water.

• Don’t eat undercooked meat or fish.

• Avoid contact with animals because they can also spread bacteria or viruses.

• Keep flies away from food.

Can vaccines offer protection?

It is generally a good idea to find out which vaccinations are recommended in the country or part of the world you are traveling to before you go there. But there are currently no vaccinations against the germs that often lead to traveler’s diarrhea.

People traveling to high-risk areas are advised to have a cholera vaccine. But this oral vaccine is only recommended if you’re going to stay in a place with poor hygiene standards for a long time, or if you will be providing medical help in high-risk areas. People often say that the cholera vaccine can also reduce the risk of an ETEC infection. But there’s no clear scientific proof that this is true.

What kinds of bacteria can cause diarrhea?

Some of the bacteria that travelers may come across in warm countries are also found in Western countries. These include Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria. But they may be exposed to other bacteria while traveling too, including the following:

• ETEC: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are spread through raw or undercooked foods, unpasteurized fruit juices or unpasteurized milk. The stool of cattle and other animals that chew the cud (e.g. goats, sheep) is a further potential source of infection. ETEC bacteria are sometimes found in bodies of water too. The symptoms break out three to ten days after infection. They usually include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and occasionally fever.

• Shigellosis, also known as bacillary dysentery or Marlow syndrome: Shigella bacteria are spread through contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated objects, as well as through contaminated water or foods. Flies can transmit Shigella bacteria too. The first signs of infection are usually watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps. They start about twelve hours to four days after becoming infected. In more serious cases, the bowel becomes inflamed, leading to a fever and diarrhea containing blood and pus.

• Cholera: The risk of getting cholera while on holiday in a distant country is very low. Cholera bacteria are spread through water, raw foods and the bodily secretions of infected people. They are rarely spread directly from one person to another. Symptoms start two to three days after infection, and include watery diarrhea and severe vomiting that can quickly lead to dehydration. Left untreated, cholera can become life-threatening.

Illnesses like typhoid and malaria, which are usually accompanied by a high fever, sometimes cause diarrhea too.

Which parasites cause diarrhea?

The most common parasitic infection in tropical countries is giardiasis, also known as beaver fever. The second most common infection is cryptosporidiosis (“crypto”). The parasites (giardia and cryptosporidia) are spread through contact with infected people or contaminated objects, as well as through contaminated drinking water, foods and bodies of standing water.

Giardiasis symptoms start about one week after infection and include a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen (belly), mild nausea and flatulence. The diarrhea is relatively mild but can continue for weeks, sometimes accompanied by vomiting. Patients often report loud gurgling sounds from their stomach, tiredness and weight loss.

Cryptosporidiosis can lead to watery diarrhea seven to ten days after infection. Further possible symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, fever and weight loss. But the infection may also go unnoticed.

Which viruses can lead to diarrhea?

Noroviruses and rotaviruses are found all over the world. One to three days after infection, the rotavirus often leads to sudden watery diarrhea, frequently mixed with mucus. This symptom is sometimes accompanied by vomiting, abdominal pain, and occasionally fever and breathing problems too. The infection usually lasts two to six days.

Norovirus symptoms start six hours to two days after infection and include severe diarrhea, violent projectile vomiting and abdominal pain. Further symptoms may include nausea, headaches, joint pain, exhaustion and a mild fever. The symptoms usually last two days at the most.

When is medication recommended?

If you have diarrhea and have a long journey ahead of you, for instance on a bus, the drugs loperamide or racecadotril can help reduce the symptoms. Loperamide isn’t suitable for children under the age of twelve. Low-dose racecadotril is available for children in the form of soluble granules, but only with a prescription.

If the diarrhea is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are often recommended. Studies have found that antibiotics don’t help against salmonella infections. It is still not clear whether these drugs help in the treatment of shigellosis or cholera.

Giardiasis is usually treated with antibiotics too. If you have cryptosporidiosis, making sure you get enough fluids is usually enough.

What can you do about diarrhea yourself?

