Why do I have diarrhea after coming from Egypt?

Traveler's diarrhea occurs within 10 days of travel to an area with poor public hygiene. It's the most common illness in travelers. It's caused by drinking water or eating foods that have bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It usually goes away without treatment in a few days.



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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. You typically develop traveler's diarrhea after ingesting food or water contaminated with organisms from feces.

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In serious cases of travelers' diarrhea, oral rehydration solution—available online or in pharmacies in developing countries—can be used for fluid replacements. Several drugs, such as loperamide, can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea.

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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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6 SOURCES of the tummy bug other than food
  1. TOUCHING ANYTHING ANYWHERE INDOORS (most structures such as hand rails that are in the sun are unlikely to have surface bacteria on them)
  2. Money.
  3. Toilet flushers.
  4. Door handles.
  5. Hand-shakes!


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Eat only foods that are cooked and served hot. Avoid food that has been sitting on a buffet. Eat raw fruits and vegetables only if you have washed them in clean water or peeled them. Only drink beverages from factory-sealed containers, and avoid ice because it may have been made from unclean water.

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Learn some ways to treat travelers' diarrhea
  1. Drink lots of fluids. If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. ...
  2. Take over-the-counter drugs. Several drugs, such as loperamide, can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea. ...
  3. Only take antibiotics if needed.


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Water or an oral rehydration solution is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals every few hours instead of three big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, crackers, soup, and sports drinks.

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It is one of the commonest health problems experienced during travel. Travellers' diarrhoea usually gets better in 3 to 5 days. Most cases are mild and do not need specific treatment.

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Drink canned fruit juices, weak tea, clear soup, decaffeinated soda or sports drinks to replace lost fluids and minerals. Later, as your diarrhea improves, try a diet of easy-to-eat complex carbohydrates, such as salted crackers, bland cereals, bananas, applesauce, dry toast or bread, rice, potatoes, and plain noodles.

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The most common symptoms of traveler's diarrhea are: Suddenly passing three or more looser watery stools a day. An urgent need to pass stool. Stomach cramps.

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According to the CIA World Factbook, the four most common diseases in Egypt are bacterial diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and schistosomiasis. People in the country are at intermediate risk for contracting these illnesses.

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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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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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The risk of travelers' diarrhea in Egypt is high. Travelers affected by travelers' diarrhea should hydrate to replace lost body fluids and minerals and use antimotility medications (e.g., loperamide).

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How to avoid getting ill in Egypt
  1. Avoid sugary drinks in the day. This was probably the best piece of advice we were given. ...
  2. Have a big spoonful of honey. In Egypt they have two types of honey. ...
  3. Don't use the tap water. ...
  4. Check what's been washed in water. ...
  5. Take a back up.


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