Travelers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travelers. Every countries is at risk for travelers' diarrhea. But most cases occur in developing countries of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In Thailand, prevalence of travelers' diarrhea is much lower nowadays, due to better sanitary condition.

The onset of travelers' diarrhea usually occurs within the first week of travel, but it may occure at any time while traveling. It also can occur shortly after you get home.

Diarrhea usually occurs abruptly. The illness results in loosening, increased frequency, volume of stool. A travelers' diarrhea usually causes five to ten bowel movement each day. The common associated symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever. 

Even without treatment, travelers' diarrhea usually subside with in 2-5 days. Most cases of traverlers' diarrhea are mild. But some severe case may have dehydration, fatique, high grade fever, that required hospitalization.

Whenever possible, you should have your stool check. Because stool exam and stool culture is the key to define the causative pathogen. Most travelers' diarrhea often is treated with appropriate antibiotics and supportive treatment. Oral rehydration is recommended to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes. Some severe cases that have severe dehydration and unable to drink, will require hospitalization.

Antimotility agents (Imodium, Lomotil) can reduce diarrhea by slowing the bowel movement. But they must be used with cautions. Because ,some authorities believe,  diarrhea is the body’s defense mechanism to get rid of the pathogen form the gastrointestinal tract. So if we slow down the bowel movement, the clearance of the pathogen is much slower. It may cause systemic toxicity to the patient.

Antimotility agent is available over the counter, their injudicious use is of concern. Never use these drug in the patients with fever or mucous-bloody stool. Medical counselling is recommended.

It is not recommended to take antibiotics in order to prevent travelers' diarrhea. Routine antimicrobial prophylaxis increases the risk for adverse reactions to the travelers and may increase resistance to the organism.

All hospital in Thailand can take care travelers' diarrhea. Most of patients can be treated out patiently. But some patients will need hospitalization. In our clinic, all patients will be requested to collect their stool to check for the pathogen. You may collect your stool before attend our clinic. Use small plastic bottle or can as a collecting device. The specimen handling storage is available in our clinic.

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