Traveler's Diarrhea

General Information on Traveler's Diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea is characterized by diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It is a common occurrence in people who travel to areas of the world with poor water purification. Traveler’s diarrhea takes effect when a person becomes exposed to bacteria in food or water, to which their body has little or no immunity. Traveler’s diarrhea can be caused by different types of bacteria , the most common being Escherichia coli or E.coli.

Symptoms of Traveler's Diarrhea

Symptoms may include:

Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Muscle pain

Treatments For Traveler's Diarrhea

Take precaution when traveling to a foreign place. Eat only at restaurants with a reputation for food safety. Avoid food and beverages from street vendors. Cooked foods that are still hot when served are generally safe. Avoid salads and uncooked vegetables. Also, avoid fruit unless you have peeled the fruit yourself. Drink only bottled beverages, and avoid using ice. When symptoms occur, treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids and eating a bland diet (ex. cooked cereals, rice, toast, bananas, and applesauce). Antibiotics and antidiarrheal drugs are usually recommended. Seek medical care if you develop fever or blood in your stool.

Personal Experience

Traveler's Diarrhea - personal experiences