Traveller's diarrhoea is usually described as passing three or more loose stools in one day, either while travelling or shortly after returning home.
Other symptoms include:
- abdominal pain or cramps
- being sick
- feeling sick
The symptoms of traveller's diarrhoea usually start within two to three days of arriving at your destination. Over 90% of cases occur within the first two weeks of a holiday or trip abroad. The symptoms usually get better without medical treatment within three to five days.
In around 1 in 10 travellers, the diarrhoea can last for two weeks or longer. In 1 in 100 travellers, the diarrhoea can last for longer than a month.
At-risk groups
Some people may be more at risk than others of developing complications from diarrhoea, such as dehydration. People who are most at risk include:
- young children and babies
- elderly or frail people
- people with a weakened immune system, either due to a health condition or because they are receiving a treatment that weakens their immune system
- people with heart disease, kidney disease or type 1 diabetes
- people with inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- people with reduced acidity in their stomach, such as those taking proton pump inhibitors to treat a stomach ulcer (reduced stomach acid can provide an environment in which some types of infection can thrive)
Symptoms of traveller's diarrhoea in these people may be more serious and should be monitored carefully.
When to seek medical attention
If someone, particularly a child, is dehydrated, see a doctor immediately. Signs of dehydration include:
- irritability
- restlessness
- sunken eyes
- dry skin
- increased thirst
For more information about dehydration, read about the complications of traveller's diarrhoea.
Other signs that require medical attention include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- blood in the stools
- finding it hard to keep enough fluid down because of frequently passing watery stools or repeatedly vomiting
- diarrhoea that lasts longer than three to four days
- diarrhoea that continues after you have taken antibiotics for three days
These symptoms could be the result of a more serious type of infection such as amoebic dysentery or giardiasis (both infections are caused by parasites).
Read more about how to get medical care abroad.
