Traveller's Diarrhoea
Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common illness when visiting countries where food and water standards differ from the UK. It can cause loose stools, stomach cramps, nausea and fever, often disrupting your trip.
While most cases are mild, having the right standby treatment can help you manage more severe symptoms quickly if they occur.
With 123Meds, you can access clinician-approved standby treatment through our UK-registered online pharmacy. Prescriptions are reviewed by qualified professionals and delivered discreetly to your door before you travel, so you can go away prepared.
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Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common stomach infection that can occur when visiting countries where food and water hygiene standards differ from those in the UK. It is usually caused by eating contaminated food or drinking unsafe water, and most commonly results from bacterial infection.
Symptoms typically include loose or watery stools, stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes fever. In most cases, it is mild and settles within a few days. However, more severe illness can occur, particularly in higher-risk regions, and may significantly disrupt travel plans.
Although careful food and water precautions reduce the risk, they cannot remove it entirely, which is why some travellers choose to carry standby treatment in case more severe symptoms develop.
Traveller’s diarrhoea usually begins suddenly during or shortly after travel. The most common symptom is passing frequent loose or watery stools. This may be accompanied by stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and sometimes vomiting.
Some people may also develop a mild fever, feel generally unwell, or experience an urgent need to use the toilet. In more severe cases, there may be blood or mucus in the stool, significant abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness, dry mouth or reduced urination.
Most cases are mild and improve within a few days, but more severe symptoms require prompt medical attention.
Most cases of traveller’s diarrhoea are mild and settle within a few days without antibiotics. The main treatment is staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration salts (such as Diarolyte) can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes, particularly in hot climates or if symptoms are more severe.
Anti-diarrhoeal medicines such as Immodium (Loperamide) may be used short term to reduce the frequency of loose stools, which can be helpful during travel. However, they should not be used if there is a high fever or blood in the stool.
For more severe symptoms, such as frequent diarrhoea with fever, significant abdominal pain, or disruption to travel plans, a short course of prescription antibiotics may be recommended. These are usually supplied as standby treatment to carry while travelling and should only be started if clearly indicated.
If symptoms are severe, persistent, or associated with dehydration, urgent medical care should be sought.
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