Travel Medicine

Emerging Infectious Diseases and Other Conditions

Diarrhea

Diarrhea and the traveler:

Diarrheal Diseases:

According to the National Institute for Digestive, Diabetes and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), signs of dehydration, which can be a serious side effect of diarrhea, often include:

thirst
less frequent urination
dry skin
fatigue
light-headedness

In children, signs may also include:

dry mouth and tongue
no tears when crying
no wet diapers for 3 hours or more
sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks
high fever
listlessness or irritability
skin that does not flatten when pinched and released

Diarrhea is a common occurrence for travelers and is usually a short-term condition caused by consuming new or different foods and beverages and by consuming contaminated food or water.

This is particularly true when visiting developing countries, including those located in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Although visitors to the United States, Canada, most European countries, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand usually do not have much risk for the serious diarrheal diseases, they may experience short-term diarrhea for other reasons.

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is having loose, watery stools that usually occur more than three times per day for a period of a day or two. Diarrhea occurs when the normal function of the intestine is disrupted because of a short-term problem, such as an infection, or a chronic disorder. The problem or disorder results in a change in the normal stool pattern. It becomes more frequent and less formed or watery. Instead of absorbing fluids and nutrients from the material passing through it, the intestine reverses the process by secreting body fluids back into itself and passing them out of the body.

Dysentery is a more severe form of diarrhea in which white cells and mucus, and occasionally blood, appear in the stool. It usually includes cramps and fever. Dysentery is not a separate disease, but may become a part of diarrheal disease.

What causes diarrhea?

Causes of acute (short-term) diarrhea may include:

bacteria infections
viral infections
parasites
reactions to medications
other

Causes of chronic (long-term) diarrhea may include:

food intolerances
intestinal diseases
functional bowel disorders
gastroenterological surgery, such as removal of the gallbladder
other

What are some signs and symptoms of diarrhea?

Diarrhea can occur with no additional symptoms, or along with:

abdominal pain or cramping
bloating
urgent need to use the bathroom
nausea
dehydration
vomiting
sometimes fever or blood in the stool (depending on the cause)

How may diarrhea be treated?

Depending on the cause, acute, or short-term, diarrhea may be resolved within a few days without treatment. Diarrhea caused by certain bacteria or viruses may require medical treatment. Specific treatment for diarrhea will be determined by your physician(s) based on:

your overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Replacing lost fluids with non-contaminated water is very important when a person has diarrhea.

When should a traveler seek medical attention for diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be a symptom of other conditions, therefore, it is better to not self-medicate. Medical attention is necessary when the primary cause of diarrhea is not known, and/or if the following occur:

loose, watery stool that lasts for more than 3 days
severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
signs of dehydration

This page was last updated on: February 14, 2008.

For patient inquiries, call 1-800-492-5538 or click here to make an appointment.