When you have diarrhea, your body loses a lot of fluid and salts. Sweating in tropical temperatures makes this problem worse. So the most important thing is to drink as much as you can, and replace the lost salts and sugar. This is particularly true for babies, children and older people because they are more likely to become dehydrated compared to healthy adults.

People are often advised to buy oral rehydration solution at a pharmacy or drugstore and take it with them on their travels. Alternatively, you can make a solution yourself by adding the following ingredients to 1 liter of boiled water and stirring the solution:

• 4 teaspoons of sugar,

• ¾ teaspoon of salt and

• one glass of packaged orange juice.

Sometimes people recommend taking charcoal tablets or products made from a certain kind of yeast (Perenterol, Florastor). They are meant to make your poo more solid. There is not enough good research in this area to be able to say how well these products work, though. People who have a very weak immune system shouldn’t take yeast products.

In order to go easy on your stomach and bowels, it can be a good idea to avoid fatty and spicy foods as well as alcohol and coffee. Foods that are gentle on the stomach are often recommended too, such as rice, bananas or rusk bread.

When do you need to see a doctor?

It is advisable to see a doctor if you have the following symptoms:

• Blood or mucus in your poo

• High fever, frequent vomiting, severe pain, dizziness or feeling faint

• Severe diarrhea that lasts longer than 48 hours, particularly in children and older adults

• Signs of dehydration (too little fluid in your body)

The signs of dehydration include:

• Worsening of general health

• Sunken eyes, cheeks or face

• Faster breathing or higher pulse than normal

• Less elastic skin: When you pinch some of the skin on the arm or belly and let go, it doesn’t immediately bounce back to its original position. Instead, a small visible skin fold remains.

• Extreme thirst, feeling dizzy or faint, dark-colored pee or lack of urge to pee, as well as dry eyes or lips, or a dry tongue.

• Older people may sometimes have chest pain or muscle cramps.

Where can you find reliable health information for overseas travel?

The websites of the following institutions offer information and advice about diseases, vaccines, preventive measures and the treatment options (some of the information is only in German because we are a Germany-based website):

• German Federal Foreign Office

• Bernard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine

• World Health Organization (WHO)

Sources

• Auswärtiges Amt, Gesundheitsdienst. Cholera – Informationen für Beschäftigte und Reisende. April 2019.

• Auswärtiges Amt, Gesundheitsdienst. Merkblatt für Beschäftigte und Reisende. Durchfall (Diarrhoe). September 2018.

• Auswärtiges Amt, Gesundheitsdienst. Merkblatt für Beschäftigte und Reisende. Krankheitsprävention und Hygiene im Ausland (insb. Tropen). Kurzfassung für den eiligen Leser. July 2016.

• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Tropenmedizin und internationale Gesundheit (DTG). Cholera. 2019.

• Duplessis CA, Gutierrez RL, Porter CK. Review: chronic and persistent diarrhea with a focus in the returning traveler. Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines 2017; 3: 9. [PMC free article: PMC5531020] [PubMed: 28883979]

• Gordon M, Akobeng A. Racecadotril for acute diarrhoea in children: systematic review and meta-analyses. Arch Dis Child 2016; 101(3): 234-240. [PMC free article: PMC4789705] [PubMed: 26715673]

• Granados CE, Reveiz L, Uribe LG, Criollo CP. Drugs for treating giardiasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; (12): CD007787. [PMC free article: PMC6532677] [PubMed: 23235648]

• Leibovici-Weissman Y, Neuberger A, Bitterman R, Sinclair D, Salam MA, Paul M. Antimicrobial drugs for treating cholera. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; (6): CD008625. [PMC free article: PMC4468928] [PubMed: 24944120]

• Onwuezobe IA, Oshun PO, Odigwe CC. Antimicrobials for treating symptomatic non-typhoidal Salmonella infection. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; (11): CD001167. [PMC free article: PMC6532567] [PubMed: 23152205]

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). Infektionsepidemiologisches Jahrbuch meldepflichtiger Krankheiten für 2018. Berlin: RKI; 2019.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber Campylobacter-Enteritis. June 7, 2018. (Epidemiologisches Bulletin; Band 23).

