Do I Have Traveler’s Diarrhea?

Have you visit a place where the climate or sanitary practices are different from yours at home?

Did you suddenly get diarrhea during the trip or shortly after returning home?

Did you have multiple episodes of diarrhea during one trip?

Did you have an abrupt onset of passage of three or more loose stools a day?

Do you have an urgent need to defecate?

Do you have abdominal cramps?

Do you have nausea or vomiting?

Do you have bloating or explosive and painful gas?

Do you have a fever or a general sense of malaise (weakness or discomfort)?

Have you lost your appetite?

Do you have bloody stools or severe pain in the abdomen or rectum?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a traveler’s diarrhea. Traveler’s diarrhea is a common travel-related disease. It is a digestive tract disorder characterized by loose stools and abdominal cramps. Traveler's diarrhea is common in people traveling to Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa, Mexico and Asia. This condition is usually harmless, but it can ruin your trip or at least make it unpleasant. You can get traveler's diarrhea if you eat or drink contaminated food and water. To avoid these problems during the trip, eat only cooked food that is served hot and drink beverages only from factory-sealed packages.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a traveler’s diarrhea. Traveler’s diarrhea is an intestinal disorder which is the result of the ingestion of infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses or parasites, through contaminated food or water. It is also possible for traveler's diarrhea to be caused by stress or changes in diet, but this happens less often. In otherwise healthy people, it usually lasts a day or two and disappears completely within a week without treatment. However, people with weakened immune system or chronic diseases can experience moderate to severe dehydration, which can further cause more serious health problems.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a traveler’s diarrhea. Travelers' diarrhea (TD) is a gastrointestinal infection that occurs after the ingestion of contaminated water and food during travel to countries with poor public hygiene. The most common cause of traveler's diarrhea is the bacterium Escherichia coli. TD usually goes away on its own without any treatment, but it is important to be properly hydrated during this period. The best way to make up for lost fluid is to drink bottled water and take an oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution. If the symptoms of dehydration persist, it is best to seek medical attention.