Traveller's diarrhoea

Traveller's diarrhoea is a common problem among travellers, typically caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water. Predominantly caused by bacteria.

Prevention strategies include careful selection of food and beverages, though these are not fail-safe. Prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended for most travellers.

Management is self-diagnosis while still travelling, followed by hydration, medicine for symptom relief, and possibly, antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy is generally reserved for moderate to severe infections.

In healthy patients, resolution is typically within 3 to 5 days even without antibiotic treatment.

Traveller's diarrhoea (TD) is defined as ≥3 unformed stools in 24 hours accompanied by at least 1 of the following: fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, tenesmus, or bloody stools (dysentery) during a trip abroad, typically to a low- or middle-income country. It is usually a benign self-limited illness lasting 3 to 5 days.