Diarrhoea on holiday: practical advice

A change in local food, water, cooking practices, climate, sleep, or routine can upset the bowel. Infection from contaminated food or drink may cause food poisoning or gastroenteritis; parasites such as giardiasis can cause symptoms that continue after the trip. A pre-existing food intolerance, coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or an overactive thyroid can also contribute. Travel timing alone does not identify the cause.

Drink sealed bottled water or water treated as safe, and take small frequent sips. Oral rehydration solution is useful when stools are frequent or you are also vomiting. Choose freshly cooked food, wash hands with soap, and avoid ice or raw foods when their water source is uncertain. Rest and eat light foods as tolerated. Ask a local pharmacist about suitable symptom relief, especially if you take regular medicines.

Seek urgent care for blood or black stool, severe abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, repeated vomiting, very little urine, or severe weakness. Arrange an assessment during or after travel if symptoms are not improving, return after settling, or continue after you come home. Tell the clinician where you travelled, when symptoms began, what you ate or drank, and whether anyone else became ill.

Ask whether you need stool testing, a travel-related treatment, or advice about preventing another episode. Discuss a travel kit with oral rehydration solution and any medicine that is safe for you.