Diarrhea caused by ingesting contaminated water or food while traveling in areas with poor sanitation. Abdominal cramps, fever, dehydration, nausea, and vomiting may also occur. In many cases, over-the-counter medications control diarrhea. Dehydration can be treated by drinking adequate clear liquids. Because watery diarrhea can rapidly cause a loss of body fluids and crucial body salts, it is best to drink oral rehydration fluid (a solution of water, salts, and glucose that is available over-the counter at pharmacies). A doctor may prescribe an antibiotic for more severe cases.
Diarrhea experienced by visitors, especially those who go to tropical countries. The most common causes are enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, amebas, Giardia, Cyclospora, Cryptosporidium, Shigella, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. The disease is common, affecting as many as 40% of travelers to underdeveloped nations. There is no completely effective method of prevention, but avoidance of tap water, fresh fruits and vegetables, iced drinks, or inadequately cooked foods is helpful. Fish and shellfish may contain biotoxins even when well cooked; local residents can provide valuable advice concerning which fish to avoid. Loperamide with a quinolone antibiotic (e.g., ciprofloxacin) used after the passage of the first loose stool frequently aborts the illness, but children and pregnant women should not take quinolones. As with other forms of diarrhea, rehydration is crucial. Antidiarrheals are used for comfort.
A disease caused by bacterial or parasitic infection that commonly afflicts individuals traveling to regions with a high prevalence of the ailment. The transmission of the disease typically occurs through consumption of contaminated food or water.