Travelers Diarrhea

The most common cause of travelers' diarrhea, usually a self-limited illness lasting several days, is infection

with noninvasive enterotoxigenic (ETEC) or enteroaggregative (EAEC) strains of Escherichia coli .

Campylobacter , Shigella , Salmonella , Aeromonas , viruses and parasites are less common.

(See individual links at travelers diseases.

Children tend to have more severe illness and are particularly susceptible to dehydration. Travelers to areas where hygiene is poor should avoid raw vegetables, fruit they have not peeled themselves, unpasteurized dairy products, cooked food not served steaming hot, and tap water, including ice.

Treatment – For mild diarrhea, Imodium (4-mg dose, then 2 mg orally after each loose stool to

a maximum of 16 mg/d for adults), relieves symptoms . It should not be used if fever

or bloody diarrhea are present, and some haveconstipation after use.

If diarrhea is moderate to severe, persistent or associated with fever or bloody stools, self-treatment

for 1-3 days with a broad spectrum abtibiotic (quinpolone or macrolide class prescribed by a doctor) is usually recommended.

Packets of oral rehydration salts mixed in potable water can help maintain electrolyte

balance, particularly in children .

.

No truevaccine exists (the product Dukoral has an effectiveness of 20% and is not a true travelers diarrhea vaccine) yet but antibiotics can be taken for self treatment abroad.

Travelers Diarrhea links

CDC

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/diarrhea.htm

Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00318

Armchair world