Diarrhoea after holiday: what should you know?

A sudden change may reflect food poisoning or gastroenteritis. Travel-related infection can also include giardiasis, especially when loose stools continue, smell unusually strong or come with bloating. A holiday can expose an existing food intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome through different meals, alcohol, stress and disrupted sleep. Less commonly, ongoing symptoms may need assessment for coeliac disease, Crohn's disease or hyperthyroidism. The timing, accompanying symptoms and whether anyone else became unwell help a clinician narrow the cause.

Take frequent small sips of water and consider an oral rehydration drink from a pharmacy if losses are ongoing. Eat light foods when hungry, such as rice, bread, bananas or soup, and avoid alcohol, very fatty meals and foods that clearly worsen symptoms. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before preparing food. Do not prepare meals for other people while unwell. Keep a note of when symptoms began, recent meals, fever, blood, travel location and any medicines taken.

Seek urgent medical help for blood or black stools, severe or worsening abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting or signs of marked dehydration such as very little urine. Arrange prompt medical advice if diarrhoea is persistent, follows recent antibiotics, affects a young child or older adult, or occurs in someone with a weakened immune system. A clinician may recommend stool testing after travel when symptoms do not settle or when infection is suspected.

Could this fit food poisoning, gastroenteritis or giardiasis? Do I need a stool test? Which fluids and foods are suitable for me? Should I pause any medicine, and what symptoms would mean I need urgent help?