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber: Campylobacter-Enteritis. June 1, 2018.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber: Kryptosporidiose. February 8, 2019.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber: Norovirus-Gastroenteritis. June 11, 2019.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber: Rotaviren-Gastroenteritis. June 11, 2019.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber: Salmonellose. February 8, 2019.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). RKI-Ratgeber: Shigellose. May 1, 2012.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). Steckbriefe seltener und importierter Infektionskrankheiten. Berlin: RKI; 2011.

• Robert Koch-Institut (RKI). Wann ist der Fall ein Fall? Neues zur Diagnostik von darmpathogenen Escherichia coli. Fortbildung für den öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst. Berlin, March 26th-28th, 2014.

• Sinclair D, Abba K, Zaman K, Qadri F, Graves PM. Oral vaccines for preventing cholera. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011; (3): CD008603. [PMC free article: PMC6532691] [PubMed: 21412922]

• IQWiG health information is written with the aim of helping
  people understand the advantages and disadvantages of the main treatment options and health
  care services.

  Because IQWiG is a German institute, some of the information provided here is specific to the
  German health care system. The suitability of any of the described options in an individual
  case can be determined by talking to a doctor. We do not offer individual consultations.

  Our information is based on the results of good-quality studies. It is written by a
  team of
  health care professionals, scientists and editors, and reviewed by external experts. You can
  find a detailed description of how our health information is produced and updated in
  our methods.

Viral gastroenteritis: 4 main culprits

Gastroenteritis can affect anyone, but children are the most affected. This disease has many names: infectious diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, stomach flu. If you decipher the medical name, then “itis” is inflammation, “gastro” is the stomach and “entero” is the intestines. In this article, we will look at the 4 main culprits that provoke inflammation.

This is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. There are several viruses that can provoke it. Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious and therefore a fairly common disease. Millions of people around the world experience diarrhea precisely because of viruses that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

According to the US National Institutes of Health, most people recover from this disease without complications. But there is one very dangerous complication that is quite easy to prevent. You will learn about it a little later, but now we will consider the symptoms.

Note that gastroenteritis can be caused not only by viruses, but also by bacteria and parasites. In this article we will touch on the most common form of the disease – viral.

The most common symptoms of the viral form of the disease are watery diarrhea and vomiting. Other signs of gastroenteritis include:

• Headache,
• Fever,
• Chills,
• Abdominal pain.

Most symptoms of gastroenteritis appear within 12-48 hours after exposure to a virus that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Usually these unpleasant symptoms accompany the patient for 1-3 days, sometimes longer.

Stomach flu: who is to blame?

In most cases, 4 types of viruses are to blame: rotavirus, caliciviruses, adenoviruses and astroviruses.

Rotavirus

This type of virus is the main cause of gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Most often it is encountered by children aged 3 to 15 months. Symptoms usually appear within 1-3 days after exposure to rotavirus. Typical signs of rotavirus infection are vomiting and watery diarrhea that “does not let go” for 3-7 days, as well as high fever and abdominal pain.

Rotavirus also infects adults who are in close contact with an ill child. In adults, the symptoms are milder than in children.

Caliciviruses

This type of virus affects people of all ages. One of the main caliciviruses that causes gastroenteritis in adults is norovirus. By the way, he bears the main responsibility for the epidemic of viral gastroenteritis. Outbreaks of norovirus activity occur throughout the year, but especially from October to April.

People infected with norovirus commonly experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, and headaches and muscle aches. In this case, the symptoms of stomach flu appear in the first 1-2 days after contact with the virus and last for 1-3 days.

Adenoviruses

This group of viruses remains active all year round and mainly affects children under the age of 2 years. Of the 49 types of adenoviruses, one strain infects the gastrointestinal tract, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within 8-10 days of exposure to the virus and last for 5-12 days.

Astroviruses

This is another type of virus that mainly affects infants and young children. Adults are also affected by this virus, but much less frequently.

Signs of gastroenteritis in this case appear 3-4 days after contact with the astrovirus and “do not let go” from 2 to 7 days. The main symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, which are milder than with norovirus or rotavirus infections. The highest surge in incidence occurs in the winter months – it is during this period that the astrovirus is most active.

