What are the treatment options for traveller's diarrhoea?

Traveller's diarrhoea can cause frequent loose stools, cramps, nausea and fluid loss after exposure to unfamiliar food or water. The immediate concern is dehydration. The cause may be viral, bacterial or parasitic, and the right treatment depends on severity, duration, travel location and your health. Antibiotics are not useful for every episode.

Use [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) to replace water and salts, taking frequent small sips if you feel sick. Eat simple foods as appetite returns and avoid alcohol. A clinician may consider [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) when symptoms are severe or the history suggests a bacterial cause. A [Travel Health Consultation](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/travel-health-consultation/) can help if illness begins during travel or after returning.

Get medical advice for blood in the stool, high fever, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, worsening weakness, confusion, fainting, or dehydration. Seek review if diarrhoea continues after travel, returns repeatedly, or affects a young child, older adult, pregnant person or someone with a long-term illness.

Ask whether you need testing, how much rehydration solution to take, whether an antibiotic is appropriate, and which symptoms should prompt urgent care during your journey.