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Traveler's Diarrhea

John P Barrett, MD, MPH, MS Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Traveler's diarrhea (TD) is the most common medical condition experienced when travelers from more developed countries visit resource-limited countries.

  • TD is acute diarrhea that deve...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Travel itinerary

  • Type and duration of symptoms

  • Description and number of stools

  • Associated symptoms: fever, pain, etc.

  • Dietary and personal hygiene practices during travel

  • Additional medic...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • General prevention measures—hand hygiene, proper food and water preparation and storage

  • Attain prompt medical care for severe dehydration and/or severe pain.

  • Consider carrying ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

None unless persistent symptoms or dehydration 

Patient Monitoring

  • None for most travelers

  • Fluid status for geriatric, young kids, and those with chronic medical con...

REFERENCES

1
Riddle MS, Connor BA, Beeching NJ, et al. Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of travelers' diarrhea: a graded expert panel report. J Travel Med. 2017;24(Suppl1):S63–S80.
2
Centers f...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Freeland AL, Vaughan GHJr, Banerjee SN. Acute gastroenteritis on cruise ships—United States, 2008–2014.  MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2016;65(1): 1–5. 

  • ...

SEE ALSO

Diarrhea, Acute; Diarrhea, Chronic; Diarrhea, Pediatric 

CODES

ICD10

R19.7 Diarrhea, unspecified 

SNOMED

  • 11840006 Traveler's diarrhea

  • 409966000 Acute diarrhea

  • 62315008 Diarrhea

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Up to 30–70% travelers visiting less developed countries will experience TD.

  • Most TD is caused by bacterial pathogens; regional differences guide treatment.

  • Most TD is mild and self-limi...

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