How is this disease transmitted?

Viruses are present in the feces and vomit of infected people. People who are sick can spread the infection through surfaces, objects, food, and drinks, especially if they forget to wash their hands thoroughly after going to the toilet. When a sick person with unwashed hands shakes hands or touches a healthy person, they can transmit their virus. After the patient has vomited, the viruses can linger in the air.

Infectious gastroenteritis is transmitted in the following ways:

1. By contact with a contaminated surface or object, if the person then touches their mouth,
2. By sharing food, drink or utensils,
3. By eating food contaminated with viruses. Example – oysters from polluted waters,
4. By inhalation or ingestion of particles that contain viruses.

The most contagious of the viruses is norovirus. It is able to survive for several months on surfaces that have not been thoroughly disinfected with special products.

If a person with viral gastroenteritis has no symptoms, they can still spread the infection. Even after recovery, viruses can remain in a person’s stool for up to 2 weeks.

How to treat stomach flu?

Note that in this material we are considering inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract of viral origin, which is popularly called the stomach flu. In fact, the influenza virus has nothing to do with this disease, because it only affects the respiratory tract and manifests itself in a different way.

Treatment of gastroenteritis of viral origin is directed only at controlling the symptoms, because the immune system usually copes with the infection itself. Antibiotics are ineffective in diseases of a viral nature, so they are not prescribed for the treatment of viral gastroenteritis.

The main goal of treatment is to make the patient feel better and prevent complications. For this, the patient is advised to drink plenty of fluids and rest. You can also take antidiarrheal drugs – loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. If the patient has a fever or blood or mucus is found in the stool, antidiarrheal drugs should not be taken. They also should not be given to children under 12 years old, because in this case, you can damage their health. It is better to contact a pediatrician or pediatric gastroenterologist.

Treatment of gastroenteritis: nutrition during illness

To relieve symptoms and prevent complications, therapists and gastroenterologists recommend following some rules.

• Drink plenty of fluids – tea, broths, compotes, juices, water – this will prevent dehydration,
• easily digestible foods: rice, potatoes, bread, lean meats, bananas,
• Avoid fatty, very sweet foods, as well as dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol, until you have fully recovered.

IMPORTANT! British doctors recommend drinking at least 200 ml of liquid after each bout of diarrhea.

Treatment of gastroenteritis in children is a separate issue. Because of their small body size, infants and young children are more likely to experience the main complication, dehydration. This is due to frequent vomiting and diarrhea, due to which the child’s body loses fluid and electrolytes.

To relieve the symptoms of gastroenteritis and prevent dehydration in children, it is recommended:

• Give them more fluids,
• If the child has the first signs of dehydration, give him special solutions to restore fluid and electrolyte balance. One of these solutions is rehydron. Give the solution only after consulting a doctor,
• Feed your baby more often,
• The smallest can be given breast milk or formula.

Elderly and immunocompromised adults can also drink fluids to help prevent dehydration.

How to recognize the symptoms of dehydration in time?

As you can see, the most common complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration. During vomiting and diarrhea, a person loses fluid and minerals that are extremely important for normal life. The latter include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chlorine. If the patient does not replace the lost fluid and minerals, he is at great risk of dehydration. High-risk groups include young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Signs of dehydration in adults:

• Extreme thirst,
• Infrequent small toilet trips,
• Dark urine,
• Dry skin,
• Lethargy and headache circling.

Symptoms of dehydration in children:

• Dry mouth, dry tongue,
• Absence of tears when crying,
• In the smallest – dry diapers for 3 or more hours,
• Abnormal child behavior – increased capriciousness or lethargy,
• Sunken cheeks, eyes or fontanel.

If a person is dehydrated, his skin loses elasticity (turgor). In order to check this, it is necessary to hold the skin fold for a few seconds and release it. If the skin does not return to its normal state (does not smooth out), this indicates a decrease in turgor.

Can gastroenteritis be prevented?

