Diseases
traveler's diarrhea
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Traveler's diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and abdominal cramps. It's caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Fortunately, traveler's diarrhea usually isn't serious in most people — it's just unpleasant.
Symptoms
- abrupt onset of passage of three or more looser watery stools a day.
- nausea
- an urgent need to defecate
- vomiting
- abdominal cramps
Causes
- it's possible that traveler's diarrhea may stem from the stress of traveling or a change in diet.
- but usually infectious agents — such as bacteria, viruses or parasites — are to blame.
- patient typically develop traveler's diarrhea after ingesting food or water contaminated with organisms from feces.
Risk factors
- people with weakened immune systems.
- young adults.
- people with diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or severe kidney.
Diagnosis
- diagnosis by symptoms and circumstances
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is traveler's diarrhea?
Traveler's diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and abdominal cramps. It's caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Fortunately, traveler's diarrhea usually isn't serious in most people — it's just unpleasant.
What are the symptoms of traveler's diarrhea?
abrupt onset of passage of three or more looser watery stools a day., nausea, an urgent need to defecate, vomiting, abdominal cramps
What causes traveler's diarrhea?
it's possible that traveler's diarrhea may stem from the stress of traveling or a change in diet.; but usually infectious agents — such as bacteria, viruses or parasites — are to blame.; patient typically develop traveler's diarrhea after ingesting food or water contaminated with organisms from feces.
Which medicines are used for traveler's diarrhea?
bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide, rifaximin
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