In this Article

• What is travelers' diarrhea?
• How common is travelers' diarrhea?
• What causes travelers' diarrhea?
• What are the symptoms of travelers' diarrhea?
• How is travelers' diarrhea diagnosed?
• How is travelers' diarrhea treated?
• How can travelers' diarrhea be prevented?
• Travelers' Diarrhea At A Glance
• Traveler's Diarrhea Glossary
• Traveler's Diarrhea Index

How can travelers' diarrhea be prevented?

Since food is the major source of infection, close attention to diet is of foremost importance in the prevention of travelers' diarrhea. Foods should be well-cooked and served warm. Raw vegetables, uncooked meat or seafood, and other foods maintained at room temperature should be avoided. Dairy products, tap water and ice (including frozen drinks not made from filtered water) are also high-risk foods. Carbonated beverages, beer and wine, hot coffee and tea, fruits that can be peeled, and canned products generally are safe. The risk for developing diarrhea increases when eating at restaurants and when purchasing food from street vendors. Also, frequent hand washing with soap and clean water will decrease the likelihood of the bacteria's spread.

Travelers' Diarrhea At A Glance

• Travelers' diarrhea is a gastrointestinal illness that occurs in travelers.
  
  
• Travelers' diarrhea usually is caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria or, less commonly, with parasites or viruses.
  
  
• Travelers' diarrhea usually is mild and self-limited to a few days or a week.
  
  
• The treatment of travelers' diarrhea is usually plenty of oral liquids as well as over-the-counter medications that control diarrhea and cramps.
  
  
• Antibiotic prophylaxis (prevention) for travelers' diarrhea is available but is not recommended generally.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• ciprofloxacin, Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR - Clarifies the medication ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Cipro XR) a drug used to treat infections of the skin, lungs, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
• Abdominal Pain - Learn about abdominal pain (pain in the stomach / abdomen) including causes, symptoms, how abdominal pain is diagnosed, and how abdominal pain is treated.
• doxycycline, Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and Others - Learn more about Doxycycline, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.

Read more Traveler's Diarrhea related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Germs Hold Court in Sand Castles
• Finding May Lead to Vaccine for Traveler's Diarrhea
• Health Tip: Drugs That May Lead to Diarrhea
• What You Need to Know When Your Stomach Aches