Traveller’s Diarrhoea Treatment

Diarrhoea is the most common illness amongst travellers. Don’t let it ruin your travel plans – be prepared with a traveller’s diarrhoea treatment

Get your Traveller’s Diarrhoea Treatment at Smarta Healthcare clinic in Bedford

Planning your next trip abroad? Whether it’s a family holiday, a short business trip, or a backpacking adventure, make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest advice, vaccinations and medications

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Traveller’s Diarrhoea Treatment FAQs

We can confirm and administer any vaccinations you may need, as well as assessing their impact on any pre-existing medical conditions. We administer all required or recommended vaccinations from our Travel Clinic at Priory Business Park, Bedford.

Traveller's diarrhoea is a digestive upset causing loose stools and stomach cramps, usually from contaminated food or water whilst abroad. 

Traveller's diarrhoea is a digestive upset causing loose stools and stomach cramps, usually from contaminated food or water whilst abroad. 

Book an AskMyPharmacist travel health consultation today.

Traveller's diarrhoea is defined as three or more loose bowel movements within a 24-hour period, during or within 10 days of returning from international travel.

Symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, or bloody stools. 

Book an AskMyPharmacist travel health consultation today.

Traveller’s diarrhoea is primarily caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Here’s a breakdown of the common culprits:    

Bacterial Contamination:  

This is the most frequent cause, with bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter being common offenders. These bacteria thrive in unsanitary conditions and can easily contaminate food and water.    

Viral Infections:  

Viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus can also cause traveller’s diarrhoea. These are highly contagious and can spread quickly, especially in crowded environments.    

Parasitic Infections:  

Parasites like Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica can also lead to diarrhoea. These are more common in areas with poor sanitation and can be contracted through contaminated water or food.    

Other Potential Factors:  

  • Changes in diet, stress from travel, and even changes in the gut’s normal bacteria can sometimes contribute to digestive upset, though these are less common causes of severe traveller’s diarrhoea.
  • Occasionally, medications can also cause diarrhoea. 

Book an AskMyPharmacist travel health consultation today.

Traveller’s diarrhoea is most prevalent in destinations with lower standards of sanitation and hygiene. These areas are typically found in: 

  • Developing Countries: Regions in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America are considered high-risk. 
  • Areas with Poor Water Treatment: Places where tap water is not reliably treated are a major concern. This includes rural areas and some urban centres in the aforementioned regions.
  • Locations with Suboptimal Food Hygiene: Street food and restaurants with questionable hygiene practices pose a greater risk. 

Essentially, any destination where food and water contamination is more likely due to inadequate sanitation infrastructure.

Book an AskMyPharmacist travel health consultation today.

Minimise your risk of traveller's diarrhoea – consider these precautions: 

Water Safety:  

  • Drink only bottled or reliably purified water.
  • Avoid ice in drinks unless you're certain it's made from safe water.
  • When in doubt, boil water before consuming it.    

Food Hygiene:  

  • Eat only thoroughly cooked food, served hot.    
  • Avoid raw or undercooked meats and seafood. 
  • Be cautious with salads and raw vegetables, as they may have been washed in contaminated water.
  • Peel fruit yourself.
  • Exercise caution when eating street food. 

General Hygiene:  

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating.
  • Carry hand sanitiser for situations where washing isn't possible.

Dairy Caution:  

  • Avoid unpasteurised dairy products. 

Book an AskMyPharmacist travel health consultation today.

Most people with travellers’ diarrhoea recover without needing treatment.

During your travel health consultation, the pharmacist will assess whether it’s appropriate for you to take standby traveller’s diarrhoea treatment like Xifaxanta (rifaximin) with you.

This decision will be based on your medical history, the countries you’re visiting, and the nature of your trip.

Additionally, we always recommend taking oral rehydration sachets with you, which can be taken with or without other treatments.

Although most cases of travellers’ diarrhoea are caused by bacteria, it’s important to remember that not all are.

Viral infections and parasites (protozoa) can also be responsible, and antibiotics won’t be effective against these.

Unfortunately, no single treatment can guarantee recovery from all causes of travellers’ diarrhoea.

Book an AskMyPharmacist travel health consultation today.

Xifaxanta tablets (Rifampicin) cost £30 per pack. 

Book an AskMyPharmacist travel health consultation today.

At Smarta Healthcare, we’ve created an entire health clinic. Helping our patients get the care they need, when it matters most.

Travel Advice

We’re experts in travel health. At least four weeks before your departure, we recommend getting in touch with us to make sure you’re fully prepared. We can help with medication, vaccinations, recommended products or simply advice about what to expect at your destination.

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