What is Traveller’s Diarrhoea?
Traveller’s diarrhoea is a digestive upset causing loose stools and stomach cramps, usually from contaminated food or water whilst abroad.
What are the symptoms of Traveller’s Diarrhoea?
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.
What are the causes of Traveller’s Diarrhoea?
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.
What are the destinations where Traveller’s Diarrhoea most common?
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.
How can I avoid Traveller’s Diarrhoea?
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.
What is the treatment for Traveller’s Diarrhoea?
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.
How much does the Traveller’s Diarrhoea standby treatment cost?
Xifaxanta tablets (Rifampicin) cost £30 per pack.
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Use the tool below to find the recommended vaccinations for your travel destination. Select the continent or the country from the drop down menu. You can then book your appointment at our Smarta Healthcare Clinic.