To reduce the chance of catching an infection, you should:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the bathroom and changing diapers, and before preparing food.
• Disinfect contaminated surfaces – toilet bowls, countertops, children’s tables, keyboards, consoles, door handles.
• Maintain food hygiene – store food properly, cook food thoroughly, and never eat food that is past its expiration date.
• Avoid foods and drinks that may be contaminated, such as raw or undercooked seafood.

When should I call a doctor urgently?

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if any of the following symptoms appear:

• Signs of dehydration,
• Blood in vomit or stool (blood in stool is a possible sign of a bacterial infection),
• Persistent vomiting a
• If the patient does not feel better after several days of illness,
• Severe abdominal pain,
• Presence of a serious chronic disease – kidney disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, weakened immune system,
• If the patient is in position.

Dehydration should not be underestimated. In severe cases, this complication of stomach flu requires hospitalization and intravenous medication. In case of untimely seeking medical help, extreme dehydration ends fatally. If you or your child has diarrhea or vomiting, it is better to play it safe right away and contact a gastroenterologist.

Sources:

1. Viral Gastroenteritis, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
2. Gastroenteritis in Adults, Patient.info,
3. Diarrhoea and vomiting (gastroenteritis), NHS, 9 0016
4. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance , U.S. National Library of Medicine,
5. Food Safety, WHO.

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Vomiting

Causes, symptoms and treatment of tourist illness

Content

• 1 Traveler’s diarrhea: causes and effective remedies
  • 1.1 Traveler’s diarrhea: causes and symptoms
  • 1. 2 Diarrhea travelers: a health problem
    • 1.2.1 What is traveler’s diarrhea?
  • 1.3 Why do most travelers get diarrhea while traveling?
  • 1.4 Which microorganisms cause diarrhea in tourists?
  • 1.5 What are the symptoms of travelers’ diarrhea?
  • 1.6 How to prevent diarrhea while traveling
  • 1.7 How to avoid diarrhea while traveling?
  • 1.8 Travel preparation to avoid diarrhea
    • 1.8.1 Drinking water
    • 1.8.2 Fruits and vegetables
    • 1.8.3 Food
    • 1.8.4 Proper hygiene

    900 15 1.8.5 Gastric protectors

  • 1.9 Treating travelers’ diarrhea
  • 1.10 What home treatments can help treat travelers’ diarrhea?
  • 1.11 Medications to treat travelers’ diarrhea
  • 1.12 Treatment considerations for diarrhea in children
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 How can I prevent diarrhea while traveling?
      • 1.13.0.2 What are the symptoms of diarrhea in travelers?
      • 1. 13.0.3 How to treat diarrhea in tourists?
      • 1.13.0.4 What travel conditions can contribute to diarrhoea?
      • 1.13.0.5 How is diarrhea transmitted?
      • 1.13.0.6 How can travel time affect the risk of diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea (tourist’s diarrhea) is a common travel illness. Find out how to prevent it and what to do if you encounter this problem while traveling.

Tropical countries and different regions can be great places to travel, but some tourists come home with poor health. A similar disease is called traveler’s diarrhea, which manifests itself in tourists who are far from home and eat local food. This disease has been known for a long time, and it occurs all over the planet, where the natural climate and culture are diametrically opposed to the habits and principles of guests from different countries.

Diarrhea often appears in the first days of a stay in a foreign country, when the traveler’s body is trying to adapt to new food and drink. However, local cuisine is not the only source of travelers’ diarrhea. The disease can be transmitted from another person, as well as through water, so it is extremely important to take precautionary measures to protect yourself.

Traveler’s diarrhea has characteristics and different symptoms depending on causes and age. The article is intended for those who are planning a dream trip, but are afraid or do not know how to avoid problems with the gastrointestinal tract in an unknown environment.

Diarrhea in travelers: causes and symptoms

Diarrhea is a stool disorder that travelers may experience while traveling. It is one of the most common travel-related illnesses. The main cause of diarrhea is the consumption of contaminated water or food. It can also be caused by poor hand hygiene and intestinal infections.

To prevent diarrhea, practice good hand hygiene, drink only bottled water, avoid untested foods, and avoid vegetables and fruits that have not been washed with water. It is also necessary to avoid contact with sick people and communicate with them at a safe distance.

