Diarrhea

Traveler’s Diarrhea (TD) is defined as having more than three or four loose stools per day. When you venture to other countries, your digestive tract must adjust to new food, bacteria, and other dietary exposures. Furthermore, some travelers tend to increase their use of alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco when they are abroad. Each substance, if overused, can lead to upper intestinal complaints often referred to as “indigestion.” Occasionally, this can result in traveler’s diarrhea or vomiting.

Jet lag, lack of sleep, and stress can also alter intestinal motor patterns and cause the passage of unformed stools. These forms of diarrhea may be short term and respond to behavioral and dietary modifications.

Traveler’s Diarrhea

Infectious bacteria or parasites that have entered the body through contaminated food or water can cause Traveler’s Diarrhea (also known as Montezuma’s Revenge, Turista, TD). Just as there are many different potential organisms that can cause diarrhea, there are as many variations of TD. It is important to differentiate between the most common cases and more serious ones (see Traveler’s Diarrhea).

Diarrhea that contains blood or is accompanied by chills, dehydration, fever greater than 101° F, or severe abdominal pain should be taken seriously and treated with antibiotics. A local physician should be seen if the symptoms are severe or if they last more than 48 hours.