Why do I get diarrhea when I fly?

Travellers' diarrhoea is one of the most common health issues experienced during travel. It can be caused by many different germs like bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella), viruses (norovirus) and parasites (Giardia).



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Five tips to reduce your risk for traveler's diarrhea
  1. Stick to only factory-sealed drinks or boiled water. ...
  2. Avoid raw vegetables and fruits. ...
  3. Eat thoroughly cooked meats and fish. ...
  4. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water. ...
  5. Don't make major food changes.


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Defined as three or more bouts of loose, watery poo in a 24-hour period, often accompanied by either nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps, travellers' diarrhoea is mainly caused by several different germs, bacteria, viruses and parasides which can be spread via eating and drinking contaminated food and water.

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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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Make sure your pre-travel diet includes plenty of fiber, which makes stools softer and more comfortable to pass. Foods high in fiber include many fruits, like apples (with the skin), raspberries, and pears; beans; and whole-grain foods such as bran cereal.

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When you're stressed, neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) travel along this pathway to your gut, where they regulate the movement of water and electrolytes4. The diarrhea symptoms that you experience during stressful situations may be part of your body's fight-or-flight reaction5.

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During travel, people tend to have higher stress levels and changes in their daily patterns. They may also eat different foods than usual. Any one or a combination of these factors could trigger an IBS flare in some individuals.

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It takes about 24 hours before your body begins to eliminate undigested food residue (e.g., waste). So, you've gained a little water weight, not a surplus of fat cells. If you resume your usual healthy diet and drink plenty of water, you'll lose that extra fluid in a couple of days.

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Seek medical attention if you have bloody diarrhea, high fever, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, profuse sweating, or signs of dehydration.

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