• And so, the main causes of diarrhea are contaminated water and food, as well as intestinal infections.
• Symptoms of diarrhea are loose stools, frequent stools, vomiting, headache, weakness and fever.
• Safe measures include good hand hygiene, drinking only bottled water, and avoiding untested foods.

Traveler’s diarrhea: a health problem

What is traveller’s diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea is one of the most common illnesses that can be contracted while traveling. This disease occurs as a result of contact with microorganisms that are found in food, water or on surfaces that the tourist touches.

This disease is usually caused by various bacteria, viruses or parasites. Traveler’s diarrhea can present with symptoms ranging from mild dyspepsia to severe diarrhea with high fever and general weakness.

Given that tourists often encounter new environments, unfamiliar surroundings and unknown food quality, traveler’s diarrhea can occur anytime, anywhere.

Note: Try to drink only bottled or boiled water, eat only well-done meats, and avoid fruits or vegetables that can be poorly washed.

Why do most travelers get diarrhea while traveling?

New food. When tourists travel to another country, their eating habits change. Unfamiliar food may contain bacteria and viruses that the body is not adapted to.

Lack of hygienic conditions. Bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhea may occur in countries with poor hygiene. For example, tap water may contain pathogens.

Non-observance of hygiene rules. Some tourists may not wash their hands before eating or use undisinfected eating utensils. This can lead to the entry of pathogens into the body.

Poor bowel condition. If the tourist already had bowel problems before the trip, faced with unfamiliar and possibly spicy food, the body may not be able to digest it and diarrhea may occur.

Stress and climate change. Travel can be bad for digestion due to the stress of flying, changing eating habits and climate change.

Which microorganisms cause diarrhea in tourists?

Traveler’s diarrhea, also known as “tourist’s disease”, is usually caused by bacteria that are not a threat to the local population.

Escherichia coli is the most common bacterium that causes diarrhea in tourists. It is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water and can be found in almost every country in the world.

Salmonella can also cause diarrhea in travelers. This bacterium is transmitted through contact with infected animals, contaminated food and water. It can cause serious complications and requires medical intervention.

Campylobacter is a microorganism that can cause diarrhea, vomiting and fever. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water, and through contact with infected animals.

Shigella is a bacterium that causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. It is transmitted through contact with infected people and contaminated food and water. This bacterium is found in different regions of the world and can be an unpleasant surprise for tourists.

Staphylococcus aureus can also cause diarrhea in tourists. This bacterium produces a toxin that suppresses the immune system and causes symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. It is often found in improperly stored food and can multiply rapidly at room temperature.

1. Escherichia coli
2. Salmonella
3. Campylobacter
4. Shigella
5. Staphylococcus aureus

What are the symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common illness among people traveling to another country. It can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, which can vary depending on which bacterium or virus is causing the illness.

• Frequent trips to the toilet . The main symptom of traveler’s diarrhea is the occurrence of several hard and loose stools per day. This is due to the fact that the intestines get rid of toxins that have entered the body through food or water.
• Nausea and vomiting . They can be both a consequence of diarrhea and its cause – the body is trying to clear itself of harmful bacteria or viruses faster.
• Abdominal pain . Sometimes the pain can be so severe that it prevents people from moving and sleeping, this is due to the fact that the gastrointestinal tract begins to contract strongly to get rid of toxins.
• General malaise . Perhaps the appearance of a headache, fatigue, weakness in the muscles.

It is important to remember that symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea may resolve on their own after a few days. However, if the symptoms worsen, you should immediately consult a doctor.

How to prevent diarrhea while traveling

1. Wash your hands: It is very important to remember hygiene to avoid bacterial contamination. Wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet. If there is no access to soap and water, use a disinfectant.

2. Protect your food: Avoid raw or undercooked food. Choose reliable restaurants and cafes where the correct processing of products is guaranteed.

3. Drink only bottled water: Tap water is not safe to drink in many countries because it contains harmful bacteria. Make sure the bottle is sealed and has not been opened before.

