Travellers Diarrhoea

Traveller’s Diarrhoea is one of the most common conditions that affect travellers. It can be caused by a variety of different parasites, bacteria and viruses.

One of the most common is ETEC (enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli )

Travellers diarrhoea is more prevalent in under developed countries such as most of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America.  

Countries such as those in Eastern Europe and South Africa would be considered of lower risk, while countries throughout Northern and Western Europe, The USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand would be considered low risk.

Traveller’s Diarrhoea affects up to 60% of people travelling from low risk countries to areas of high risk.

Estimates suggest that up to 5 million Britons have experienced some form of diarrhoea whilst travelling to high risk countries.

Travellers diarrhoea is often self-limiting meaning the illness in most cases will clear up by itself without medical treatment however; this is just always a question of time and normally coincides with returning home.

Travellers diarrhoea tends to occur towards the end of the first week of travel and over 90% of cases occur within the first two weeks.

 

Our doctors can provide you with a free online consultation, and if suitable may prescribe a course of medication as a precautionary treatment for future use.

Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or azithromycin combined with an anti-diarrhoeal medicine such as  loperamide can effectively be used to treat travellers’ diarrhoea.

In addition Avomine can be used as an anti-sickness medication, which will also help to relieve symptoms and prevent further dehydration.