How long does travelers Diarrhoea last?

Travellers' diarrhoea is when you have 3 or more bouts of loose, watery poo in 24 hours. Most cases are mild, but for some people it is severe. Travellers' diarrhoea tends to happen in the first week of travel. Symptoms last on average 3 to 5 days and usually get better without you needing specific treatment.



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Although most cases of travelers' diarrhea (TD) are acute and self-limited, a certain percentage of people afflicted will develop persistent (>14 days) gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

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Traveler's diarrhea usually goes away on its own within several days. Signs and symptoms may last longer and be more severe if the condition is caused by certain bacteria or parasites. In such cases, you may need prescription medications to help you get better.

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Traveler's diarrhea may get better without any treatment. But while you're waiting, it's important to try to stay hydrated with safe liquids, such as bottled water or water with electrolytes such as an oral rehydration solution (see below).

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Although traveler's diarrhea is typically a benign, self-resolving condition, it can lead to dehydration and, in severe cases, significant complications.

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Recent studies have shown that approximately 25% of travelers develop TD in the first 2 weeks abroad, with the highest rates occurring in travel to Africa and South, Central and West Asia.

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It can be fatal if it's left untreated. In addition to being picked up from contaminated food or water, the bacteria or parasites that cause dysentery can be passed from person to person in close contact, or you can get it by swimming in unclean water.

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Although most cases of travelers' diarrhea (TD) are acute and self-limited, a certain percentage of people afflicted will develop persistent (>14 days) gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

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It's possible that traveler's diarrhea may stem from the stress of traveling or a change in diet. But usually infectious agents — such as bacteria, viruses or parasites — are to blame.

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