Globally, gastrointestinal disturbances are commonly experienced by travelers during trips or vacations. This condition is known as traveler’s diarrhea. This article discusses its causes, symptoms to watch out for, and management tips to help ensure a comfortable, uninterrupted holiday.
What is Traveler's Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is not an unfamiliar condition for many people. However, not everyone realizes that diarrhea has several types, one of which is traveler’s diarrhea. This condition refers to diarrhea that commonly occurs when traveling to certain regions and is caused by consuming food or beverages contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites, similar to diarrhea in general.
This type of diarrhea can disrupt what should be an enjoyable vacation, as repeated urges to have bowel movements may limit activities. Therefore, it is important for travelers to be aware of various factors that can trigger this condition.
Causes of Traveler's Diarrhea to Watch Out for
Traveler's diarrhea often occurs while traveling, especially abroad, due to differences in climate, sanitation, food, and drink. The body is also susceptible to exposure to new pathogens that the immune system has not yet recognized.
Major causes include:
- Bacteria: Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the most common, followed by Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella, and Salmonella.
- Viruses: Norovirus.
- Parasite: Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica.
The risk increases on trips to countries of poor sanitation, certain seasons, low immunity, comorbidities, or users of drugs such as antacids.
Symptoms of Traveler's Diarrhea
Symptoms usually appear during travel and improve within 3–7 days, including:
- Liquid BOWEL ≥3 times/day.
- Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Severe cases can cause moderate to severe dehydration, high fever, or bloody bowel movements. Consult a doctor immediately if these symptoms appear.
How to Deal with Traveler's Diarrhea
Most cases heal on their own without special medication. Prioritize rehydration with water or oralite to prevent dehydration.
If symptoms last for a long time, your doctor may prescribe:
- Antimotility (e.g. loperamide) to reduce bowel movements.
- Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is confirmed.
The dosage is adjusted to the patient's condition.
How to Prevent Traveler's Diarrhea
Prevention is key to keeping the holiday fun. Do these steps:
- Wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet, before/after eating, or contact with dirty objects.
- Choose mature and hygienic food.
- Drink closed bottled water.
- Avoid ice from unsecured sources.
- Make sure the cutlery/glasses are clean.
References:
1. Handayani, VV. Know the Causes of Diarrhea while Halodoc. November 25, 2020. https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/ketahui-penyebab-diare-saat-traveling?srsltid=AfmBOorHH3uw44vpJpJeJ3sIHyLe_DM3FAypGnkXk5sMzZwAFGDY5Xzw
2. Samiadi, LA. Tourist Diarrhoea. Hello Healthy. 09 November 2021. https://hellosehat.com/pencernaan/diare/diare-wisatawan/
3. Siloam Hospitals Medical Team. Find Out the Causes of Traveler's Diarrhea and How to Deal With It. Siloam. May 19, 2025. https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/travelers-diarrhea-adalah
4. Yovita, NV. Tips for Overcoming Traveler's Diarrhea Symptoms. Click Doctor. 03 January 2020. https://www.klikdokter.com/info-sehat/pencernaan/kiat-mengatasi-gejala-travelers-diarrhea?srsltid=AfmBOoqbse0J9WdGh0EHzLpdmKr_8RDsjM8aj30vU1Bl20pBXSzAtLAU