Traveler's Diarrhea: Quick Remedies

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on June 24, 2024
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
5 min read

Traveler's diarrhea is an intestinal infection that happens when you eat or drink contaminated food or water. You can get traveler's diarrhea anywhere, but you're more likely to get it when you travel to places that have very different foods, climates, and cleaning practices than your home country. This is often in places such as Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. 

You can take steps to prevent infection, such as making sure you cook all your foods and drink bottled water. If you end up getting traveler's diarrhea, it's usually nothing to be worried about and will go away on its own without treatment.

 

About 80% to 90% of travelers' diarrhea cases are caused by bacteria, such as:

  • E. coli
  • Salmonella
  • Shigella
  • Campylobacter

Travelers' diarrhea may also be caused by viruses, such as:

  • Norovirus 
  • Rotavirus
  • Astrovirus

Parasites are another cause. Giardia intestinalis is the most common of these, but there is a large number of parasites that can cause diarrhea.

The typical symptoms of traveler's diarrhea include:

With traveler's diarrhea caused by bacteria or a virus, symptoms usually show up between 6 and 24 hours after infection. Parasitic infections can take longer, sometimes 1-3 weeks.

How long does traveler’s diarrhea last?

It's common to start to feel better after a day or two and completely recover after about a week.

Traveler's diarrhea usually clears up on its own, but there are some things you can do to manage your symptoms and feel better faster.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) eases diarrhea and shortens the duration of your illness. It's not safe for children or if you're pregnant or have an aspirin allergy. This medication can also help prevent traveler's diarrhea if you take it regularly before and during your travels. But you shouldn't take it for more than 3 weeks at a time.

Loperamide (Imodium) can help slow down the passage of poop through your intestines. Don't give this medicine to infants, and don't take it if you have a fever or bloody diarrhea.

Traveler’s diarrhea antibiotics

Antibiotics aren't usually the first choice of treatment because they can cause other problems. But, if your symptoms are severe, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics.

Hydration

The most important treatment is staying hydrated and replacing minerals lost through diarrhea. The best way to do this is with an oral rehydration solution, such as the World Health Organization's oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution. ORS packets are available at stores or pharmacies in many places around the world. Mix the powder with bottled or boiled water according to the package instructions. Drink the solution throughout the day or as needed.

If you can't find the powder, you can make your own with:

  • 3/4 teaspoon table salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 quart bottled or boiled water

How to treat children with traveler’s diarrhea

Make sure your child keeps drinking fluids such as juices, clean water, or ORS solution. Medications aren't recommended for children. Contact a health professional if your child isn't able to keep fluids down, is becoming dehydrated, has a fever, or passes bloody poop.

Seek medical help for traveler's diarrhea if:

  • Diarrhea is severe, bloody, or does not resolve within a few days.
  • Diarrhea is accompanied by fever and chills.
  • You are unable to keep fluids down, risking dehydration.

You can't always avoid traveler's diarrhea, but you can reduce your risk by taking these steps:

  • Drink only bottled water with unbroken seals, boiled tap water, and purified water.
  • Avoid ice cubes unless you make them yourself with water you know is clean.
  • Brush your teeth with purified water and don't swallow water in the shower.
  • Eat only well-cooked, very hot meals made shortly before you eat them.
  • Skip buffets, street vendors, and any foods that have been sitting out.
  • Eat only cooked produce or fresh fruits and vegetables that you wash well and peel yourself.
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

Who is more likely to get traveler’s diarrhea?

Some people are more likely than others to get traveler's diarrhea. For example, all people in a group can share the same food, but some get sick, while others don't.

Groups with a higher risk include:

Young people. This might be because their immune systems are less developed or because they are less careful with what they eat and drink.

Those with weakened immune systems. This could be from an illness or a medicine you take.

People who have certain health conditions. Heart disease, liver and kidney problems, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease can make you more likely to become infected or have a more severe infection.

People who take antacids or acid blockers. The acidic environment in your stomach is one way your body gets rid of organisms that can cause illness. If you take medicine to reduce the acid, the invading organism might survive.

 

 

Boiling is the most reliable method to make water safe to drink. Bring water to a fast boil for at least 1 minute. At high altitudes, allow water to boil for at least 3 minutes. Let the water cool and do not add ice. Store it in clean containers that are tightly covered. If the water is cloudy, strain it through a clean cloth or coffee filter before boiling.

If you can't boil water, you can use a small amount of disinfectant, such as household bleach. If the water is cloudy, filter it first, then follow the instructions on the disinfectant bottle for how to use it to disinfect drinking water. 

You can also use water treatment tablets containing chlorine dioxide or iodine. Iodine is not safe if you're pregnant or have thyroid problems. And it is not safe for anyone to use for more than a few weeks at a time. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Traveling to places with foods, climates, and cleaning practices that are very different from your home country increases your risk for traveler's diarrhea. It's caused by eating or drinking foods or beverages containing bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can make you sick. Usually, the condition gets better after a few days without any treatment. If your symptoms are severe or last longer than a few days, see a health care professional.