Traveller's Diarrhoea

Overview

Traveller's diarrhoea is a stomach and gut infection that causes loose, watery stools (diarrhoea) and often cramping. It happens when you eat or drink something contaminated with germs, usually while travelling to a place with different sanitation or food safety standards.

Yes, traveller's diarrhoea is very common, affecting millions of people each year, especially those visiting regions where the water and food handling are different from what their body is used to.

Anyone can get traveller's diarrhoea, but it's more common in young adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those travelling to high-risk areas like parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and the Middle East.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden loose, watery stools (diarrhoea) – often 3 or more times a day
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling bloated or gassy
• Sometimes a low-grade fever

Symptoms in children

• Frequent watery diarrhoea that can quickly cause dehydration
• Irritability or unusual tiredness
• Dry mouth or crying without tears
• Fewer wet nappies or less urine than usual

Symptoms in older adults

• More severe dehydration due to lower body water reserves
• Feeling very weak or confused
• Dizziness when standing up

Causes

Main causes

• Eating food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria (like E. coli, Campylobacter, or Salmonella), viruses (like norovirus), or parasites (like Giardia).
• Poor food handling or undercooked food, especially meats, seafood, and raw vegetables.
• Drinking tap water, ice cubes, or unpasteurised milk in areas with unsafe water.

Risk factors

• Travelling to developing regions with different food safety standards
• Having a weakened immune system (from illness or medications)
• Taking medications that reduce stomach acid (like proton pump inhibitors)
• Staying in places with limited access to clean water

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have any of the emergency symptoms listed above (severe dehydration, blood in stool, high fever, severe pain).
• You cannot keep fluids down for more than 12 hours.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If diarrhoea lasts more than a week despite home care.
• If you have a mild fever that doesn't go away after 2 days.
• If you have recently returned from travel and still have symptoms.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your travel history, symptoms, and what you have eaten. They will also check for signs of dehydration and may take a stool (poo) sample if symptoms are severe or long-lasting.

Tests that may be done

• Stool sample analysis to look for bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
• Blood tests if dehydration is severe or if there are signs of infection elsewhere.

What to expect at your appointment

Often no tests are needed because the condition is diagnosed based on your story and symptoms. If a stool sample is taken, you may need to provide a small amount of poo in a sterile container. The results can take 1–3 days. In the meantime, your doctor will advise you on managing symptoms.

Treatment

The main treatment for traveller's diarrhoea is to replace lost fluids and rest. Most people get better without specific medicines. If you need help, a doctor may recommend something to reduce diarrhoea or treat an infection, but you should not take these without medical advice.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of clean, safe fluids – water, oral rehydration salts mixed in water, clear broths, or diluted fruit juice.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks as they can worsen diarrhoea.
• Rest as much as possible to allow your body to fight the infection.
• Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods when you feel hungry, like plain rice, bananas, toast, or applesauce.

Medical treatments

For more severe or persistent cases, a doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the number of bowel movements or to treat a specific infection (such as antibiotics). These should only be taken under professional guidance. Never buy antibiotics abroad without a prescription, as they may not be appropriate or safe.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for traveller's diarrhoea.

Living with this condition

While you have symptoms, stay close to a toilet and rest. Keep up with fluid intake. Once symptoms improve, gradually return to your normal diet. It can take a week or more for your bowel habits to return to normal.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet.
• Avoid preparing food for others until you are fully recovered.
• If travelling, keep a supply of oral rehydration salts and a reusable water bottle with a filter.
• Avoid swimming until you have been symptom-free for 48 hours.

Diet and exercise

Eat small, frequent meals of plain foods. Avoid fatty, spicy, or dairy-rich foods until you feel better. Once recovered, gradually reintroduce a balanced diet. Light exercise like walking is fine, but avoid intense activity until you have full strength.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having diarrhoea while travelling can be stressful, embarrassing, and interfere with your plans. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Remember that this is a temporary problem and that most people recover fully. Practise self-compassion and rest.

Prevention

Yes, you can greatly reduce your risk by following safe eating and drinking habits while travelling. This is often called 'boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it'.

Complications

If left untreated

• Dehydration – which can become severe and require hospital treatment.
• In rare cases, the infection can spread beyond the gut.
• Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – some people develop long-term gut symptoms after a bad episode.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is excellent. With proper self-care, nearly everyone recovers completely within a week. Even without treatment, most people are better in a few days. Complications are rare when you stay hydrated and seek medical help if needed.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Travellers' Health ↗
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Travellers' Health ↗

Local organisations

• NHS – Traveller's Diarrhoea ↗ · UK

Helplines

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