4. Avoid ice and fresh juices: Ice may be made from unsafe water, and fresh juices may be made from fruits that are not washed before use.

5. Take probiotics regularly: Probiotics can help your body fight bad bacteria and boost your immune system. Start taking them a few days before your trip.

6. Protect your skin: You can also get diarrhea through the skin. Use sunscreen and avoid contact with dirt and unclean surfaces.

How to avoid diarrhea while traveling?

Travel is a great way to experience new cultures and countries, but sometimes it can be frustrating due to illnesses such as traveler’s diarrhea. It can quickly spoil the mood and make the trip not what you imagined it to be.

Follow hygiene advice

One of the best ways to prevent diarrhea is to maintain good hygiene. When traveling, remember that local hygiene regulations may differ from those you are used to. Make sure to wash your hands before eating, use only bottled water to drink and vinegar to clean fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to disinfect surfaces.

Avoid drinking tap water

Make sure you only drink distilled or bottled water. In some countries, tap water is not recommended for drinking, so pay attention to the labels on the bottles. If you’re unsure, it’s best to play it safe and purchase extra bottles of water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

Do not eat raw foods

Avoid raw or undercooked foods, especially meat, poultry, shellfish and eggs. They may contain bacteria that cause diarrhea. Before eating food, check that its temperature is not lower than 60 degrees.

Immunization

Also, before leaving for a tourist resort, you should pay attention to the appropriate vaccinations that are necessary for a particular country. Certain vaccinations will help protect the traveler from various infectious diseases, among which diarrhea caused by the hepatitis A virus is common. . The main principle when traveling is not to drink tap water, even if it seems clean and usable. For drinking, it is better to use only bottled water, which can be purchased in stores and restaurants.

Fruits and vegetables

Only buy and eat fruits and vegetables that can be peeled and boiled before consumption. If you can’t peel fruits or vegetables well, it’s best not to eat them at all. Choose only fresh and mature products that do not show signs of spoilage and rot.

Food

Choose restaurants that prepare meals properly and do not use uncooked food. Avoid street food as it can be hazardous to your health. Choose dishes that are cooked in front of you and that you can see how they are prepared.

Proper hygiene

Proper hygiene is an important factor when traveling. Always wash your hands with soap and hot water before eating. Avoid touching dirty surfaces and face. Take care of your utensils and utensils, do not use glasses and utensils from restaurants on the street. Carry wet wipes with you to wipe your hands and surfaces.

Travel preparation

Stomach protectors 9 0027

When preparing for a trip, always take with you medicines that may reduce the likelihood of diarrhea and reduce its duration. You can buy gastric aids at the pharmacy, such as Imodium, Loperamide, which stop diarrhea. In addition, you should take probiotics, which will help to avoid dysbacteriosis.

• Avoid drinking tap water
• Clean fruits and vegetables before eating
• Choose only restaurants with a good reputation
• Choose dishes that are not cooked in front of you
• Wash your hands before eating

9001 5 Protect your stomach

Traveler’s diarrhea treatment

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common disease that occurs due to changes in dietary and climatic conditions. Treatment for traveler’s diarrhea is designed to relieve symptoms and increase comfort for continuing travel.

Maintaining a healthy diet is an important aspect of treating traveler’s diarrhea. It is recommended to eat light foods – pies, fruits, vegetables. Fatty, spicy and indigestible foods should also be avoided. In addition, experts recommend consuming probiotics, which can improve the quality of digestion and reduce the risk of BAC infection.

To reduce discomfort, you can resort to the use of drugs that reduce the frequency and intensity of diarrhea. Among such funds, one can single out immodium, smectite, enterol. However, it should be remembered that their use must be agreed with the attending physician.

Finally, at the first sign of diarrhea, the traveler should seek medical attention. Only an experienced specialist will be able to prescribe the necessary drugs and procedures that will help eliminate the disease.

What home treatments can help with traveler’s diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea can be caused by poor diet, climate change and even stress. But don’t panic – there are a number of home remedies that can help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery.

