What is Traveller’s Diarrhoea?
Travelling to exotic destinations is fantastic, but dealing with diarrhoea while abroad is definitely not.
Traveller’s diarrhoea typically occurs from consuming contaminated food or drinks, which can introduce bacteria, viruses, or parasites into your system. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, and watery stools.
Although it’s unpleasant, traveller’s diarrhoea usually isn’t serious and often resolves on its own within a few days. If it persists, you may need antibiotics to fully recover and enjoy the rest of your trip.
Which Symptoms Does It Cause?
Up to half of European travellers visiting developing areas, such as South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, will get travellers’ diarrhoea at some point during their trip. It often starts within the first week of arrival but can happen at any time.
Symptoms include loose, watery stools, nausea, bloating, stomach cramps, and vomiting. While it can put a damper on your trip, it’s usually not serious by itself.
However, dehydration is a major risk, so don’t forget to drink plenty of clean water and use rehydration sachets, especially in hot climates. Typically, travellers’ diarrhoea lasts around 3 days, but it can sometimes go on for over a week.
When to Seek Medical Help
See a doctor immediately if you experience:
Severe dehydration
Bloody stools
A fever above 38.5°C
Diarrhoea lasting more than 3 days, even with treatment
How to Treat Traveller’s Diarrhoea?
Some cases of traveller’s diarrhoea can be managed with over-the-counter remedies like loperamide (Imodium) and rehydration sachets (Dioralyte). These help ease symptoms while your body fights the infection. Staying hydrated is crucial, as dehydration is a serious risk.
For more severe cases, antibiotics might be needed. The Leeds Travel Clinic offers a Traveller’s Diarrhoea pack with ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, or rifamixin, depending on your destination. This pack includes an antibiotic, loperamide capsules, and rehydration sachets to treat the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent dehydration.
How to Prevent Traveller’s Diarrhoea?
Practising good hygiene is the best way to prevent diarrhoea. Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. If you have diarrhoea, reduce the risk of spreading it by cleaning the toilet seat and handle with disinfectant after each use. Avoid sharing towels, cutlery, or utensils, and skip group activities until at least 48 hours after your last episode.
When travelling, especially to places with poor hygiene, avoid the following to reduce your risk of diarrhoea:
Uncooked or raw meat
Shellfish
Ice cream or ice cubes
Tap water
Eggs
Peeled fruit
Salads
Mayonnaise and sauces
Fruit juices from street vendors
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