• Drink regularly. It is important to drink plenty of water, but the best source of electrolytes during diarrhea is a sugar and salt solution. Large losses of fluid and electrolytes can lead to dehydration, which will only aggravate the symptoms of diarrhea.
• Follow your diet. During diarrhea, watch your diet and avoid foods and drinks that can worsen symptoms. For example, you should not consume alcohol, coffee, grapefruit and fatty foods. The best option is soups, rice, bananas and toast.
• Use probiotics. Some studies have shown that probiotics can help with diarrhea by reducing duration and symptoms. But do not forget to follow the instructions and do not overdo it with the dosage.
• Take your medicine. Diarrhea is treated with medicines that reduce diarrhea and abdominal pain. You can also use electrolyte solutions and rehydron. It is important to consider that not all medicines are safe for use in children and pregnant women.
• Relax and stay hygienic. During diarrhea, it is important to rest and maintain hygiene. Remember to keep your hands and body clean. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve for a long time or worsen.

Traveler’s diarrhea medicines

Traveler’s diarrhea is a digestive disorder that can occur as a result of infection or bacteria in the body. Symptoms of this disease can be quite unpleasant, so it is important to know which medicines help get rid of traveler’s diarrhea.

In addition to medical treatment, it is recommended to keep yourself in good shape and diet. Avoid spicy, fatty, sugary, carbonated and alcoholic foods. Do not forget about hygiene rules: wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet, drink only bottled water and avoid swimming in poorly hygienic waters.

• Loperamide – a drug that slows down the bowels and reduces the amount of fluid excreted in the stool
• Antibiotics – drugs that kill bacteria that cause diarrhea

Remember that the treatment of traveler’s diarrhea should be carried out under the supervision of a physician. Self-medication can aggravate the condition and lead to complications. Follow the recommendations of a specialist and follow the rules of hygiene and healthy eating.

Features of the treatment of diarrhea in children

Diarrhea is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, which manifests itself in the form of frequent and loose stools.

In children, diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors such as poor diet, infections and allergies. Treatment of diarrhea in children should be aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease.

An important step in treatment is hydration. Fluid loss through diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is dangerous for a child’s health. In addition to water, you need to give your child solutions with salt and glucose, as well as fruit and berry drinks without sugar.

It is also necessary to monitor the child’s nutrition. It is important to give him light food rich in nutrients. In the treatment of diarrhea in children, foods that can cause allergic reactions and aggravate the symptoms of the disease should be excluded.

If diarrhea persists in children, a doctor should be consulted. The doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe treatment appropriate to the cause of the disease. Sometimes with infectious diarrhea, the use of probiotics is indicated to restore the intestinal microflora.

Q&A:

How can I prevent diarrhea while traveling?

Drinking water from unreliable sources (such as sewers or wells) should be avoided. It is recommended to drink only bottled water or water that has been pre-treated with special water purification tablets. It is also worth avoiding the use of low-quality and unwashed food, buy products only in reliable places and in the absence of any suspicions about the conditions of food storage. Before traveling to the country, it is recommended to consult a medical specialist and ask for recommendations on the prevention of diarrhea.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea in travelers?

The main symptoms of diarrhea are frequent stools, loose stools, need for an empty bowel, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, general malaise, dry mouth, and dehydration. All these symptoms can affect the general well-being of the tourist, affect the quality of the holiday and worsen the health and condition of the body.

How to treat diarrhea in tourists?

If a traveler develops symptoms of diarrhea, a medical professional should be contacted immediately. Treatment for diarrhea may include fluids, probiotics, electrolytes, antiseptics, antibiotics, or adrenaline, depending on the cause of the diarrhea. It is worth noting that self-treatment of diarrhea can worsen the situation and cause complications.

What travel conditions can contribute to diarrhoea?

Travel conditions that may contribute to diarrhea include eating poor quality food, drinking water from unreliable sources, poor post-toilet hygiene, poor hand hygiene, exposure to infected people, changes in diet and sleep patterns, stress and overwork .

How is diarrhea transmitted?

Diarrhea can be transmitted through contact with sick people when eating or preparing food, sharing utensils, in toilets when hygiene rules are not observed, and through water and food if they are not pre-treated or cooked correctly .